Braved pain, eye injury, sleepless nights | Mysuru-based sculptor’s utter devotion for Lord Ram

Ram Devotion: With an unwavering faith, trust, love and devotion towards Lord Ram, Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the creator of the "Ram Lalla" statue to be enshrined in the main chamber of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. 

Arun Yogiraj’s unwavering loyalty and love for Lord Rama are exemplified by his iconic and perfect idol to be placed in the shrine despite he braved pain in the eye due to an injury and endured sleepless nights. 

The sculptor behind the creation of the statue of Shri Ram Lalla, Arun Yogiraj from Mysore, displayed an unparalleled level of dedication by refraining from any communication with his family for months during the statue's construction.

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The family to Arun Yogiraj also expressed joy after the Ayodhya Ram temple trust confirmed the selection of Yogiraj's crafted 'Ram Lalla' for installation in the temple, set to be built at Lord Ram's birthplace in the town of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Expressing immense joy over the accomplishment, Yogiraj's wife, Vijetha, shared an anecdote about her husband's dedication to the task and the challenges he faced. She revealed that Yogiraj sustained an eye injury while chiseling the idol from an exceptionally hard stone near Mysuru. Despite the pain, he continued his work, impressing everyone with the quality of his craftsmanship.

Yogiraj's brother, Suryaprakash, expressed that the family considers this achievement a memorable and proud moment, underscoring the significance of the day for their entire household.

Yogiraj's mother Saraswati also shared immense joy at news of her son's sculpted idol being selected for installation. The entire family, she said, is jubilant since receiving the news.

Earlier also, Yogiraj crafted notable sculptures, including the idol of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath and the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate in Delhi.

About 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony 

• The religious rituals will begin on January 16 and continue till January 21.
• On January 22, the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony will take place. The idol for which 'Pran Pratishtha' will be made is expected to be around 150-200 kg.
• On January 18, the idol will be placed in its position in the 'Garbh Griha' of the temple. 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram Lalla's idol at the grand temple.
• The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the shrine at noon on January 22.
• The formal procedures for pre-Praan Pratishtha sacraments will start on January 16 and continue until January 21.
  
  

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds great spiritual, historical, and cultural significance for the people of India

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