Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj who created the Ram Lalla idol for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, has created a miniature version of the deity, capturing the hearts of devotees. The famed artist took to X to share the images which have gone viral. 

”After the selection of the main Murti of Ram lalla, I carved another small Ram Lalla murti (Stone) in my free time at Ayodhya,” Mr Yogiraj shared on X while sharing the pics. 

See the post here:

After the selection of the main Murti of Ram lalla, I carved another small Ram lalla murti (Stone) in my free time at Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/KBO0rgXVPq

— Arun Yogiraj (@yogiraj_arun) March 23, 2024

Earlier, the sculptor also shared a picture of special tools he used to carve the eyes of the statue. He wrote, “Thought of sharing this silver hammer with the golden chisel using which I carved the divine eyes (Netronmilana) of Ram Lalla, Ayodhya.”

The 51-inch-tall idol which shows Ram Lalla as a five-year-old standing on a lotus was created by Mr Yogiraj out of Krishna Shila (black schist). The rock was brought from Karnataka after it was found and excavated during a levelling exercise on an agricultural plot.

After the idol was placed in the sanctum sanctorum or ‘garbha griha’ of the newly-built Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the Karnataka-based sculptor said he considers himself the “luckiest person” on earth.

“I feel I am the luckiest person on the earth now. The blessing of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram has always been with me. Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream world,” Mr Yogiraj told news agency ANI.

Who is Arun Yogiraj?

Arun Yogiraj, one of the most sought-after sculptors in the country, comes from a family with a rich legacy of the craft. His father and grandfather were renowned sculptors. After completing his MBA, Mr Yogiraj worked in a private company for a while but wanted to follow his ancestors’ legacy. Since 2008, he has been creating statues, gaining nationwide recognition.

The 30-foot statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, a centre of attraction in the grand canopy behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate, was also crafted by Mr Yogiraj.

Among his other works, a 12-foot-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath and a 21-foot-tall Hanuman statue at Chunchanakatte in Mysore district have been widely covered in the media. 

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as a testament to the power of patience the people of the country kept for centuries.

Addressing a public gathering at the Dwarka Sri Ram Leela Society at DDA ground in Sector 10 in the national capital, he announced that Lord Rama’s arrival is imminent, with only a few months left before he takes his place in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“We are fortunate enough to witness the construction of Ram Temple, and on the next Ramnavami in Ayodhya, every note echoing in Ramlala’s temple will bring joy to the world. The construction of the grand temple of Lord Ram at His birthplace is a symbol of the patience of Indians for centuries. (Bhagwan Ram ki janmabhoomi par ban raha bhavya mandir, sadiyo ki prateeksha ke baad hum Bhartiyo ke dhairya ko mili vijay ka prateek),” the PM said, adding, “There are only a few months left for Lord Ram to reside in the Ram Temple. Lord Ram is just about to arrive…”

In a swipe at the Opposition parties, the PM said that the day should also mark the burning of those forces that try to ‘divide’ the country in the name of casteism and regionalism.

“We have to keep in mind that today, the burning of Ravana should not be just the burning of an effigy. This should be the burning of every deformity due to which the mutual harmony of society deteriorates. Let this be the burning of those forces that try to divide India in the name of casteism and regionalism…,’ PM Modi added.

PM Modi also said that on Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land.

“On Vijayadashami, there is a tradition of ‘Shastra Puja’ as well. On Indian soil, weapons are worshipped not to dominate any land but to protect its own land. Our Shakti Puja is not just for us but for the welfare of the entire world…” PM Modi.

Extending wishes to the people on this auspicious occasion, the PM said that the country is celebrating the festival of Dussehra after almost two months since its victory on the moon.

” I wish all the countrymen a very happy Navratri and Vijayadashami. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. This time we are celebrating Vijayadashami when it has been 2 months since our victory over the Moon. We know the knowledge of Gita and also have the capability to build INS Vikrant and Tejas,” the PM said.

PM Modi further said the people of the country know the dignity of Lord Ram and also know how to protect the boundaries of the nation. PM Modi also witnessed the ‘Ravan Dahan’.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)