• Source:JND
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Even though Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the authority to manage the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is yet to finalise the idol of Ram Lalla. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi took to social media platform X on Monday stating that the idol of Lord Ram for the Prana Pratishtapana ceremony in Ayodhya has been finalised. He said that the idol carved by Arun Yogiraj, a renowned sculptor from Karnataka, would be installed in Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

Who Is Arun Yogiraj?

Arun Yogiraj is one of the three sculptors whose 51-inch idols were being considered for the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Temple ahead of the consecration ceremony on January 22. He belongs to Karnataka and comes from a family of four generations of sculptors, adding that his father and grandfather were also renowned sculptors.

Yogiraj is a MBA graduate and he had also worked at a private company for a while. The youngster quit the corporation to pursue his love of crafts. After quitting his job, he worked on several memorable projects including the 30-foot Subhash Chandra Bose statue placed behind the India Gate. 

Arun Yogiraj has created many other notable statues including the 12-foot Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, 15-foot-tall statue of Dr BR Ambedkar, 21-foot-tall Hanuman statue at Chunchanakatte in Mysore. His talent has earned recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the royal family of Mysore has also paid recognition to his artistic contribution.

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Sculptor Arun Yogiraj’s Family Expresses Pride

Arun Yogiraj’s mother expressed her joy over the selection of his son’s idol for the Ram Lalla.  “It's the happiest moment for us. His father must have been alive to celebrate this happiness. I'm happy that the world will witness his art,’’ she said as quoted by news agency ANI.

"He's a simple person. He's still in Ayodhya, and he made the Ramlalla statue with great interest. He keeps working day and night. Ram Lalla's sculpture made by my son will be appreciated by people every time now. His dedication is immense." Yogiraj’s mother highlighted her son’s dedication towards craftsmanship. 

Vijetha, Arun's wife also expressed her pride saying, "We are speechless and proud. It's a great moment for us. We are happy and confused as my husband didn't inform us. We came to know through the media,’’ she said.

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Union Minister Pralhad Joshi shared a picture of Arun Yogiraj and said that a renowned idol-maker from the ‘land of Hanuman’ will witness his craft placed at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. He said that it is an example of Rama-Hanuman's inextricable relationship.

However, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has not confirmed the selection of Yogiraj’s idol as the official announcement about the selection of idol is likely to be made on January 5.