Arun Yogiraj: Master Sculptor Behind the Idol of Ram Mandir!

The Ram Lalla idol of Ayodhya Ram Mandir has been carved by sculptor Arun Yogiraj. Arun is a Mysuru-based artist. He has been selected to make and install the idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya during the ‘Pran-Pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony on January 22.

All you need to know about this artist!

Arun Yogiraj came from a family of sculptors, who lives in Karnataka. He used a unique Krishna shila (stone) from Bujjegoudanapura village in Mysuru district to sculpt the Ram Lalla idol and his team. Yogiraj had begun his journey into the world of sculpting at a very early age, he was only 11 then.  He was influenced by his father, Yogiraj, and grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi. Yogiraj said that he pursued an MBA and worked in a private firm for a couple of years. But, his uncanny passion for sculpting drew him back into this. His mother didn’t approve of this, but “In 2014, my mother was convinced when I received South India’s Young Talent Award,” he said.

In an interview, the artist Arun said, “I am happy that I was among the three sculptors from the country who were selected to carve the idol of ‘Ram Lalla’. The idol should be of a child, who is divine too because it is the statue of the incarnation of God. People who look at the statue should feel the divinity.” According to the latest reports, he has been working on this for 6/7 months. As this ends, he said, “Now, I am thrilled. More than selection, people should appreciate it. Only then, I will be happy,”

Meanwhile, while an official confirmation in this regard is awaited, yet to be confirmed. But union Minister Pralhad Joshi in a now-deleted tweet, on January 1, said, “Renowned sculptor of our country, our proud Mr @yogiraj_arun. The idol of Lord Rama carved by him will be installed in Ayodhya.”

"The selection of the idol for the Prana Pratishtapana of Lord Rama in Ayodhya has been finalized. The idol of Lord Rama, carved by renowned sculptor of our country Yogiraj Arun, will be installed in Ayodhya," tweets Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

(Image source: Union Minister… pic.twitter.com/eChIG9rXGT

— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024