The ancient city of Ayodhya, steeped in history and spirituality, is set to witness a monumental event on January 22nd – the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple. Central to this historic occasion is the idol of ‘Ram Lalla’, crafted by Karnataka’s renowned sculptor, Arun Yogiraj. This event, informed by BJP leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, B.S. Yediyurappa, holds not only religious significance but also showcases India’s rich artistic heritage.
Let’s delve into the life and works of Arun Yogiraj, whose hands have shaped not just stone but the very cultural and spiritual ethos of India.
Who is Arun Yogiraj?
Hailing from Mysore, Karnataka, Arun Yogiraj comes from a family with five generations of sculptors. Renowned across India, his sculptures are sought after in various states. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded his talent. Arun’s journey as a sculptor is intertwined with his personal story of passion and dedication to the art.
Arun’s Artistic Lineage and Journey
Yogiraj’s father and grandfather were both master sculptors, with his grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi, receiving patronage from the royalty of Mysore. Arun, initially pursuing an MBA and a corporate career, soon realized his true calling lay in the art passed down through his family. In 2008, he fully embraced his sculpting career, blending traditional techniques with his unique vision.
Monumental Creations by Arun Yogiraj
Arun’s portfolio includes a 30-foot tall statue of Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, commissioned by PM Modi for Bose’s 125th birth anniversary. Besides this, he has created numerous notable sculptures, including:
- A 12-foot tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath
- A 21-foot tall Hanuman statue in Chunchankatte, Mysore District
- A 15-foot tall statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
- Sculptures of Swami Vivekananda, Nandi, and Banashankari Devi
The Making of Ram Lalla’s Idol
Selected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra among three sculptors, Arun Yogiraj has the honor of crafting the idol of Ram Lalla for the Ayodhya Ram Temple. This task, laden with religious and cultural significance, is a testament to his skill and reverence for traditional sculpting methods.
The Significance of Pran Pratishtha
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya marks more than the installation of an idol; it represents the infusing of life and spirit into the statue. This ritual is a culmination of spiritual beliefs and the artistic expression of a sculptor like Arun Yogiraj.
Ayodhya’s Ram Temple: A Blend of Spirituality and Art
The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is not just a matter of religious importance but also a symbol of India’s rich artistic heritage. The temple stands as a testament to traditional Indian architecture and sculpture art, upheld by artists like Arun Yogiraj.
FAQs About Arun Yogiraj and Ram Temple
- What is the significance of Arun Yogiraj’s sculpture in the Ram Temple?
- Arun Yogiraj’s sculpture of Ram Lalla symbolizes a blend of religious significance and the preservation of India’s sculptural heritage.
- How long has Arun Yogiraj been sculpting?
- Arun Yogiraj has been professionally sculpting since 2008, following a family tradition spanning five generations.
- What are some other notable works by Arun Yogiraj?
- His notable works include the Subhas Chandra Bose statue at India Gate and the Adi Shankaracharya statue in Kedarnath.
- What does the Pran Pratishtha ceremony involve?
- The Pran Pratishtha ceremony involves rituals to consecrate and infuse life into the deity’s idol, in this case, Ram Lalla.
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When is the Pran Pratishtha ceremony for the Ram Temple scheduled?
- The Pran Pratishtha ceremony is scheduled for January 22nd in Ayodhya.
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