Renowned Mysorean sculptor Yogiraj comes from a five-generation family of sculptors. Early on in life, Yogiraj was greatly impacted by his father Yogiraj and grandpa Basavanna Shilpi, who was supported by the King of Mysore, as he started his journey into the world of sculpture. Arun worked in the business world and briefly pursued an MBA, but his passion for sculpture pulled him back into the field in 2008. His artistic talent has since blossomed, enabling him to produce sculptures that are recognized across the country. Impressive sculptures abound in Arun's portfolio, one of which is a 30-foot figure of Subhash Chandra Bose that is on display behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti near India Gate.
An idol of Ram Lalla carved by Mysuru-based Arun Yogiraj has been chosen for installation at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, temple trust's general secretary Champat Rai revealed on Monday. Weighing between 150 and 200 kg, the stone sculpture would show a five-year-old Ram Lalla.
On January 17, the idol would be transferred to the new temple. Rai declared that the new temple's sanctum sanctorum will house the existing idol of Ram Lalla as well. The official announcement regarding Yogiraj's sculpture's selection was made a few days after Union minister Pralhad Joshi revealed his identity on X, the former name for Twitter.
The Ram Temple's big consecration event is scheduled for January 22. On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the dedication of Ram Lalla. Along with several other dignitaries, Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the RSS, will share the dais. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has invited around 7,000 persons to the function.
Adityanath directed the planning of events like bhajans, the reciting of the Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, and Sundarkand at the temples of Ayodhya starting on January 14 during a review meeting he had earlier this week with authorities discussing the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
