Feature: In the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, one Ram Lalla idol has found its eternal abode, radiating divine energy and spirituality. However, the temple complex is set to welcome two equally stunning idols, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship, awaiting their final placement within the hallowed grounds.
One such remarkable creation has recently captured the attention of devotees and art enthusiasts alike. Carved from a unique black stone known as Krishna Shila, sculptor Ganesh Bhatt’s 51-inch statue resonates with the innocence of the five-year-old Ram Lalla.
The stone, sourced from the fertile lands of Hegadadevana Kote in Karnataka’s Mysuru, adds a distinctive touch to the idol’s craftsmanship. Though not chosen for the central sanctum, the Trust overseeing the Ram Mandir’s affairs has assured that Bhatt’s creation will be enshrined within the temple precinct, a testament to the diversity of artistic expression within the sacred space.
Bhatt’s Ram Lalla idol is one of the two that did not find its place in the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum). The second, sculpted by Satyanarayan Pandey, is a white marble masterpiece adorned with golden jewelry and clothes. The idol is surrounded by an arch depicting various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, promising a visual spectacle for devotees. This white marble creation is slated for installation on the first floor of the temple, offering a unique perspective to worshippers.
The idol that claimed its position in the sanctum sanctorum was the work of Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. His 51-inch representation of divine childhood, chiselled from a three billion-year-old rock, has garnered admiration for its azure-colored Krishna Shila or black schist. Excavated from Gujjegowdanapura village in Mysuru, this ancient stone infuses timeless grandeur into Yogiraj’s creation.
Arun Yogiraj’s Ram Lalla idol was chosen from among three commissioned murtis for its embodiment of child-like innocence blended with divinity and royalty—a combination sought after by the temple trust. The idol’s eyes, reminiscent of lotus petals, and its moonlit radiant face have left an indelible mark on the hearts of worshippers and onlookers alike.
In total, the Ram Mandir will enshrine four distinct idols of Ram Lalla: the original idol, the newly installed idol in the sanctum sanctorum, and the two additional creations by Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey. Each idol, with its unique story, material, and craftsmanship, contributes to the richness of the temple’s spiritual ambiance, offering devotees a profound and visually captivating experience. As Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir approaches its completion, it stands not only as a testament to faith but also as a celebration of the diverse artistic expressions that bring life to the sacred space.
