Ahead of the grand consecration ceremony on January 22 in Ayodhya, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee has chosen the idol of Ram Lalla, depicting Lord Ram in his child form, adorned with a bow and arrow as part of the decoration. The decision was made following a meeting chaired by temple trust Secretary Champat Rai and other members, which involved the inspection of three already crafted idols.
While the official announcement is scheduled for the first week of January, Trustee Anil Mishra expressed satisfaction with the selected idol. Detailed discussions and considerations regarding various aspects and dimensions of the idols were conducted before finalizing the choice. The idols under construction are designed to resemble the depiction of Lord Ram in the Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayana.
Contrary to speculation, the idols will not feature a representation of Lord Ram with a bow and arrow, incorporating them instead as part of the overall decoration. The chosen idol, set to be consecrated, is a 51-inch remarkable creation with eyes resembling lotus petals, a moon-like shining face, long arms extending up to the knees, a serene smile on the lips, and an inherent divine simplicity that is expected to have a lasting impact on observers.
Crafted by three selected artists, two idols are made from Shyam Shila stone from Karnataka, while one is crafted from white marble. The stones underwent thorough examination by experts before the idol's creation to ensure longevity, eliminating the need for restoration for the next 1,000 years.
Before the official announcement, the selected idol will undergo a meticulous examination based on established criteria, including comparisons with depictions of Lord Ram in the Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayana. The idols will also be tested for any stains or effects caused by worship materials like turmeric, sandalwood, incense, and more. The final selection will consider how well the idol aligns with descriptions in the scriptures and the purity of its form and expression.
