Arun Yogiraj, the accomplished sculptor from Mysuru responsible for crafting the idol of Ram Lalla, has gained widespread attention following the revelation of the infant Lord Ram's face during the 'Pran Pratishtha' event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya. In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Yogiraj delved into the intricacies of sculpting the idol, highlighting the challenges faced during the seven-month-long process.
Yogiraj expressed that the past seven months were particularly demanding as he grappled with the task of ensuring that the idol adhered to the Shilpa Shashtra, representing a five-year-old form of Lord Ram and capturing the innocence of a child. Adhering to the proportions outlined in the sacred scripture of the sculpting world, the Shilpa Shastra, he meticulously crafted facial features such as eyes, nose, chin, lips, and cheeks.
The temple trust provided specific criteria for completing the idol, emphasizing a smiling face, a divine look, a 5-year-old form, and a prince-like appearance. Despite the challenges, Yogiraj expressed delight at the positive response from people, emphasizing that the idol belongs to everyone and not just him or his family.
Humbled by the opportunity given by Lord Ram, Yogiraj shared that he spent the last seven months emotionally invested in the project. He involved his own family in the creative process, seeking his 7-year-old daughter's opinion on the idol's likeness to a child. Yogiraj underscored that finishing the idol was not the sole objective; he aimed for perfection at every stage.
Reflecting on the mesmerizing smile and expressive eyes of Ram Lalla, Yogiraj explained the meticulous process he followed, spending considerable time with children and disconnecting from the outer world. He discussed the challenges of bringing emotion into stone and sought feedback from friends on the portrayal of Ram Lalla's eyes.
Yogiraj's wife, Vijetha, revealed that he extensively studied human anatomy books and observed children in schools to understand facial and body features, contributing to the lifelike appearance of the idol. Yogiraj credited Lord Ram for inspiring the creative process and detailed how he captured images during Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya, incorporating authentic expressions and lighting.
In an intriguing twist, Yogiraj shared an anecdote about a recurring visit from a monkey to his house, speculating that the primate might have a connection to Lord Ram's idol. Yogiraj thanked Ayodhya for the enriching experience and shared images of Ram Lalla's idol, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this significant cultural and religious endeavor.
