As the veil was lifted from the eyes of the newly unveiled Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya, the global audience stood in awe, captivated by the divine gaze that held everyone's attention. Sculptor Arun Yogiraj, recognized as the best, showcased his unparalleled craftsmanship, making the moment unforgettable and truly extraordinary.
The unveiling of the scarf covering the eyes of the new Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya became a spectacle that left millions transfixed, eliciting a collective gasp of amazement from the nation. The focus was on the mesmerizing eyes, widely celebrated for their sublime and divine quality.
During the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony on January 22, the idol, meticulously carved from shyam shila (blue-black stone), revealed its intricacies and significance. Placed in the temple a few days before the ceremony, images of the idol had circulated extensively, yet the unveiling of its eyes brought it to life, evoking admiration.
Amitabh Kant, India's G20 sherpa and former CEO of Niti Aayog, lauded the craftsmanship of Arun Yogiraj, acknowledging the special divine blessings evident in the idol's eyes. Virender Sehwag, former Indian cricketer, expressed his overwhelming sense of love and devotion upon gazing into the eyes of Prabhu Shri Ram.
Carving an idol out of 'shyam shila' presented a unique challenge for Arun Yogiraj, as experts noted that etching eyes in black stones, such as granite, posed increased difficulty compared to 'shwet shila' (white stone).
Sailendra Kumar Swain, an iconography expert, praised the intricate designs carved from black stones, emphasizing the compassionate and lively expression in the eyes. The eyes of the Ram Lalla idol, according to Swain, convey a sense of calm and hold deep significance.
Arun Yogiraj's work stood out among three sculptors considered for the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony, with his shyam shila idol ultimately chosen for the event, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi served as the 'mukhya yajman.'
The roundish shape of the Ram idol's face, a characteristic of South Indian sculptures, distinguished Arun Yogiraj's work. Swain explained the regional variations in facial features among sculptures.
The eyes of a deity hold special significance, symbolizing the windows through which the divine gazes upon the world and bestows blessings. The ritualistic opening of the idol's eyes, known as 'Netronmilan,' marks the culmination of the 'Prana Pratishtha' ceremony, transforming the idol into a living embodiment of the divine.
The eyes, not just as artistic representations but as conduits for the Sun and Moon's energy, embody universal forces of creation and preservation. The 'Prana Pratishtha' ceremony involves a series of rituals, with the pivotal moment being the symbolic awakening through the opening of the eyes.
Hinduism views idols as physical manifestations of the divine, with embedded symbolism conveying the attributes and stories of the Gods they represent. Arun Yogiraj's mastery in crafting the Ram Lalla idol, particularly in capturing the beauty and significance of the eyes, has rightfully earned him recognition as "The sculptor of the Ram Lalla idol," leaving an indelible mark on his legacy.
