‘Indebted to God for this opportunity’: Sculptor Arun Yogiraj who carved Ram Lalla idol

BENGALURU: Days after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya, Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor who carved Ram Lalla’s idol, said that he is indebted to God for this opportunity.

“I have no words for the love people are showing me. I am so indebted to God for this opportunity. The stone used for making the idol of Lord Ram is from Mysuru district. I think it is Lord Ram’s blessing that I got the opportunity”, Arun Yogiraj told reporters on Wednesday night.

After he arrived at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from Ayodhya, he was mobbed by people who showered him with flowers. “I am overwhelmed by the love shown by people, I am unable to speak. Seeing everyone’s happiness, I feel that my work has got its appreciation. This is the respect of the people for the craft”, he said.

“God made me do the work. For such a work, people are ready to give the most valuable stone, but it had to be from a poor farmer’s land. It’s our good fortune that the stone was found in Mysuru district”, he added.

Arun Yogiraj’s mother, wife Vijetha and children had come to KIA to receive him.

Arun Yogiraj stands as a symbol of dedication and fulfilment, making this monumental occasion a testament to his craftsmanship and devotion. The sculptor, who carved Ram Lalla’s idolm attended the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22.

Yogiraj said he finds himself in a state of profound blessing. “I am the luckiest person on Earth. The blessings of my ancestors, family members and Lord Ram Lalla have always been with me. Sometimes, I feel like I am in a dream world. This is the biggest day for me”, he said.

The Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at Ram Temple in Ayodhya was held on Monday. The Ram Lalla idol was unveiled at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony after the hour-long rituals in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who led the ceremony. The event saw the participation of about 8,000 invitees, including 1,500-1,600 eminent guests.

The ‘Ram Nagri’ Ayodhya also grabbed global eyeballs, with earthen lamps or diyas lit up on a massive scale and crackers going up and dazzling the night sky in different parts of the city. Visuals also showed celebrations unfolding at the famous Saryu Ghat, with beaming locals expressing their devotion to Ram Lalla. (ANI)