A recent social media post has offered the earliest sneak peek at the unveiled face of the Ram Lalla idol scheduled for consecration at the Ayodhya Ram Temple on January 22nd. The images are allegedly from the workshop of sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the artisan behind the statue’s unique design.
The photographs depict a serene child version of Lord Ram, around 5 years of age, holding a bow and arrow. However, the idol’s eyes remain covered by rituals mandating the removal of the veil only during the ‘Prana Pratishtha’ ceremony.
BJP leader Sambit Patra was among the many who shared the pictures online, feeling elated to witness the beautiful early glimpse of Shri Ram Lalla. Several commentators admired the peaceful aura and vibrant expression sculpted into the statue.
“लोकाभिरामं रणरंगधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्।
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) January 19, 2024
कारुण्यरूपं करुणाकरं तं श्रीरामचन्द्रं शरणं प्रपद्ये॥”
प्रभु श्रीराम की यह सुंदर छवि, मन को प्रफुल्लित और हृदय को आह्लादित करने वाला है।
॥ जय जय श्री राम ॥ pic.twitter.com/2Mze3HMCTT
The black stone idol was transported to Ayodhya and placed ceremoniously in the Garbhagriha on 19th January after wrapping rituals. But the public unveiling will occur as scheduled on the 22nd once purification ceremonies conclude the same morning.
As explained by trust member Acharya Govind Dev Giri, priests will apply a gold rod dipped in honey to adorn Ram Lalla’s eyes with a kajal-like natural pigment during the ‘Netronmelan’ ritual. This officially completes the statue’s consecration, allowing devotees the first sight of their beloved deity.
Weighing around 150-200 kgs, the statue has been meticulously etched out of ancient black stone nearly 3 billion years old by sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru. His 6-month long ascetic-like penance while sculpting involved observing fasting and satvik diet restrictions.
The unique child avatar holding a bow and arrow is already generating tremendous devotional buzz in the country as the Magnificent Ayodhya Ram Mandir finally transitions from dream to reality for billions of adherents globally. The unveiling promises to be an emotional and spiritual spectacle.
