Mysuru has long been renowned worldwide for its vibrant Dasara celebrations. However, now, for sometime to come, Mysuru will also be known as the birthplace of acclaimed sculptor who carved ‘Balak Ram,’ all thanks to the talented artist Arun Yogiraj, a third-generation sculptor from Mysuru.

Arun’s remarkable achievements have made Mysureans proud and has also solidified our city’s reputation as an abode of art and culture.

Arun’s three notable sculptures — the statues of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate in New Delhi, and now, Balak Ram in Ayodhya — stand as a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication.

Star of Mysore Managing Editor Vikram Muthanna spoke to Arun Yogiraj about his sculpting journey. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): You have three prestigious sculptures in India. How did you get a breakthrough into North India as not many decision-makers there would know about artisans from the South?

Arun Yogiraj: Our biggest drawback is that we are far away from Delhi and getting access to decision-makers is not easy. I was able to get access to Delhi through the statue of Adi Shankaracharya, commissioned by Jindal Steel Works (JSW) through a CSR fund.

The company had taken up the restoration works of Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi, which was damaged in floods. JSW contacted various States asking for names of stone artists.

In Karnataka, they approached Dr. Mohanrao B. Panchal, Head, Department of Visual Arts, Kannada University, Hampi, who referred the names of five artists and I was one among them.

The company asked the artists to submit a 2-foot tall model of Shankaracharya. The models were presented to Prime Minister Modi and he liked my model. Later, I received a call informing me that my model was selected and was asked to sculpt the bigger statue.

SOM: It is said, you almost didn’t get to sculpt Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue. What happened?

Arun Yogiraj: I was in discussion to sculpt Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue. In the meantime, a meeting with the Prime Minister was pending as the PM wanted to meet me personally after the installation of Adi Shankaracharya’s statue in Kedarnath.

The meeting kept getting postponed. So I requested our Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha to help me.

Since I had agreed to sculpt the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, I had sculpted a miniature stone idol of Netaji. By this time, Pratap Simha got an appointment with the PM. He then not only helped me carry the small statue of Netaji in the plane despite weight restrictions but also made me stay at his MP residence in Delhi.

During our meeting, PM Modi enquired about the progress of Netaji’s statue. I informed him that I had not received any work order and that some people were approaching me for subcontract work for Netaji’s statue! 

The PM was surprised and immediately instructed Union Minister Pralhad V. Joshi to set the matter right.

After this, Union Minister for Culture G. Kishan Reddy was summoned. Even he was shocked to learn that I had not received any work order. Both Pralhad Joshi and Pratap Simha followed up and finally, I received the work order on June 13, 2022.

If I had not spoken to our MP and had he not got the Prime Minister’s appointment immediately, I would have missed my chance to sculpt Netaji’s statue. It would have probably been sculpted by someone else and credit would have gone to some other person who didn’t even sculpt it as it would have been subcontracted.

How Arun Yogiraj got selected to sculpt Balak Ram

SOM: How did you get selected to sculpt Balak Ram’s idol?

Arun Yogiraj: It all started with the search for the artist in January 2023. Three sculptors from Karnataka and another from Rajasthan, who are known to me, were informed about the work. But I was not informed.

I was disappointed that even though I had completed two national projects (Netaji and Adi Shankaracharya), I was not informed. But I consoled myself saying that I had already completed two major national projects, so it’s okay.

But then in April 2023, a meeting was held at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to finalise the artists who will sculpt Balak Ram. In that meeting, IGNCA Member-Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, who had personally seen my work in Delhi, was surprised not to see my name in the list of artists shortlisted to sculpt Balak Ram. Dr. Joshi then asked the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to invite me to immediately present my work.

I was called overnight to Delhi. A few weeks later, 11 artists were shortlisted and three of them were finalised, I was one among them.

SOM: What style of sculpting did you decide on? 

Arun Yogiraj: I had to connect both North and South India and the black stone idol connects well with the Southern part. While sculpting the idol, I ensured that the jewellery was carved in Hoysala style. The attire was sculpted in  North Indian style and again the ‘kankana’ was sculpted in South style.

Lord Hanuman and Garuda have been sculpted in Tamil Nadu style. The Dashavathara has been sculpted with reference to North Indian temples. The Balak Ram idol is an amalgamation of the best Indian styles since the idol belongs to the entire nation.

SOM: What was your routine in Ayodhya when you were sculpting? 

Arun Yogiraj: The first day of work began by offering ‘puja’ to the stone as per rituals. The sculpting works began with offering ‘shila puja’ and tying ‘kankana’ to our hand which restricts us from taking up other works until the completion of work in progress. I made sure the ‘kankana’ was also tied to the hammer that I used for sculpting the idol.

For us, it was only ‘Satwik’ food that was allowed to be consumed. We were provided with sprouts every day, as we needed a lot of protein to go with our physical work. We were also taught yoga but when my first idol of Balak Ram was rejected, I stopped yoga as I was working in double shifts to carve another one.

SOM: You said that your first idol was rejected. Can you explain?

Arun Yogiraj: The first sculpture was 70 percent complete when a certain test conducted turned negative. Periodic tests are conducted to see the integrity of the rock. Owing to the rejection of the first idol, I lost three months.

Later, I started to sculpt another idol in September with another stone, also brought from Mysuru. Initially, I felt a bit nervous as I had lost time but on the other hand, I got clarity of what I needed to create.

Sculptor’s Studio in Mysuru

SOM: Tell us about your team which worked with you in Ayodhya.

Arun Yogiraj: I had my team members Nagaraju, Cheluvaraju, Siddaraju, Kumaresh and Jagadish, some of whom have worked with us for almost 30 years.

My team worked in batches, when one batch left after working on the pedestal, a new team would arrive to assist me in the design works.

SOM: The eyes of Balak Ram in some photos seemed to glow, is there some effect that you have given them?

Arun Yogiraj: There is no special effect given to the eyes. We apply ghee, honey and sugar to the eyes and cover them as part of the rituals. Some ghee and honey might have remained on the eyes on the day of consecration so maybe when they photographed it, light refraction may have given it a glow (laughs). On a serious note, we do not apply any chemicals, glass etc. It’s just an etched-stone effect.

SOM: Why did you use silver hammer & gold chisel to sculpt the eyes?

Arun Yogiraj: It is mentioned in Shilpashastra to use a silver hammer and golden chisel and a particular time (muhurta) is fixed for ‘Nethramilana’ (carving of eyes). In the case of Balak Ram, the muhurta was fixed by the head priest Ganesha Acharya.

Before sculpting the eyes, I took a dip in the Sarayu River, which was about 4-5 degrees Celsius, and visited the Hanuman Garhi (Hanuman Temple) before sculpting the eyes. We first inscribe the ‘beejakshara mantra’ on the uncarved blank eyes before we begin sculpting the eyes.

SOM: What is the actual height of the Balak Ram idol and what was the height and weight of the stone?

Arun Yogiraj: The height of the idol is 77 inches, 42 inches in width and it is 2-ft in thickness. The rock that was used was about 9½ ft in height and weighed 13,000 kgs. Now the idol weighs about 2,000 kgs.

SOM: Was there a regular inspection while you were working on the idol?

Arun Yogiraj: There were regular inspections being done for all three idols sculpted by different artists. The Committee Members were sensible as they used to visit all three sculptors without giving room for any suspicion of favouritism.

SOM: Apart from inspection by the Committee, we heard there was regular inspection by a monkey.

Arun Yogiraj: There were a lot of monkeys in Ayodhya near the studio where we were sculpting. But every day, a monkey would visit the studio between 5 pm and 6 pm and bang the door. I am not sure whether it was the same monkey though. I even have the video of the monkey roaming around in the studio. I don’t want to give it a connotation that it was a ‘divine visit.’ But all the same, it was an interesting coincidence.

SOM: Is there a copyright on Balak Ram? Can you produce miniatures to sell?

Arun Yogiraj: Actually, I told the Trust Members to copyright Balak Ram. Then MP Pratap Simha had the idea that if Ayodhya Trust can have the copyright and make miniatures of Balak Ram, it should tie up with the Karnataka Government to send black stone from Mysuru from which it can make these miniatures rendering them more authentic and worthy of the copyright.

Pratap Simha felt if this is done, then the Ayodhya Trust will get funds, sculptors will get continuous work, Karnataka will have a new revenue stream and Mysuru will also become famous as the Balak Ram miniature models made using the stone from Mysuru will be in millions of households across the nation and world.

Bringing Stones to Life

SOM: Now that you have achieved a great feat, there must be a lot of demand for your work. How are you managing it?

Arun Yogiraj: I have indeed been getting a lot of orders from across the world, especially from the USA and South Africa, both for idols and other works.

But I know my capacity and I cannot fulfil so many orders. So, I tell customers that it takes quite some time for me to complete a statue. If they are comfortable with that, then I take up the work else I provide them the contact of other artists. Also, it is good to have the work of different artists.

SOM: Are you running an institution to guide budding sculptors?

Arun Yogiraj: Yes, I am running a school called Bramharshi Kashyapa Shilpakala Shala, which now has 7 full-time students and during summer camps, children join us to learn line drawing, pottery and other arts.

I am planning to construct two additional rooms in my studio for the benefit of the students. Currently, I am not charging any fees because I want to give back to the profession which has given me so much.

SOM: Who should our readers contact if they are interested in learning sculpting?

Arun Yogiraj: Interested can contact my brother Yeshwanth on Mob: 99451-51505.

Making Mysuru proud…

For the foreseeable future, Arun Yogiraj will continue to enjoy widespread popularity as the man who sculpted the idol of Balak Ram. Despite his acclaim, Arun Yogiraj remains remarkably humble and transparent in his artistic approach, the qualities that undoubtedly contribute to his mastery.

Michelangelo, the great Italian sculptor, once said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Arun Yogiraj not only discovers it, he seems to almost bring it to life. He certainly brought a sense of divinity to the Balak Ram statue and in doing so, brought a lot of attention to Mysuru, reminding the world that our city still has it — artists and culture.

[Pic. by M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav]

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Mysore/Mysuru:  Sculptor Arun Yogiraj of the city, who sculpted the idol of Lord Ram that was consecrated at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir on Jan. 22, Ramdas, the owner of the land at Harohalli in Mysuru taluk where the black schist stone used for sculpting the idol was found and mining contractor Srinivas, who excavated the  stone from Ramdas’s land and transported it to Ayodhya, were felicitated by the BJP at a ceremony  held at Arun Yogiraj’s residence “Kashayapa  Shilpakala Niketana“ near Basaveshwara Circle in the heart of the city on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Pratap Simmha said that the BJP will pay Mining Contractor  Srinivas Rs. 80,000, the penalty imposed by the State Mines and Geology Department for unauthorized excavation of the stone.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa, City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra and a host of other BJP leaders were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who gained widespread attention following the installation and ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla’s (Balak Ram) idol in Ayodhya on Jan. 22 led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revealed that he was merely following the divine guidance of Lord Ram while creating the idol. 

After a meeting with Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji at Suttur Mutt here yesterday, Arun Yogiraj told reporters that the blessings of his ancestors, family members and Ram Lalla have consistently guided him throughout his artistic journey. 

He expressed a sense of surrealism, stating, “Sometimes, I feel like I am in a dream world. I am a humble sculptor following the traditional art and the recognition I am getting is beyond comprehension. I did not expect this kind of love and honour to be bestowed upon me.”

Arun Yogiraj, accompanied by his wife Vijetha and mother Saraswathi, spent over 40 minutes discussing the intricacies of the Balak Ram idol with Swamiji. During the meeting, the renowned sculptor, holding a tab, provided a detailed explanation of the idol’s structure, Dashavatara carvings, Prabhavali, eyes and other finer details. Swamiji attentively listened, absorbing the significance of each design and the idol’s overall craftsmanship.

The sculptor said that he has a long-standing association with the JSS institutions as he studied at JSS Balajagath School from 1988 to 1991 and from 2000 to 2005, he did his PUC and BBM at JSS institution to pursue his MBA degree later.  

Adhered to Shilpa Shastra

Regarding the specifics of the idol, Arun Yogiraj underscored the honour for Mysuru as the Krishna Shile (stone) for the Balak Ram idol originated from Harohalli-Gujjegowdanapura in Mysuru taluk. He humbly acknowledged that Lord Ram himself directed the carving of his idol through him, stating, “I am honoured and I was following the divine directives. Lord Ram gave me the order and I just followed it.”

Reflecting on the last seven months, Arun Yogiraj described the period as particularly challenging as he grappled with how to complete the idol while ensuring it adhered to the Shilpa Shastra, representing a five-year-old form of Lord Ram and capturing the innocence of a child.

 Yogiraj shared the challenges of infusing emotion into the stone, especially focusing on the eyes of Ram Lalla. He sought feedback from friends to ensure the expression was accurate. “It is not easy to bring bhaava (emotion) in stone and you have to spend a lot of time with it.” 

He detailed his approach of spending extensive time with the stone, doing thorough research, studying children’s features and attributed the success to the guidance of Ram Lalla. In crafting the idol, Arun Yogiraj adhered meticulously to the proportions of facial features such as eyes, nose, chin, lips, cheeks, etc., in accordance with the Shilpa Shastra, the sacred scripture of the sculpting world.

Like a penance: Suttur Seer

Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji commended Arun Yogiraj and credited Mysuru with global recognition, attributing it to Arun Yogiraj’s unwavering dedication, focus and concentration. Likening Arun Yogiraj’s artistic process to a form of penance, the Seer noted, “It is like a penance that requires tremendous sacrifice, dedication, and honest efforts. His dedication is there for the world to see, especially the mesmerising eyes of the idol and the child-like face.”

Arun Yogiraj also paid tribute to his late father, B.S. Yogiraj Shilpi, who, unfortunately, passed away in an accident a few years ago. Acknowledging his father’s legacy, he mentioned that his father was a recipient of the Amarashilpi Jakanachari award and the Karnataka Rajyotsava award. “I will visit my father’s samadhi and pay my respects,” he said. 

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Mysore/Mysuru: The entire process of crafting Balak Ram’s idol spanned seven to eight months, allowing for Arun Yogiraj’s artistic freedom to flourish. The consecration on Jan. 22 marked a distinctive transformation, revealing the divine essence of the idol post-installation.

A special focus was placed on the development of Balak Ram’s eyes, with the use of golden chisels and silver hammers employed delicately in the intricate process as mentioned in the Shilpa Shashtra. Until the eyes were meticulously formed, the idol lacked a certain essence, but upon their completion, a profound sense of true divinity emerged. Arun Yogiraj ensured that the gaze of Ram Lalla conveyed a feeling of observing everyone.

In reflecting on his artistic journey, Arun Yogiraj expressed gratitude for the blessings of his forefathers and the supportive Vishwakarma community of sculptors. He revealed, “Our family has been in this field for at least 250 years, and the selection of the Ram Lalla statue sculpted by me for installation at Ayodhya temple was due to the blessings of our forefathers.”

Arun Yogiraj shared, “Along with me, Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey too embarked on carving the Ram Lalla idol. There was no competition among us, and we would have been happy if any one of our idols were selected. We were not vying for any prize.”

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Bengaluru: Mysuru’s Arun Yogiraj, the master-sculptor behind the Ayodhya Ram Lalla idol, received a warm welcome upon his return to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) at Devanahalli in Bengaluru yesterday.

Escorted by CISF personnel from Terminal-2, Arun, who had been away for the past six months, touched down in Bengaluru after his significant role in the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He landed at T2 of KIA at 9.30 pm. A large media contingent had gathered outside apart from his fans and BJP workers.

Emotions ran high as Arun, visibly moved, embraced his daughter upon exiting the Terminal.  His wife Vijetha was also present. There was chaos after the Police pushed back media persons and the public who had gathered to greet him. The crowd cheered Arun and chanted ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogans. Arun was adorned with shawls and Mysore Petas, symbolising the community’s deep appreciation for his craftsmanship.

Addressing the media, Arun Yogiraj expressed his joy at the overwhelming reception and conveyed his satisfaction with the work accomplished in Ayodhya. Reflecting on the significance of the Ram Mandir construction, he emphasised the respect accorded to artists in India and described the indescribable feeling of witnessing a humble stone transform into an idol worshipped by millions.

Arun extended his wish for people across the country to visit the Temple and experience the presence of Ram Lalla. Arun is expected to arrive in Mysuru later today. He will participate in various events in Bengaluru before heading to Mysuru.

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Rs. 3.17 crore offerings made on Day 1, over 2.5 lakh devotees visit on Day 2

Ayodhya: Three days after the Ram Mandir was inaugurated in Ayodhya and the Ram Lalla idol carved by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj called ‘Balak Ram’ was placed in the sacred ‘garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum), two other idols await for their final placement within the Temple complex.

The second idol, carved from Krishna Shile, a unique black stone by sculptor Ganesh Bhatt, has also captured the attention of devotees and art enthusiasts. The stone is of a deep black hue.

The 51-inch statue, resonating with the innocence of the five-year-old Ram Lalla, has also been sourced from the fertile lands of H.D. Kote near Mysuru. As seen in photos, this idol is entirely black with saffron ‘teeka’ (dots) on a few points on the body.

Ganesh Bhat’s creation will be enshrined within the Temple precinct, as the Trust overseeing the Ram Mandir’s affairs is looking into the matter. The third one, sculpted by Satyanarayan Pandey, is also waiting for a place in the Ram Mandir, as it did not make it to the ‘garbhagriha’.

The white marble idol, intricately clad in marble jewellery and clothing, holds a golden bow and arrow. Behind the main figure stands an arch-like structure adorned with smaller sculptures representing various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

It is expected that the white marble idol will likely be installed on the first floor of the Temple. Arun Yogiraj’s Ram Lalla idol was chosen from among three commissioned murtis, and its eyes have captivated the hearts of worshippers and onlookers.

According to reports, the Ram Mandir will enshrine four distinct idols of Ram Lalla: The original Ram Lalla idol, the newly-installed Arun Yogiraj’s idol in the sanctum sanctorum and the two additional creations by Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey.

Devotees throng Ram Mandir

Meanwhile, more than 2.5 lakh devotees paid obeisance at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya yesterday while donations totalling Rs. 3.17 crore were recorded on the first day after the consecration ceremony, officials said.

District Magistrate Nitish Kumar said more than 2.5 lakh devotees visited the Temple till 10 pm yesterday and more than 5 lakh people had visited the Temple on the first day. Devotees made donations totalling Rs. 3.17 crore in a day on 10 counters opened after the consecration ceremony and through the online mode, Anil Mishra, Trustee of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, said.

In the wake of the overwhelming response of devotees, the Temple administration has extended the timings for darshan.

Devotees can now offer prayers between 6 am and 10 pm as against the earlier timings of 7 am to 11.30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm, it said.

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Bengaluru: The consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has ignited a sense of optimism within the Karnataka BJP, prompting the saffron party to set ambitious goals of securing more than 20 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming elections.

As the BJP focuses on making the Ram Temple a central theme in its election strategy, aiming to offset Congress’ five poll guarantees, the Congress is directing its efforts towards rejuvenating Ram Temples in Karnataka.

The Congress aims to position itself as a Hindu-friendly party, countering the BJP’s accusations of being ‘anti-Hindu.’ The Congress drew criticism for not attending the Ayodhya event and the State Government’s decision not to declare a holiday on Jan. 22 for the Ayodhya Ram Temple consecration further fuelled the BJP’s claims. The Congress, through the allocation of Rs. 250 crore for the restoration of Ram Temples, appears to be entering into a damage-control mode.

In the upcoming 2024-2025 Budget scheduled for Feb. 16, sources suggest that Siddaramaiah is expected to make significant allocations, including Rs. 250 crore for the restoration of Ram Temples in the State.

Additionally, the Congress Government is reportedly contemplating generous grants up to Rs. 300 crore for Mutts and religious institutions. This financial support is intended to boost the social, educational and cultural programmes undertaken by these institutions.

On its part, the BJP MPs are also planning to leverage the consecration by organising pilgrimages to Ayodhya for devotees in their respective Constituencies. The BJP Karnataka unit has targeted to send more than 35,000 persons from all 224 Assembly Constituencies in the State to Ayodhya from Jan. 31 to Mar. 25. The trip will be for six days.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji said that the completion of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya signifies a cultural renaissance in India.

He emphasised that the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla is a harmonious expression of the country’s cultural conscience, being revered by people from all walks of life. The Swamiji was speaking to reporters in Ayodhya yesterday.

The Seer was joined in Ayodhya by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Niranjananandapuri Swamiji and other spiritual heads.

 Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji highlighted that the Ram Mandir serves as a unifying space for all Indians, promoting religious harmony. “It was a struggle and intense effort for over five centuries. Many roadblocks were put but the Mandir is here today,” he added.

He described the day as one of contentment and happiness and expressed his joy in representing Mysuru and Karnataka at this historic ceremony, which he deemed a significant moment in Indian history under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Swamiji further elaborated that the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol was a testament to faith and culture that reflects the nation’s historical heritage.

“Each village in India has its own Rama Mandira where spiritual events are held and even village-level disputes are addressed amicably as people believe that justice has been done by none other than Lord Rama,” he added.

The Ram Mandir, according to Swamiji, stands as a unifying space for all Indians, embodying the principles of religious harmony. He emphasised that the temple serves as a symbol of Ramrajya, a world where peace and harmony prevail, treating everyone with respect regardless of their religious beliefs or caste.

“At the core of Lord Ram’s character lies an unwavering commitment to dharma – righteousness. Lord Ram’s adherence to dharma, even in the face of formidable challenges, exemplifies the strength that comes from living a virtuous life. For young minds forging their paths, the Ramayana serves as a timeless guide urging them to embrace the ethical underpinnings that lead to a meaningful and purposeful existence,” the Swamiji said. 

“Lord Ram emerges not only as a divine figure but also as a paragon of leadership. His life story emphasises the essence of leading by example. Whether in his role as a devoted son, a caring brother or a just ruler, Lord Ram sets the standard for effective leadership rooted in personal integrity,” the Suttur Seer said.

Lord Ram’s deep respect for familial bonds, exemplified through his unwavering devotion to his parents and brothers, serves as a poignant reminder for today’s youth to value and nurture their own relationships, he noted.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Pran Pratishtha, the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla idol at Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Monday, was celebrated with festive fervour that reached its summit with deepotsava in various parts of city in the evening.

Earthen lamps were lit as part of Deepotsava at temples, prominent places and households in the city, turning Mysuru the ‘City of Palaces’ into a ‘City of Lights’, with the people celebrating once in a life time moment with devotion.

Mysuru Hanumanthotsava Samiti had lit the lamps arranged in artistic manner on the premises of Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple, Mysore Palace North gate. The lamps were arranged in the forms of Kannada words Jai Sri Ram and OM, along with rangolis depicting Sri Rama, Sita and Anjaneya.

A model of Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir was also exhibited, attracting the devotees who enlivened the moment with piety. They also took photos on their cell phone camera. The model of the temple made in thermocol is 17-feet-long, eight-feet wide and 8.5 feet tall.

Former Chairman of Mysuru Urban Development Authority H.V. Rajeev, former Chairman of Zoo Authority of Karnataka Shivakumar, President of Mysuru City and District Brahmins Association D.T. Prakash as chief guests and also lit the lamps.

Mysuru Hanumanthotsava Samiti Conveners Samyaj, Jeevan, Marballi Kumar and Santosh and a large number of devotees were present.

Sri Rama Jyoti Deepotsava was celebrated by lighting the lamps arranged in a circular form at Sri Kannika Parameshwari temple, Ashoka road.

The programme was organised by Arya Vysya Sangha, during which more than 30 children presented mass rendition of vedas and slokas. Sri Rama Taraka homa was performed with purnahuti in the morning. The live screening of Prana Pratishtha ceremony held at Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir, on a huge LED screen, was also arranged at the temple premises.

Temple Committee President S.K. Dinesh, Secretary Amarnath, Dinesh Babu and other Directors of the Committee were present on the occasion.

Sri Rama Jyothi Seva Samiti, Sri Veeraganapathi temple, Veeranagere, Ashoka road had organised laksha deepotsava that was inaugurated by Saraswathi, mother of sculptor Arun Yogiraj of the city who sculpted Ram Lalla’s idol. Arun Yogiraj’s wife Vijeta also lighted the lamps.

Earlier, Samiti members felicitated Ramdas the owner of the land at Gujjegowdanapura in Mysuru taluk where the black schist stone (Krishna Shile) used to sculpt Ram Lalla’s idol was mined and sculptor Arun Yogiraj’s mother Saraswati.

Chief guest of the event Dr. V. Ranganath, also a columnist of Mysuru Mithra, the sister publication of Star of Mysore said “It was a much awaited day in Indian history, as the 500-year long wait was over with the consecration of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the ceremony, joined by the devotees across the country in their own way. The chanting of ‘Jai Sri Ram’ reverberated across the nation thus bringing all together, for the country to evolve as Vishwa Guru (World Leader) in the coming days. Ayodhya Sri Ram Mandir is our pride.”

Temple Chief Priest Prahlad Rao and prominent leaders of Veeranagere were present.

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PM Modi leads rituals that began at 12.20 pm and concluded at 1 pm

Ayodhya: In a profoundly spiritual and culturally significant moment, the world witnessed the unveiling of the Ram Lalla idol this noon, following the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh.

This sacred ritual, integral to the grand consecration ceremony

of the new Ram Lalla idol, served as a profound expression of devotion and reverence, witnessed by thousands in the temple town and millions across the nation. 

The new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the 161-feet tall pink sandstone shrine. The new 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla, which is sculpted by Mysuru- based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, entered the premises on Jan. 17 and was placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Jan. 18.

The atmosphere at the temple today was one of immense devotion and celebration, with devotees and spectators immersed in a spiritual experience that marked a moment of unity and shared heritage.

The aarti, performed with lamps, incense and songs, served as more than just a ritual — it acted as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Indian spirituality.

Live visuals of the consecration showed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat seated next to the PM, alongside Governor Anandiben Patel and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other dignitaries. Pejawar Mutt Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji and others led the rituals.

Dressed in a golden kurta paired with a cream dhoti and patka, PM Modi entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple holding a silver umbrella on a folded red dupatta. Modi then undertook ‘sankalp’ for the consecration ceremony. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ rituals are significant spiritual procedure in Hinduism for infusing life into a deity’s idol. 

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla’s idol commenced at 12.20 pm and concluded at 1 pm. This sacred act transforms an idol into a deity, bestowing upon it the ability to accept prayers and grant boons. The ritual took place on Paush Shukla Kurma Dwadashi, Vikram Samvat 2080, falling on Jan. 22 (today). The day commenced with a morning puja, followed by the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’, lasting from 12.20 pm to 1 pm.

PM Modi has said that it is a “great pleasure” to be a part of the “divine program” at the Ram temple inauguration. “The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lala’s life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in Hindi. The PM has reportedly been observing a series of rituals, including sleeping on the floor and consuming only coconut water, to prepare for the ceremony.   As part of the celebration, Army helicopters showered flowers on Ayodhya, and 30 musicians played various Indian musical instruments at the temple premises during the Aarti. Guests were also handed bells, which they rang in unison during the Aarti, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere. This visual spectacle added a layer of national pride and joy to the religious proceedings.

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