NEW DELHI: The pran-pratistha (consecration) ceremony for the 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla sculpted by Arun Yogiraj in Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, is currently ongoing. Following this ceremony, the temple will house four Ram Lalla idols: the original one, the newly placed idol in the sanctum sanctorum, and two additional ones that were not chosen for the pran-pratistha. Authorities have confirmed that all these idols will be retained within the temple premises.
The old Ram Lalla idol stands at a height of five to six inches. The introduction of a new idol for the pran-pratishtha became necessary as the original one is not visible from a distance of 25 to 30 feet. The original idol will now be positioned in front of the new idol, facing it directly.
5-Year-Old Ram Lalla
The 51-inch sculpture of Ram Lalla, crafted by Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka, has been positioned in the sanctum sanctorum. During the pran-pratishtha rituals at 12:20 pm on Monday, the idol’s eyes were unveiled. Trust members chose this idol as the best among the three, citing that it embodies the desired qualities most effectively. They sought a combination of child-like innocence with elements of divinity and royalty.
Ganesh Bhatt’s Ram Lalla idol
This is another statue, measuring 51 inches and carved from dark stone. The temple Trust required the idol to be 51 inches in size to resemble a five-year-old. Mumbai-based artist Vasudeo Kamath provided the sculptors with a sketch for reference. Although this particular idol wasn’t chosen for the pran-pratishtha ceremony, the Trust has affirmed that it will still be placed in the temple with due honour and respect.
Satya Narayan Pandey’s Ram Lalla Idol
Crafted from pure white Makrana marble sourced from Rajasthan, this Ram Lalla idol is distinct in its material. These two idols will be positioned on the first and second floors of the temple. During their enthronement, all the requisite rituals will be meticulously conducted.