Arun Yogiraj who carved Ram Lala Idol for “Pran Pratishtha”

The sculpture of Bhagwan Ram Idol carved by Arun Yogiraj, The 41-year-old belongs to a family of five generations of sculptors.Tracking back to his roots, Arun hails from Agrahara, Mysuru in Karnataka. The 41-year-old belongs to a family of five generations of sculptors. His famed grandfather Basavanna Shilpi was patronized by the King of Mysore.

Initially Arun was not interested in sculpting

Despite the family legacy, Arun did not find interest to sculpting as a full-time profession initially. After getting a master’s degree in business administration, he worked for a private company. A little while later, he quit his job in 2008 and pursued his passion for sculpting full-time. Arun is married to Vijetha and has two siblings.

Arun Yogiraj Work exposure

He not only sculpted “Prabhu Ram Lalla“ Arun has also  famously sculpted the 30 feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, in the canopy behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti behind the India Gate. The installation of the Bose statue was steered by PM Narendra Modi to honour his contribution. Arun has also been recognised by the BJP government and has received appreciation from PM Modi in the past. Around the time of Bose sculpture installation, Arun had gifted the PM, a miniature two-feet tall statue of Bose.

With his beautiful creation he  have also sculpted the 12 feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, which was inaugurated in 2021. The statue weighing 35 tonnes was built at the seer’s samadhi sthal, which was redeveloped after the 2013 massive floods.

Arun’s other works include 21 feet monolithic stone sculpture of Hanuman in KR Nagar, Mysore. A 15 feet monolithic white marble stone sculpture of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, 10 feet monolithic white marble stone sculpture of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, 15 feet .

He has also sculpted the bronze statue of Sri U.R. Rao,installed at ISRO, Bangalore, five feet idol of Garuda at Mysore and seven feet tall idol of Yoganarasimha Swamy at KR Nagar. Arun has also sculpted numerous statues of Sir M.Vishveshwaraiah and Dr. B. R Ambedkar.

His sculptures can be found in various temples too, as he has created sculptures of Panchamukhi Ganapathi, MahaVishnu, Buddha, Nandi, Swami Shivbala Yogi, Swami Shivakumara, and Banashankari.

What Arun said on being part of the ceremony?

He was also present in Ram Lala Pran Pratishtha, he is so humble and filled with gratitude. he finds himself in a state of profound blessing. 

He said “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 told ANI.

From the day January 22nd was chosen for consecration  the whole nation eagerly awaits the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, Arun Yogiraj stands as a symbol of dedication and fulfilment, making this monumental occasion a testament to his craftsmanship and devotion.Meanwhile, Bageshwar Dham’s Dhirendra Shastri has termed this day the beginning of ‘Ram Rajya’.

Still feeling overwhelmed with love and devotion looking into the eyes of Prabhu Shri Ram. Pure bliss.

Sitaram Sitaram Sitaram Kahiye,
Jaahi vidhi Raakhe Raam , taahi Vidhi rahiye 🙏🏼#AyodhyaRamMandir pic.twitter.com/sgoTIXmagQ

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 22, 2024

Former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr Satheesh Reddy who also arrived in the temple town, expressed his happiness to be a part of the ceremony.

“…It’s a fantastic feeling. The temple of Maryada Purushottam is here…We are extremely happy to be here and participate in this event,” he said.

The ceremony  witnessed the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other dignitaries.