'His Art is Devotion': Family Beams With Pride as Mysuru Sculptor's Ram Lalla Idol Chosen for Ram Mandir

The intricately carved idol of ‘Ram Lalla’ chosen for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been crafted by Arun Yogiraj, a skilled sculptor based in Mysuru, Karnataka.

This was confirmed by BJP stalwart and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa first on Monday , who also posted the trivia on X (formerly Twitter). Expressing happiness at Yogiraj’s creation, BSY said: “The idol of Lord Rama sculpted by the sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru has been selected for installation at the magnificent Sri Rama Mandir of Ayodhya, doubling the pride and happiness of the entire Rama devotees of the state. Heartfelt congratulations to ‘Shilpi @yogiraj_arun’."

Union minister Pralhad Joshi congratulated Yogiraj on X.

Yogiraj, along with two other skilled artisans from the country, Ganesh Bhatt from Bengaluru and Satya Narayan Pandey from Rajasthan, were entrusted with the responsibility of crafting statues depicting the child form of Lord Ram. Yogiraj’s masterpiece was reportedly selected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Since the news broke, Arun Yogiraj’s and his wife’s phones have been ringing non-stop. People have been making a beeline to their house to congratulate the artist and his family.

Speaking to News18, Vijetha, Yogiraj’s wife, called it a proud moment for their family, Mysuru city and the state of Karnataka. She, however, continued to stress that they have received hundreds of calls from leaders and ministers congratulating the family, but are awaiting a formal letter from the officials of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya.

Her voice full of excitement and happiness, Vijetha described her husband’s commitment to be completely selfless.

“For him, his art is complete devotion and that reflects in his work. We are filled with pride to be given this honour and are humbled at the same time," she said.

In an interview to news agency PTI, Yogiraj had said that the “idol should be that of a child who is divine too, because it is the statue of the incarnation of God. People who look at the statue should feel the divinity."

He added that “keeping the divinity aspect along with the child like face in mind, I started my work about six to seven months ago. More than the selection, people should be able to appreciate it. Only then, I will be happy."

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra called it a matter of pride for the state and for Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka. “It is a (matter of) pride for Mysuru, (matter of) pride for Karnataka that the idol of Ram Lalla has been carved by the unparalleled sculptor Arun Yogiraj and will be enshrined in Ayodhya on January 22," Vijayendra said. He added that Karnataka has a deep connection with Lord Rama, as Kishkindha, the place believed to be the birthplace of Ram’s ardent devotee Hanuman, is located near Chikkamagalur, Karnataka.

Senior BJP leader and former minister, Suresh Kumar, also confirmed the selection of the idol made by Yogiraj.

Hailing from a family of Mysurean sculptors spanning over five generations, Yogiraj’s skill has been widely recognised and appreciated. This is not the first time that he has worked on a sculpture of national importance. He is the artist behind the 30-feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose. The statue of Bose is the focal point within the canopy behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PM had expressed that he wanted to honour and recognise Bose’s significant role in the freedom struggle, and Yogiraj, who actively supported this proposal, sculpted the statue. Yogiraj also presented a two-feet tall statue of Subhash Chandra Bose to the Prime Minister, earning his admiration.

Arun Yogiraj’s father, too, is an accomplished sculptor, inheriting his artistic lineage from his grandfather Basavanna Shilpi, who received patronage from the King of Mysore.

Engaged in the family trade since childhood, Yogiraj pursued an MBA degree and briefly worked in a private company. However, in 2008, he decided to embrace his family’s sculpting tradition and continue their artistic legacy.

Yogiraj’s artistic portfolio includes remarkable creations such as statues of Adi Shankaracharya, Lord Hanuman, Dr BR Ambedkar, Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Nandi, Banashankari Devi, and the King of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. Yogiraj’s exceptional contributions have earned him recognition and honour from the royal family of Mysore.