Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj hailed as the artistic force behind the magnificent Balak Ram sculpture adorning the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, unveiled the arduous journey he embarked upon during his 'tapasya' (penance) to fashion the perfect embodiment of Ram Lalla.
In a candid revelation at the India Today Conclave 2024, Yogiraj shed light on the tribulations he encountered, describing them as a 'pariksha' (test) orchestrated by Lord Ram himself. Despite the overwhelming public acclaim garnered by the Balak Ram statue crafted from black stone, Yogiraj recounted facing a series of challenges along the way.
The 'pran sthapna' of the Lord Ram statue, sculpted with painstaking devotion by Arun Yogiraj, marked a momentous occasion on January 22 at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. However, the path to this pinnacle of achievement was fraught with obstacles.
Yogiraj reminisced about the juncture in June 2023 when he had completed nearly 70% of the sculpture, only to be confronted with unforeseen hurdles. Summoned to Delhi by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the construction committee of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Yogiraj learned that a stone used for the statue had failed quality tests. This setback thrust him into a rigorous 'pariksha,' as Misra impressed upon him the gravity of the task and the accountability owed to the nation.
Undeterred by the daunting task ahead, Yogiraj embarked on a fresh endeavor, carving the statue from a different stone, a Krishna Shila, commencing in September. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility and the competitive landscape but remained resolute in his determination to succeed.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Yogiraj drew parallels with Lord Ram's 'vanvas' (forest exile), underscoring the resilience required to overcome adversity. Despite encountering moments of anxiety, including a minor injury to his eye during the sculpting process, Yogiraj persevered, guided by ancestral wisdom and unwavering devotion.
The transformational moment arrived as Yogiraj applied ghee and honey to Balak Ram's eyes, infusing them with a divine radiance that captivated all who beheld them. Tasked with sculpting the eyes within a tight timeframe, Yogiraj navigated through rituals and pressure to manifest a masterpiece that resonated with the soulful essence of his artistry.
A testament to his unwavering commitment and indomitable spirit, Arun Yogiraj emerged triumphant, etching his name in history as the mastermind behind the iconic Ram Lalla idol. Amidst the trials and triumphs, he remained steadfast in his belief that art is indeed the mirror reflecting the soul, a sentiment embodied in every stroke of his chisel.
