Mysuru: The artistic brilliance of sculptor Arun Yogiraj continues to captivate hearts as he unveils his latest creation—a miniature version of young Ram, crafted with meticulous detail and devotion. Renowned for sculpting the revered Ram Lalla idol for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Yogiraj recently shared his latest masterpiece on the X website, garnering widespread acclaim and admiration.
Based in Mysore, Arun Yogiraj revealed that he sculpted the “small Ramlalla Murthy” during his leisure time in Ayodhya, following the completion of the main Ram Lalla idol. The viral post showcasing Yogiraj holding the miniature idol in his hand has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide, a testament to the artist’s extraordinary craftsmanship and reverence for his artistry.
Crafted from a slightly white stone, distinct from the black stone used for the original idol, the miniature young Ram exudes a lifelike charm, faithfully embodying the features of its larger counterpart. Despite its diminutive size, the idol retains the intricate details and sacred essence that characterize Yogiraj’s renowned work.
Notably, Arun Yogiraj previously offered a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship involved in sculpting the eyes of the boy Rama idol, which now rests atop an eight-foot gold-plated marble throne within the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya temple. His dedication to perfection, coupled with his mastery of sculpting techniques, underscores his status as a preeminent artist in his field.
A scion of a distinguished lineage of sculptors, Arun Yogiraj’s artistic journey began in Mysore, where he honed his skills under the guidance of his forebears. Following his MBA degree from Mysore University, Yogiraj returned to his roots, channeling his passion for sculpting into a prolific career marked by numerous iconic creations.
Among his notable works are the towering 12-foot idol of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, the majestic statue of Subhash Chandra Bose near India Gate in Delhi, and the revered 21-foot Hanuman statue in Chunchanakatte, Mysore district. Additionally, Yogiraj’s portfolio boasts impressive sculptures including a 15-foot Dr. B. R Ambedkar statue, Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in Mysore, and a breathtaking six-foot-high single stone Nandi.
According to experts from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Mysore, the original stone used by Yogiraj to carve the Ramlalla idol, now enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, dates back a staggering three hundred million years, adding a profound dimension to the artistic legacy of Arun Yogiraj.
