Inaugural
Table of Contents
The story of Ayodhya the majestic Ram Temple is gradually coming to light. The onyx-coloured effigy of Lord Rama, skillfully carved by the master craftsman Arun Yogiraj in the historic city of Mysore, now occupies its proper position inside the inner sanctum among the pantheon of revered effigies. But the sanctuary is about to welcome two contemplative statues, one of which is an alabaster masterwork painstakingly crafted by the fine hands of Satyanarayan Pandey, a maestro from the princely state of Rajasthan, who is making his way there.
Ayodhya The Wealthy Opuscule
The ivory version by Satyanarayan Pandey, which is currently housed under the auspices of the supervising trust, is an enthralling sight. The finely crafted effigy, with a golden bow and arrow adorning his celestial countenance, perfectly embodies the ethereal essence of Lord Rama. Adorned with finely detailed decorations, the celestial figure is set in dramatic relief against a backdrop that is evocative of a mihrab and is decorated with little sculptures that represent Lord Vishnu in all of his incarnations. The icon’s dimensions precisely follow the guidelines provided by the supervising trust, guaranteeing a seamless incorporation into the temple’s opulent mural.
Geological Enigmas
The Ayodhya Rama sculpture A 51-inch obsidian statue, a geological mystery that has weathered the unstoppable passage of millennia, is proudly kept within the inner sanctum. Constructed from a 2.5-billion-year-old stone that was extracted from Karnataka’s granite-rich quarries, this effigy has stood for millennia as a testament to perseverance, unfazed by the unpredictable fluctuations of the weather. Discovered from the underground chambers of Gujjegaudanapura in Mysore while attempting topographical levelling, the natural splendour of this geological wonder captured the interest and approval of the temple’s caretakers.
The Narrative of Artisans
When Arun Yogiraj, the Ayodhya Rama sculptor, thought back on the recent ‘Prana Pratishtha’ event, he expressed a deep sense of gratitude and declared it the highest point of his life. Yogiraj, who spent sleepless hours painstakingly creating the effigy, praises Lord Rama’s divine providence for leading him and his family through the furnace of hardships. In parallel, Karnataka’s Satyanarayan Pandey and Ganesha Bhatt receive recognition for their contributions to this heavenly undertaking.
Impending Grandiosity
Although the inner sanctuary presently houses a variety of impressive effigies, a significant portion of the temple’s construction is still under construction. Excitedly awaited, the first tier’s completion soon will be a revelation with an effigy of Lord Rama alongside Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman—a metaphorical representation of the ageless tale, Ramayana.
Denouement
The Ram Temple in the centre of Ayodhya is not just a symbol of religious devotion; it is also a monument to the skill, the unshakable commitment, and the divine inspiration that pervade the story of the craftsmen.
Related – Ayodya
