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In a moment of anticipation and joy, the first images of the face of Ram Lalla were unveiled on Friday, providing a sneak peek ahead of the pran pratishtha scheduled for January 22. Crafted by Mysuru’s sculptor Arun Yogiraj, the five-year-old Lord Ram was revealed in photos, standing with a golden bow and arrow in hand. The unveiling ceremony showcased the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating the idol, with the eyes remaining covered until the auspicious moment of consecration.
The images emerged from the workshop of sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who dedicated his skill to shaping the 51-inch black stone idol. The sculptor’s ascetic dedication to his craft was revealed through his six-month fast, during which he limited his food intake to fruits, sprouts, and satvik (pure) food. The unique depiction of Ram Lalla as a five-year-old child was unanimously selected by a panel for its distinctiveness. Carved from a three-billion-year-old rock, the 150-200kg idol encapsulates the timeless essence of the deity.
The pre-consecration ceremonies, commencing on January 16, reached their fourth day on Friday. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra shared a photo of Ram Lalla’s uncovered face, expressing the joy it brought to the hearts of the devotees. The sanctum sanctorum housed the black stone idol, covered with a cloth, offering the first glimpse to the public through a photo shared by the Vishva Hindu Parishad.
The consecration rituals, spanning a week, will culminate on January 22, with the holy fire for worship being established. Govind Dev Giri, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, explained the process of ‘netronmelan’ (unveiling the eyes). The statue’s eyes will be anointed by applying honey to a gold bar, symbolizing a unique form of ‘kajal,’ and the cloth covering Ram Lalla’s eyes will be removed during the pran pratishtha ceremony.
As the nation awaits the historic pran pratishtha on January 22, the unveiling of Ram Lalla’s face adds a layer of excitement and reverence to the upcoming event. The craftsmanship, dedication, and spiritual journey of sculptor Arun Yogiraj resonate in the unique depiction of Lord Ram, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration.
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