In the heart of Ayodhya, where the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir is reaching a crescendo, the artistic prowess of Arun Yogiraj Shilpi is set to shine as he unveils the meticulously crafted murti of Ram Lala. Arun Yogiraj, a 40-year-old sculptor hailing from Mysore, has transcended his corporate past to become a master craftsman, inheriting a family tradition that spans five generations.
The much-anticipated murti of Ram Lala, set to be installed in the revered Ram mandir, stands at over eight feet tall and three and a half feet wide. The divine depiction, which took Arun nearly six months to complete, showcases Ram Lala in the form of a five-year-old child, holding a bow and arrow—a poignant symbol of Bhagwan Sri Ram. The statue spans an impressive 51 inches from foot to forehead, illustrating the meticulous attention to detail that Arun has applied to his work.
Arun Yogiraj Shilpi, one of the three sculptors entrusted with this monumental task, stands alongside Satyanarayan Pandey of Rajasthan and GL Bhatt of Bengaluru in bringing the divine presence of Ram Lala to life. Arun’s previous works have already earned him recognition, and if the statue crafted by him is chosen for installation, it will mark the third occasion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate his creations.
Delving into Arun Yogiraj’s journey, it is revealed that he departed from his corporate career in 2008 to pursue his passion for sculpting. Armed with an MBA, Arun’s transition into the world of art was a nod to his ancestral roots—his family has been engaged in murti-making for five generations. Over the years, Arun has crafted more than a thousand murti, showcasing his commitment to preserving and enriching India’s cultural and religious heritage.
Among his notable creations is the statue of Adi Shankaracharya, adorning Kedarnath, and the statue of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, proudly standing at India Gate in Delhi. Both statues were inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, highlighting Arun’s impact on the nation’s artistic landscape. Currently, Arun is working on the statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, commissioned by the Justice Department, to be installed in Jaisalmer House, Delhi—a testament to his versatility in portraying diverse historical and cultural figures.
As Arun Yogiraj Shilpi prepares for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, the nation eagerly awaits the unveiling of his masterpiece. The ceremony, which will be graced by the presence of Prime Minister Modi, will not only mark a historic moment for Ayodhya but will also celebrate the artistic brilliance of Arun Yogiraj Shilpi, whose dedication to his craft has brought life to the divine in the form of the idol of Ram Lala.
