On the first anniversary of the installation of the Ram Lalla murti in Ayodhya, sculptor Arun Yogiraj has unveiled an exhibition showcasing the tools he used to carve the murti. The exhibition, held at his art studio, features a gold chisel, a silver hammer, and a pedestal, which were used to create the iconic murti.
The exhibition, which coincides with the Pratishtha Dwadashi celebration, is a testament to the hard work and dedication that went into creating the Ram Lalla murti. Arun Yogiraj, who led the team of artists and craftsmen who worked on the murti, said that he has become a household name since the murti’s installation. Many people recognise him, and his studio has received numerous visitors.
This exhibition is a significant milestone in Arun Yogiraj’s life, and he expressed his happiness on this occasion. The Ayodhya Trust, responsible for the construction and maintenance of the Ram Mandir, has planned to celebrate the anniversary in grand style.
Ayodhya Mandir Completes One Year; Tourism Reaches New Heights
Today, January 11, marks the first anniversary of the installation of the Pran Pratishtha and installation Ram Lalla’s murti in Ayodhya. The Mandir, inaugurated on January 22, 2023, has become a significant tourist destination in India, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from across the country.
According to official figures, approximately 47 crore tourists visited Uttar Pradesh between January and September 2024, with 13.3 crore visiting Ayodhya alone. This is a testament to the mandir’s popularity and its ability to attract visitors from all over the world.
The mandir has also made headlines for its unique features, including the lion gate, 16.11 feet high from the ground level, and the sanctum sanctorum, which is 2.67 acres in area. Devotees have to climb 32 steps to enter the mandir mple built in the Ayodhya Nagara style.
The Ram Mandir, which has received international attention for its grandeur, is incomplete. The Mandir complex spans 72 acres, with only the Ram Mandir, which is approximately 3 acres in area, being completed. The main Mandir is 250 feet wide and 161 feet high, with a structure of 5 mandaps and a huge tower built on the sanctum sanctorum.
The entire complex will be completed in several phases, with various projects, including the renovation of Sri Ram Kund Yajnashaala, Karma Kshetra for Pooja Kainkarya, and the construction of a Huge Hanuman Statue, Museum, and Ramayana Library, in progress.
Guinness Record and Prestigious Awards
The Ram Mandir has been recognised for its grandeur and has set a Guinness record by lighting 25,12,585 lakh lamps on the banks of the Saryu river during Deepawali. The Mandir has also received the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ award, one of the world’s highest awards for maintaining the safety of the Ram Mandir.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a cultural program will be held at Angada Teela near the Mandir, featuring devotional songs by famous singers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform Abhishekam to Bala Ram at 11 am and inaugurate the program.
Arun Yogiraj to carve Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue for Maharashtra
Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who gained national prominence for his stunning statue of Balaram in the historic town of Ayodhya, has received a prestigious new commission to carve an impressive stone statue of the revered figure, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He expressed his enthusiasm for this significant project and shared images of his previous work.
The upcoming Mandir dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is set to be constructed in Thane, Maharashtra, spanning an area of one and a half acres in Marade Pada, located along Wada Road in Bhiwandi taluk. The Shivkranti Foundation spearheads the Mandir’s construction, which aims to serve as a monumental tribute to one of India’s most celebrated historical figures.
Speaking to reporters, Arun Yogiraj said, “I have got the opportunity to carve a stone statue of Shivaji Maharaj for a beautiful Mandir in Thane, Maharashtra,” and included a photograph of a statue he previously carved of Shivaji Maharaj. The images reveal the intricate detail and craftsmanship that Yogiraj is known for, hinting at the grandeur that his new work is likely to embody.
The Mandir project is a significant venture that began after the Bhoomi Pooja was conducted in 2018. However, it faced numerous challenges, particularly due to the constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mandir is designed to resemble a historic fort, encompassing 40 sections within its structure. These sections will narrate the life story and achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through various historical sculptures.
The Shivkranti Foundation wanted to create something monumental beyond mere celebrations of Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary. Local support and funds raised through the Shiva Pratishthan organisation have played a crucial role in transforming this vision into reality.
The fulfilment of this project not only pays homage to a legendary leader who played a significant role in Indian history but reflects great cultural pride among the people. The Mandir aims to become a key spiritual and tourist destination, connecting generations with the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
