The newly built Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands as a grand symbol of faith, devotion, and India’s rich artistic legacy. Alongside worshipping Bhagwan Ram, devotees will witness Rajasthan’s centuries-old sculptural brilliance embodied in every murti. Crafted by master artisans from Jaipur, these divine sculptures transform stone into sacred art, reflecting a timeless bond between tradition and spirituality.
When devotees step into the sanctum sanctorum of the magnificent Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, they will not only worship Bhagwan Ram but also pay silent tribute to the exquisite craftsmanship and traditional sculpture art of Rajasthan. Crafted by master sculptors from Jaipur, the divine murtis of Gauri-Shankar, Lakshmi-Narayan, Jaladhari, Nandi, and Kurma are carved from white Makrana marble and black marble sourced from Baisnana village near Alwar. These murtis are not just sacred symbols but also living evidence of Jaipur’s centuries-old sculpting tradition.
For 135 years, the Sharma family of Jaipur, known in the city as “Chhoti Kashi” (Little Kashi), has been transforming stones into divine forms. Now, they have brought this cherished heritage into the heart of Ayodhya. In the sanctum of the Ram Mandir, alongside the Ram Darbar, stand the consecrated idols of Gauri-Shankar and Lakshmi-Narayan. Meanwhile, the Shiva temple within the complex houses the divine figures of Nandi, Jaladhari, and Kurma (the turtle incarnation).
Master sculptor Govind Sharma, who carved these idols, explained that the Gauri-Shankar and Lakshmi-Narayan statues flank the Ram Darbar on the right and left sides. These figures were meticulously crafted from Makrana marble, while the Jaladhari, Nandi, and Kurma were sculpted from black marble sourced from Baisnana village near Alwar. The stone underwent rigorous testing before carving began, and clay models of the idols were created for approval. Key trustees of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, including Secretary Champat Rai and Treasurer Govind Giri Maharaj, visited to inspect these clay prototypes, suggesting minor adjustments before granting final approval.
Govind Sharma shared that this project was far more than a mere sculpting task for him; it was a profound experience akin to receiving the blessings of Bhagwan Ram himself.
One remarkable incident during the carving process adds a touch of divine mystery to these creations. Sadanand Sharma, the craftsman behind the Nandi statue, claimed that while sculpting Nandi Maharaj, three horizontal lines, the ‘Tripund’ miraculously emerged on Nandi’s forehead on their own. Initially surprised, the family soon accepted it as a divine play and continued the work with greater devotion. The murtis’ ornaments were crafted using natural gold, with intricate detailing that reflects the highest level of craftsmanship. Despite the immense pressure and responsibility that came with working for the revered Ram Mandir, the artisans believe that divine blessings guided their hands at every step, culminating in the consecration of these sacred murtis at Ayodhya.
A Legacy of 135 Years and Countless Mandirs
Devkinandan Sharma, the senior-most member of the family, proudly recounts that their family’s sculpting tradition was initiated by his grandfather and has now reached its fourth generation. This is not the first time their murtis have been enshrined in a major Mandir. Previously, the family crafted the Shivling and Nandi for the renowned Somnath Mandir. Their craftsmanship also adorns the Bharat Mata Mandir and Pawan Dham in Haridwar and the Trimbakeshwar Mandir in Nashik. Jaipur’s Birla Mandir and Delhi’s Birla Mandir also feature murtis crafted by this talented family.
Thus, the murtis now installed in the Ram Mandir stand as more than just objects of devotion; they are vibrant testimonies to Jaipur’s rich sculptural heritage, showcasing the city’s fusion of faith, art, and dedication.
The Sapta Rishi Mandal: Next in Line
Continuing this artistic saga, the statues of the Sapta Rishi Mandal for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir are currently being crafted in Jaipur. These will be dispatched to Ayodhya after Deepawali. Esteemed Jaipur artists Satyanarayan Pandey and Prashant Pandey are leading this project. They have previously sculpted idols for foreign temples as well.
Skilled artisans from Jaipur’s renowned Pandey Murti Bhandar are creating not only the Sapta Rishi Mandal but also other mesmerising statues for the Ram Mandir. These include child-form statues of Bhagwan Ram, Mata Shabari, Nishadraj, and the Sapta Rishis: Sage Vashishtha, Pulastya, Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulaha, and Kratu. These seven sages will be installed in alignment with their celestial configuration, mirroring their kite-like formation in the cosmos, as visible in the night sky.
Pandey Murti Bhandar has the singular honour of sculpting the 5-foot-tall child-form statue of Ram Lalla. This remarkable creation is the handiwork of master artisan Satyanarayan Pandey and young sculptor Prashant Pandey, who refined his skills in sculpting at ENSBA Art College in Paris, France.
A Global Reputation
The reputation of Jaipur’s sculptors extends far beyond India’s borders. Pandey Murti Bhandar has crafted murtis for Mandirs in Pakistan, London, and the United States, including several ISKCON temples. Their creations grace Swaminarayan temples, the Birla Mandir’s Lakshmi-Narayan murtis, and ISKCON’s Krishna-Balaram statues both in India and abroad.
Approximately 20 statues from Jaipur are being sent to Ayodhya for the Ram Mandir. Among these is a unique statue of Mata Shabari holding a basket of berries, with Bhagwan Ram depicted tasting the berries, a scene that immortalises this beloved tale. Another statue shows Nishadraj ferrying Ram, Sita, and Lakshman across the Ganga during their exile.
Even Ganapati and Guardian Statues Are Jaipur’s Gift
The 11-inch murti of Ganapati adorning the main entrance of the Ram Mandir, known as the Ganesh Pol, also hails from Jaipur. Additionally, 8-feet-tall statues of Jai and Vijay installed on the outer wall of the sanctum, and 33-inch murtis of Hanuman and Ganesh positioned at Koligokh, were all sculpted by Jaipur’s gifted artisans.
The Ram Mandirs divine sculptures are not just embodiments of faith they are a testament to the timeless sculptural tradition of Jaipur. By transforming lifeless stones into embodiments of the divine, Jaipur’s artists have woven an enduring link between devotion, craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage for generations to come.
