By Vivek Dubey
CNBC-TV18.com
Published Jan 22, 2024
Arun Yogiraj, the sculptor from Karnataka, described himself as the “luckiest person on earth” on the day of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.
Arun, a fifth-generation sculptor, has crafted numerous statues, but the Ram Lalla idol has garnered unprecedented attention.
The idol of Ram Lalla, portraying the deity as a five-year-old standing on a lotus, was unveiled at the temple last week.
Crafted from black stone, the 51-inch idol was concealed under a veil until the day of the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration ceremony and has previously praised Arun’s talent.
Arun has created several notable works, including statues of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath and Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate.
Arun’s father, Yogiraj, is also a skilled sculptor, and his grandfather received patronage from the King of Mysore.
Arun’s skills are in high demand, with various states approaching him for statues of achievers.
Arun, who has been carving since childhood, pursued an MBA and worked in the corporate sector before returning to his inherent passion in 2008.
Arun was among 3 sculptors selected by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra to carve an idol of ‘Ram Lalla’.
Images: instagram.com/arun_yogiraj