While the recently consecrated Ram Lalla idol has found its place in the sacred sanctum of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, two other equally exquisite idols, awaiting their final placement within the temple complex, have garnered attention. One such idol, a 51-inch statue, intricately carved from a unique black stone called Krishna Shila by sculptor Ganesh Bhatt, has captured the admiration of devotees and art enthusiasts. Although not selected for the central sanctum, the Trust overseeing the temple’s affairs has confirmed that Bhatt’s creation will be enshrined within the temple precinct.
The dark stone Krishna Shila used for carving this idol was sourced from the fertile lands of Hegadadevana Kote in Karnataka’s Mysuru. The idol, resonating with the innocence of the five-year-old Ram Lalla, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of Ganesh Bhatt.
Bhatt’s creation is one of the two idols that did not make it to the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum). The second idol, sculpted by Satyanarayan Pandey, is also awaiting its final placement.
The white marble idol of Ram Lalla, crafted by Satyanarayan Pandey, is adorned with golden jewelry and clothes. Encircled by an arch depicting various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, this idol is likely to be installed on the first floor of the temple.
The idol that currently graces the sanctum sanctorum is the work of Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj. Carved from a three-billion-year-old rock known as Krishna Shila or black schist, this ancient stone was excavated from Gujjegowdanapura village in Mysuru, adding a touch of timeless grandeur to the idol. Chosen for its embodiment of child-like innocence combined with divinity and royalty, Yogiraj’s creation features lotus petal-like eyes and a moonlit radiant face.
With these distinctive idols, the Ram Mandir will enshrine four representations of Ram Lalla, each contributing to the sanctity and artistic richness of the temple.
