Why is Ram Mandir Idol Carved from Unique Krishna Shila? A Tale of Tradition and Durability
Why is Ram Mandir Idol Carved from Unique Krishna Shila? A Tale of Tradition and Durability
In the sacred precincts of Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, the recently enshrined idol of Ram Lalla has a remarkable tale tied to the choice of the unique Krishna Shila (black stone) for its creation. Shedding light on this rare selection is the wife of the skilled sculptor, Arun Yogiraj, named Vijeta Yogiraj.
The important decision was taken in a two-day meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on the Ram Lalla idol. A large black stone (Krishna Shila) was dispatched from Nellikaru village in Karkala to Ayodhya.
The idol, designed by Arun Yogiraj, holds significance not just for its religious connotation but also for the enduring properties of the Krishna Shila. According to Vijeta Yogiraj, the stone possesses qualities that allow for the consumption of offerings like milk during Abhishek without affecting one’s health, making it an ideal choice for crafting the sacred idol.
The Krishna Shila does not react to acids, fire, or water, and it is expected to endure for thousands of years.
Ram Mandir Trust general secretary Champat Rai said, “A high-level team consisting of top seers, geologists, sculptors, experts of Hindu religious texts, engineers of the rocks and the Mandir Trust office-bearers conducted deep technical and religious studies over the rocks.”
Vijeta Yogiraj highlighted the meticulous lifestyle adopted by Arun Yogiraj during the entire sculpting process. He adhered to a ‘Sattvic’ diet, consuming limited foods like fruits and sprouted grains over six months.
Arun Yogiraj, a fifth-generation sculptor, commenced his artistic journey at the age of 11, turning the family tradition into a symbol of recognition worldwide. Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming love and blessings received from people across the country, the family plans to visit Ayodhya after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony to express their appreciation.
This unique combination of tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring Krishna Shila marks the creation of Ram Lalla’s idol, adding a distinctive chapter to the narrative of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
