Karnataka's sculptor Arun Yogiraj's carved idol of 'Ram Lalla' is set to be installed in Ayodhya's grand Ram temple, as announced by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday.

The inauguration of the Ram temple is scheduled for January 22, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the event.

Pralhad Joshi uploaded a post regarding the selection of the idol on X, where he stated, "Where Rama is, there is Hanuman" The selection of the idol for the Prana Pratishtapana of Lord Rama in Ayodhya has been finalized. Renowned sculptor of our country, our proud Mr @yogiraj_arun. The idol of Lord Rama carved by him will be installed in Ayodhya. This is another example of Rama Hanuman's inextricable relationship. There is no mistaking that this is an important service to Ramlallani from Karnataka, the land of Hanuman."

Karnataka's former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa expressed satisfaction, stating, "The idol of Lord Rama sculpted by the sculptor Arun Yogiraj of Mysuru has been selected for installation in the Sri Rama Mandir of Ayodhya, doubling the pride and happiness of Rama devotees in the state. Congratulations to ‘Shilpi @yogiraj_arun’."

Yediyurappa's son and BJP state president BY Vijayendra also acknowledged Yogiraj's work, emphasizing its significance for Mysuru and Karnataka. He remarked, "It is the pride of Mysuru, the pride of Karnataka that the idol of Ram Lalla carved by the unparalleled sculpture Arun Yogiraj will be enshrined in Ayodhya on January 22."

Vijayendra highlighted Karnataka's deep connection with Lord Rama, as Kishkindha, the birthplace of Rama's devotee Hanuman, is located in the state.

What did the sculptor say?

Speaking to PTI, Yogiraj expressed happiness at being selected among three sculptors by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra to carve the 'Ram Lalla' idol.

While he awaits official communication, Yogiraj noted that senior BJP leaders' posts on 'X' made him believe his work had been accepted.

Known for his previous works, including the idol of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath and the statue of Subhash Chandra Bose near India Gate in Delhi, Yogiraj acknowledged the challenge in sculpting the divine yet childlike face of 'Ram Lalla.'

He stated, "The idol should be of a child, who is divine too because it is the statue of the incarnation of God. People who look at the statue should feel the divinity."

Having commenced his work about six to seven months ago, Yogiraj expressed happiness and emphasized the importance of public appreciation for his creation. He said, "Keeping the divinity aspect along with the child-like face in mind, I started my work. Now I am extremely happy. More than selection, people should appreciate it. Only then, I will be happy."