Lucknow: In a significant revelation, Champat Rai, the general secretary of the temple trust overseeing the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, disclosed that the idol of Ram Lalla to be installed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum will be “shyamal (dark)” in complexion and will be in a standing posture. This marks the first public disclosure by a trust official regarding the chosen idol.
Rai, who also holds the position of vice-president in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), indicated that the final selection is likely to be one of two idols crafted by Karnataka sculptors Arun Yogiraj and Ganesh Bhatt. The chosen idol’s height from toe to eyebrows is specified to be 51 inches.
On December 29, all 11 trust members voted to select the idol from three contenders. One idol is made from white makrana marble from Rajasthan, crafted by Satyanarayan Pandey, while the other two are carved from dark Karnataka granite stones.
Rai emphasized that the stone used in the chosen idol will not be affected by water, milk, or other offerings. He assured that even if someone consumes the offerings, it will not have any side effects on the person. The same durability applies to the temple structure, as Rai explained that no temple built in north India in the past 300 years has incorporated such features.
The pran pratistha ceremonies, marking the consecration of the idol, are scheduled to commence from January 16. Following a nagar yatra (chariot tour around Ayodhya), the idol will be permanently placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on January 18. The formal consecration in the presence of Prime Minister Modi is set for January 22.
On Chaitra Shukla Navami (Ram Navami) every year, the rays of the Sun will smear the lord on his forehead (surya tilak), according to Rai. He added that due respect will be given to the other two idols, and they will be utilized by the temple trust.
