In a significant development, the original Ram Lalla idol, crucial due to its unique five to six-inch height and limited visibility from 25 to 30 feet, is set to be positioned prominently in front of the upcoming Ram Temple idol in Ayodhya. According to Govind Dev Giri, the treasurer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, this move aims to emphasize the importance of the original idol.
Scheduled for consecration on January 22, the new Ram Lalla idol will be complemented by the existing Lord Ram idol, currently housed in a temporary shrine. Giri highlighted the necessity for a larger idol, stating, “It (the original Ram Lalla idol) will be placed in front of Ram Lalla. The original idol is very important. It is five to six inches in height and cannot be seen from a distance of 25 to 30 feet. That is why we needed a bigger idol,” as per PTI reports.
The recent installment of a 51-inch Ram Lalla idol in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum marked a significant milestone. Out of three meticulously crafted idols of Lord Ram, the one sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru earned the distinction of being selected for “Pran Prathistha.”
Govind Dev Giri expressed the difficulty in choosing among the exquisite idols, emphasizing their adherence to specific criteria. “The first criterion was that the face should be child-like with a divine glow. Lord Ram was ‘ajaanbaahu’ (a person whose arms reach near the knees). So the arms should be of that length,” Giri explained. The chosen idol for the consecration ceremony was described as “stout and had a good personality,” with well-proportioned limbs.
As the construction of the Ram Temple surpasses ₹1,100 crore in expenses, Giri acknowledged the potential need for an additional ₹300 crore to complete the project. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust remains committed to honoring Lord Ram with due reverence and meticulous attention to detail in the temple’s completion.
