Unveiling the contenders: Ram Lalla idols that didn’t make the cut revealed

The idol of Lord Rama in the newly constructed Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was consecrated last Monday. The sculptor Arun Yogiraj from Mysore crafted the idol of Balak Ram, which is now consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum of the grand Ram Mandir.

Three sculptors, including Arun Yogiraj, Ganesh Bhatt from Honnavara, and Satyanarayan Pandey from Rajasthan, carved separate idols for the Ram Mandir. Arun’s creation ultimately got the final nod.

While Ganesh Bhatt and Arun Yogiraj chose the Krishna Shile, Pandey opted for an Amrita Shile (marble) as the medium. The statue sculpted by Satyanarayan Pandey and his team of art was unveiled on Tuesday.

Satyanarayan Pandey’s white marble idol of Ram Lalla, adorned with gold ornaments and clothes, is surrounded by an arch depicting various incarnations of Vishnu. Reportedly, this idol will be installed on the first floor of the temple complex.

Ganesh Bhatt’s creation was also released recently. It features Ram Lalla with Lord Surya on the crown, Surya chakra, and a lion on the idol. The monolithic idol contains a bow and arrow, with a face carved according to the Valmiki Ramayana. It has a soft belly and stands on a lotus petal pedestal, showcasing Hoysala style. Adjacent to the idol are carvings of Lord Brahma, Lakshmi, Hanuman, and Garuda.