The grand consecration of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, was one of the historic moments for Ram bhakts across the world. Along with the temple, there was something that attracted equal curiosity.
Yes, it was the news that not one but three Ram Lalla murtis had been specially carved for the temple. Since only one deity now sits in the Garbagriha, many devotees still have a question - what happened to the other Ram Lalla idols?
The answer is much more meaningful than you could expect. The three Ram Lalla statues were not made as alternatives to each other. Each one represents the deep devotion of sculptors, months of dedicated service and careful study of traditional scriptures. Although only one murti was selected for the main sanctum, the other two murtis remain with the trust.
In this article, we will explore why three Ram Lalla idols were commissioned, who crafted them, and where each idol is today. So, let’s get started!
Why were Three New Ram Lalla Idols Created?
Many people have a misbelief that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has instructed to craft several idols so that they could choose the best one among all. But that’s only part of the story.
The trust invited the three renowned and accomplished sculptors from different traditions. All three sculptors used their knowledge, religious guidelines and temple traditions to create a Ram Lalla murti. Each murtikar received the same spiritual vision for the murti to be crafted as a five-year-old child form of Lord Ram.
Despite the same instructions, no two sculptors crafted the identical idol. Every experienced artisan understood facial expressions, proportions, posture and ornamentation in a unique way. These small yet powerful artistic decisions created different emotions in the final murti.
After careful consideration, the Trust selected one idol for the sanctum sanctorum. But that doesn’t mean that the remaining two idols were rejected or discarded. The temple Trust from the beginning clarified that all three Ram Lalla murtis would receive the same honour inside the temple complex.
The Ram Lalla Murti Chosen for the Sanctum
Among the three newly commissioned Ram Lalla idols, the Trust selected the murti crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj.
The idol was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is 51 inches tall and portrays Lord Rama as a five-year-old child with calm and quiet expressions. The sculptor used Krishna Shila, a dark black stone known for durability and handling fine detailing, to carve the idol.
The larger size allows devotees to even stand at a distance to have a clear glance at Lord Rama. While the selection of this murti completed one stage of the temple, it didn’t end the journey of the other two sculptures. Each of them became part of the temple premises through the months of dedication invested by their creators.
The White Makrana Marble Ram Lalla Murti Crafted by Satya Narayan Pandey
Among the three Ram Lalla idols, one drew attention for its traditional craftsmanship and timeless appeal. The idol was crafted by renowned sculptor Satya Narain Pandey and his team, who belong to a family that has preserved the art of marble murti making for generations.
Satya Narain Pandey and his team stayed in Ayodhya for over 8 months to complete this sacred work. The murti was carved in pure Makrana white marble, the same stone used in the Taj Mahal and is known for its smooth texture, natural strength and spiritual symbolism. The Artisan trusted pure white marble for sacred idols because this natural stone retains its beauty even after years of regular worship.
Creating such a sacred idol, showcasing Lord Ram as a five-year-old child, demanded more than just technical skills. The team worked day and night to craft an idol that reflects the innocence of childhood while carrying the quiet dignity of Lord Ram. The eyes must express compassion, the smile could not look exaggerated, and even the folds of clothes and ornaments had to remain balanced so nothing distracted devotees.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced that the remaining idols would also become part of the temple complex. Along with the Ram Lalla Statue, Satya Narain Pandey and his team crafted more than 30 idols in marble and sandstone for the temple complex, which mainly include a marble Ram Darbar installed on the first floor of the temple.
The Third Ram Lalla Statue and Its Place in the Temple
The third Ram Lalla idol was sculpted by Bengaluru-based artisan Ganesh Bhatt. Just like the other sculptors, he followed the same spiritual guidelines while presenting his own artistic interpretation of young Lord Rama.
Despite there being a slight difference in facial features, posture and decorative details, the purpose remains the same. Every Ram Lalla idol represented the Lord in his divine child form and respected the tradition laid down for temple worship.
When the news came out of the final selection of the Ram Lalla murti, some people believed that only one sculpture would remain important. However, the Trust made it clear that all three Ram Lalla idols would receive the same honour within the temple complex. They kept the remaining two idols and decided to place them at different locations within the Ram Mandir premises.
Conclusion
The story of Ram Lalla murti is not limited to just one sculpture standing inside the Ram Mandir sanctum. It includes the historical one that remained the source of faith for decades, the newly consecrated idol in Garbha Griha, and the other beautifully crafted sculptures that become part of the temple premises.
Together, these idols tell a story of devotion and faith and remind every devotee that they carry a purpose beyond the stone they are carved from. Behind every idol we pray to stands months of hard work, generations of artistic knowledge and a deep sense of responsibility towards the deities.
When devotees pray before the Ram Lalla statue, they witness the divinity and assurance that the Lord is listening to their prayers, much like the devotion reflected in the craftsmanship of Marble Murti Manufacturers in Jaipur.
FAQs
1. Why were three Ram Lalla idols created for Ram Mandir?
Three renowned sculptors were invited to create Ram Lalla idols following the same spiritual and traditional guidelines.
2. Which Ram Lalla murti was selected for the sanctum?
The murti crafted by Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj was selected for the sanctum sanctorum.
3. Who crafted the white marble Ram Lalla murti?
The white Makrana marble Ram Lalla murti was crafted by Satya Narain Pandey and his team.
4. What happened to the other two Ram Lalla idols?
The other two idols were retained by the temple Trust and were planned to be placed at different locations within the Ram Mandir complex.
5. What stone was used to create the white Ram Lalla murti?
The murti was carved from pure Makrana white marble, known for its smooth texture and natural strength.