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Lord Ram is finally seen gracing the majestic Ram Mandir with his presence after the Praan Prathistha ceremony on 22nd January 2024. Every Indian celebrated his arrival with lightning diyas, distributing sweets and congratulating each other on this gracious and historic moment.

But the main focal point of this entire event was the graceful idol of the little Ram Lalla that left everyone teary-eyed. In this blog, we’ll learn about some facts and more about the Ram Lalla murti in Ayodhya Ram Mandir and discover its significance.

About Original Ram Lalla Idol

Ideally, there are two Lord Ram idols placed in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The first one was placed during the brimming struggle and claims for Ram Mandir. It was brought in by priest Abhiram Da, a saint of Nirmohi Akhara who placed it under the dome of Babri Masjid. 

Although there were several court hearings considering it as a hideous act of service, the murti was never displaced off from its position. Today, it has been rightly installed in the Ram Mandir of Ayodhya, following all the religious rituals. 

The Black Ram Lalla Murti

A black Ram Lalla idol, depicting Lord Ram in his Bal Avastha was installed during the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony. 

This beautiful murti is designed and sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, a highly-skilled sculptor from Mysuru - a southernmost city in Karnataka. It is a 51-inch tall idol weighing around 1.5 tonnes. What’s special about this idol is that it's made using a special kind of rock known as Shaligram. These rocks are estimated to be 60 million years old and hold great significance in Hindu mythology. 

Significance of Shaligram Rocks

Shaligram rocks are primarily found in the riverbed of Kali Gandaki situated in western Nepal. These are usually seen in different shapes and sizes with black or dark brown colors. These rare stones are formed from the fossilized shells of ancient sea creatures and have unique markings on them which are said to represent different aspects of Lord Vishnu. However, earlier in the past, they were formed from fossilized ammonite, a unique type of mollusk that existed millions of years ago.

Being a representation of Lord Vishnu, the Shaligram stone is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who worship it. In the ancient era, it was used as a foundation stone of most Hindu temples. Today, some of the most popular temples where Shaligram is placed for the offering are the Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand), Jagannath Temple (Puri), and the Ranganatha Temple (Sri Lanka). 

The Significance of Ram Lalla Murti

The magnificent Ram Lalla murti adorning the sanctum sanctorum of Ram Mandir is carved out of a 3 billion-year-old rock. What’s special about this rock is that will have no adverse effect from milk, water, or any other external element and will not get corroded over time. 

Besides, the length of the idol and its installation height are designed under the guidance of renowned Indian space scientists. It is placed in a way that every year, on Ram Navami i.e., the ninth of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, Suryadev will himself anoint Ram Lalla as the sun rays will directly shower upon his forehead during the noon, making it shine and glow. 

Hindu Symbols Incarved in Ram Lalla Idol

According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Ram is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Ram Lalla murti depicts the 10 avatars also known as Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, with each holding a special significance which is explained under:

• Matsya (The Fish): Represents the rescue of knowledge and preservation during the time of cosmic flood. 
• Kurma (The Tortoise): Symbol of support and stability
• Varaha (The Boar): Presents the rescue of Earth and restoration of Dharma
• Narasimha (The Man-Lion): Represents the simultaneous existence of man and animal and the victory over evil.
• Vamana (The Dwarf): Symbolizes humility and restoration of balance
• Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe): Signifies the destruction of monocracy and restoration of Dharma.
• Rama (The Prince of Ayodhya): The epitome of righteousness, Dharma and duty 
• Krishna (The Divine Cowherd): Represent love, compassion and empathy
• Buddha (The Enlightened One): An avatar practicing non-violence, compassion and spiritual teachings. 

• Kalki (The Future Warrior): Expected to appear in the future for the destruction of negative forces and establishment of righteousness.

• Besides this, one can also find Hanuman (Lord Ram’s ardent devotee) positioned beside the right foot of Ram Lalla. On the left foot is placed Garuda, the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. 

  More so, Ram Lalla is depicted standing on the lotus flower holding a golden bow in his left and an arrow in his right hand. 

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  Q1. What is the Significance of a Ram Idol Statue?
   A Ram idol statue is believed to bring peace, good fortune, and success to whosoever worships and adores it religiously.

  Q2. How to Choose the Right Ram Idol Statue for Your Home?

  A. While choosing the Ram idol statue for your home, make sure to consider its build and material. Idols made of brass are the most durable, however, they may lose their shine after a while. Hence, you can opt for idols made of polyresin that are easy to maintain and care for. Besides this, also look for the height of the statues, avoid placing tall idols, and rather go for something smaller that can easily fit in your home temple.

  Q3. Where can I find authentic Ram Idols?

  A. You can browse through various online platforms or home decor brands to find authentic ram idol statues 

  Q4. What stone is the Ram idol in Ayodhya made of?

  A. The Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya is made of black Shaligram rock.

  Q5. How to Care for and Maintain a Ram Idol?

  A. Here are some tips to care for your Ram idol statue:

  • Dust the idol using a soft, clean cloth regularly.
  • Avoid placing it under the direct sunlight.
  • Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners to clean the idol.

  Q6. Who made the idol of Ram in Ayodhya?

  A. The Ram idol in Ayodhya is made by a highly-skilled Mysuru-based sculptor, Arun Yogiraj.

  Q7. Where is the original Ram Lalla idol now?

  A. The original Ram Lalla idol is also moved to the new Ram Mandir and will be installed on a throne opposite the new Ram Lalla idol.