The intricate sculpting artistry of Rajasthan, known for its precision, elegance, and sheen, is set to be featured at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Artist Prashant Pandey, along with a talented team of 20 artisans in Pandey Murti Kala Kendra, is creating an elaborate Ram Darbar that will be placed in the temple's inner sanctuary.
According to Nripendra Mishra, head of the temple construction committee, the Ram Darbar installation is scheduled for next month and will be open to devotees from June 6. This event will also mark the final completion of the temple's construction, which began in 2020.
The artisans of the Pandey Murti Kala Kendra are putting the final touches on a new set of idols for the Ram Darbar, which is set to be installed on the first floor of the Ram Mandir.
“The idols of Lord Ram, his brothers, and Goddess Sita are expected to reach Ayodhya and be installed on the temple’s first floor on May 23,” Mishra told news agency PTI.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Prashant Pandey and Puneet Pandey of Pandey Murti Kala Kendra shared that they have crafted 19 idols for the Ram Darbar.
“The idols for the Ram Darbar are completed and once we get a call from the temple authorities, we will send the idols to Ayodhya,” Puneet said.
“Ram Darbar will be depicting the coronation of Lord Ram when he returns from ’vanvas’ with Devi Sita after defeating Ravana. The Ram Darbar will have 19 idols including that of Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Bharat, Laxman, and others,” he added.
Pandey Murti Kala Kendra was among the two ateliers chosen to sculpt the main idol for the Ram Mandir. The Pandey brothers’ father, Satya Narayan Pandey, was the principal artisan behind their entry. Prashant said their team worked with white Makrana marble and stayed in Ayodhya for eight months to craft their version of the idol. Though the idol made in Karnataka was ultimately selected for installation, the Pandey family’s marble idol remains in Ayodhya.
“Our marble idol is still in Ayodhya, but it is yet to be installed. We have made 11 other idols for the main temple which have already been installed there,” said Prashant.
Pandey Murti Kala Kendra specialises in handcrafted stone idols that are shipped across the globe. “We recently exported an idol to ISKCON in Pakistan, and another is currently being made. We also have one ready for Bangladesh, but due to the security situation there, it hasn’t been sent yet,” Puneet said.
“Creating a perfect idol is a multi-stage process. There are dedicated artisans for carving the body, hair, face, and ornaments. Selecting the right stone is the most critical step. My brother and I personally oversee each stage, and every idol undergoes multiple quality checks before dispatch,” Puneet added.
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