ACTION PUNJAB NEWS Desk: The recently unveiled idol of Ram Lalla, the infant form of Lord Ram, at the new Ayodhya temple, has a remarkable origin—it is carved out of special black granite that dates back an astonishing 2.5 billion years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a Pran Pratishtha ceremony on Monday to mark the consecration of the 51-inch idol, which is crafted from a unique stone sourced all the way from Karnataka.
The choice of stone for the idol holds significance, as it is not just visually striking but also possesses remarkable durability and resistance to climatic variations. The geological analysis of the stone was conducted by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) in Bengaluru, under the direction of HS Venkatesh, the institute’s director. NIRM, a national facility responsible for testing rocks for various projects, employed physico-mechanical analysis to verify the stone’s attributes.
“The rock is highly durable and resistant to climatic variation and will sustain thousands of years in this subtropical zone with minimum maintenance,” affirms Dr. Venkatesh. The use of such an ancient and resilient material ensures that the idol can withstand the test of time in the subtropical climate of Ayodhya. Granitic rocks, like the black granite used for the Ram Lalla idol, typically form when molten lava cools down after the Earth’s formation. Known for its hardness, granite is a durable material that symbolises strength and endurance.
While the construction of the Ram Temple adheres to traditional architectural designs and incorporates the use of high-quality stones, it also integrates modern science and engineering techniques to enhance its longevity. Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh emphasises that the temple has been designed to endure for more than 1,000 years.
The chosen stone was extracted from the village of Jayapura Hobli in the Mysuru district, renowned for its high-quality granite mines. The journey of this ancient stone, from Karnataka to Ayodhya, not only contributes to the aesthetic and spiritual significance of the Ram Lalla idol but also represents a harmonious blend of tradition, science, and engineering in the creation of the revered temple.
The black granite rock from which the idol of Ram Lalla, the infant form of Lord Ram, has been sculpted, unveils a fascinating chapter of Earth’s history. Dated to the pre-Cambrian era, which commenced over four billion years ago, this ancient rock has witnessed at least half or more of the Earth’s geological timeline, dating back to the planet’s estimated origin around 4.5 billion years ago.
/ptc-news/media/media_files/psuVZ6q2PWG1nv3KtwbF.jpg)
To put this into perspective, early humans appeared on Earth approximately 14 million years ago, while the Homo sapiens species, as we recognise it today, is relatively young at just 300,000 years old. Scientists estimate the origin of life on Earth to be around four billion years ago, showcasing the profound age and endurance of the black granite used for the Ram Lalla statue.
The skilled hands of 38-year-old Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, belonging to a family with five generations of sculptors, meticulously crafted the exquisite idol. Arun, known for his artistry, spent six months sculpting the Ram Lalla statue, adding another masterpiece to his portfolio, which includes the iconic 30-feet black stone statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate in Delhi.
Also Read: Pran Pratishtha ceremony: Check full schedule for Ram Mandir consecration ceremony
Also Read: Ram Mandir Live Updates: Exclusive visuals of Ram Lalla idol out; Pran Pratishtha ceremony underway
The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), based in Bengaluru, played a crucial role in assessing the granite block. Their testing laboratories at Kolar Gold Fields provided insights to Nripendra Misra, the chairperson of the temple construction committee, indicating that the rock is “massive, melanocratic, and uniform in color.” Detailed analyses revealed that the stone is fine-grained, hard, compact, and boasts high compressive, tensile, bending, breaking strength, and elasticity.
Dr. Venkatesh, Director of NIRM, highlighted the rock’s exceptional qualities, making it ideal for carving. “In addition, the rock possesses high density, low porosity, and water absorption with high P-wave velocity; it is devoid of any internal cracks and fractures.” Notably, the stone exhibits water resistance and remains unresponsive to carbon reactions, further solidifying its suitability for enduring and preserving the intricate craftsmanship that embodies the spiritual significance of the Ram Lalla idol.
Also Read: Delhi experiences continued coldwave, some states witness moderate fog
Also Read: Ayodhya witnesses huge rush as Ram Temple thrown open for public darshan
(Inputs from agencies)
