MYSURU: Arun Yogiraj, the Mysuru-based sculptor headlined news all across India after the Ram Lalla idol he carved was selected to be placed as the main idol of the historic Ram temple in Ayodhya. Arun Yogiraj has been invited to the Pran Prathista ceremony on January 22, but his family members have been omitted from the list.

Arun's wife Vijetha and their two children wanted to be in Ayodhya to witness the ceremony but haven’t got the invitation from the trust. Arun is currently in Ayodhya. His family was elated after Arun’s sculpture was selected for the temple.

“ He never told me the news that his idol was selected. I learned it through the media. He gave it his 100% and did a lot of research for the work. I am very happy” Vijetha said.

Meanwhile, the idol of Ram Lalla was brought to the temple on Wednesday. The idol was lowered into the sanctum sanctorum using a crane. Ram Lalla is a five-year-old idol of Rama. Arun had earlier told the media that the idol embodies the divine nature of a child and represents an incarnation of God.

The idol weighs around 150-200 kg and has been carved out of granite. It is reported that there is a possibility of installing the idol in the shrine today. A silver idol of Ram Lalla, decorated with roses, marigolds, and a lotus garland, was brought to the temple amidst much celebration and fanfare.