Ayodhya Ram Mandir: The importance of Mysore's 'Krishna Shila' stone used in making Ram Lalla idol

Renowned sculptor Arun Yogiraj, hailing from Bujjegoudanapura village in HD Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka, played a crucial role in creating the idol of Ram Lalla for the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The idol, weighing 200 kg, captures the deity as a five-year-old boy standing with a gentle smile. This masterpiece, crafted from Krishna Shila stone, holds special significance in the eyes of all.
Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Ram Temple's trust, mentioned that the idol of Ram Lalla was carefully chosen from three contestants. Arun Yogiraj, along with other skilled artisans, was entrusted with the responsibility of depicting the childhood of Lord Ram through his sculpting expertise.

What is Krishna Shila Stone?
The 51-inch idol is sculpted from Krishna Shila stone, a type of stone abundant in HD Kote and Mysore districts. This stone, known for its black appearance, is called "krishnashila" due to its identical colour as that of Lord Krishna. The stone, which is primarily composed of calcite, is easily malleable for sculptors, allowing them to carve intricate patterns. Notably, the stone starts off with a soft texture when quarried and gradually hardens over 2–3 years. The sculpting process involves designing the desired pattern on the stone, followed by shaping it using chisels of various sizes to achieve intricate details. The stone is then meticulously carved using tools such as hammers and fine chisels. This careful craftsmanship ensures the creation of a visually stunning idol, reflecting the artistic prowess of Arun Yogiraj and his team.


Importance of Krishna Shila and Ram Lalla
The use of Krishna Shila stone in crafting Ram Lalla's idol not only adds to the visual appeal of the masterpiece but also highlights the rich artistic heritage present in Karnataka. The stone is called “Krishna Shila” because of its black colour, similar to that of Lord Krishna. The stone is composed of calcite and is easily malleable for sculptors, allowing them to carve intricate patterns. The stone starts off with a soft texture when quarried and gradually hardens over 2–3 years. The stone also symbolizes the connection between Lord Krishna and Lord Ram, who are both considered as incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Arun Yogiraj's dedication to depicting the childhood of Lord Ram through this medium contributes to the cultural and religious significance of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Mysore and Krishna Shila
For the uninitiated, Mysore has also been the center of Krishna Shila stone carving due to the abundant availability of stone deposits, which are available near the city. HD Kote, near Mysore, is the center for Krishna Shila stone deposits.
Arun Yogiraj, renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship, dedicated six months to shape the divine form of the Ram Lalla idol. Widely acknowledged for masterpieces like the 12-feet-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath and the imposing 30-feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate, Yogiraj brings a wealth of artistic expertise to the sacred creation. Notably, the intricate outfit adorning Ram Lalla was meticulously designed by Delhi-based couturier Manish Tripathi. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual essence of Varanasi, Tripathi and his skilled team invested approximately 40 days in translating their vision into reality, infusing the divine ensemble with elaborate embroidery featuring Vaishnavite symbols, adding a profound touch to the revered deity's appearance.