Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SP)

Mysuru, Nov 5: The people of Karnataka are feeling proud as the idol of Adi Shankaracharya (Hindu philosopher who revived Hinduism in India) was unveiled in Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on Friday, said the sculptor, who carved the idol here in nine months.

The 12-feet Shankaracharya idol was sculpted out of a single piece of rock by local sculptor Arun Yogiraj and his team.

He expressed the belief that Shankakaracharya inspired him and got the statue carved through him, while humbly saying that he was just instrumental in executing the instructions of the divine.

The beautiful statue of Shankaracharya, who was an avid advocate of Advaita philosophy, which is 12 feet high and in sitting posture, was installed at Kedarnath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage centre for Hindus, in Uttarakhand on Friday November 6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the renovated tomb of Shankaracharya at Kedarnath on Friday and also unveiled the said statue.

Yogiraj said he was given the onus of creating the said statue. "Kedarnath is a pilgrimage centre that is one of the most liked destinations of the Prime Minister. I was fully aware when chiseling the statue out, that everytime I used the hammer to move the chisel for creating this statue, I am creating history. I continued with the belief that Sri Shankaracharya wa getting the things done by me. I used to carve the statue with total devotion, seeking divine guidance from the great philosopher and Guru. It was like the statue conversing with me on a daily basis till I finished," he stated, speaking to a Kannada daily.

Yogiraj said the idol represents 33-year old Adiguru Shankaracharya. "We have kept in mind that the face of idol should have a cherishing look, it should have a realistic appearance and it should also look beautiful from all 360 degree angles. Have read Shankaracharya's life history as preparations," he explained.

"I represent the fifth generation of sculptors in my family. My name was referred by Hampi Kannada University to the Prime Minister's Office in August 2020 for making of idol. The PMO office had asked to make 25 inches of idol from sculptors across the country. My model was finalised in September 2020," he stated.

Yogiraj, now 37, said he began to create sculptures when he was 11. "I always have kept in mind the advice of my father. He had said that the stone has to obey our wishes. With the blessings of my father and Shankaracharya, the work moved on smoothly without any hassles," he explained.

A seven-member team of sculptors headed by Arun Yogiraj got involved with the carving, and the team took nine months to finish the carving work. Eighty tonnes of black stone was used for the purpose. Pedestal and statue were carved separately and then joined. The work which began in September last year, was completed in June. After the carving was finished, it was sent to Chamauli, Uttar Pradesh from the airport here by an aircraft. From Chamauli, a Chinook helicopter carried the statue to Kedarnath.

"I reached Kedarnath and installation was done between September 25 and October 25. This is my honour. It was a big responsibility as lakhs of devotees turn out at Kedarnath pilgrimage centre," he expressed his happiness.

At the time of making and when the idol was given the final shape, a large number of people thronged to see the idol in making. "This is a matter of pride that an idol made in Karnataka is going to be installed at pilgrimage centre of Kedarnath. It's an honour for all sculptors in the state," he said.

The statue weighs 28 tonnes and it is made of black stone available in H D Kote taluk in this district. Black stone protects against fire, acid, air, water etc.

Some of the popular statues created by Arun Yogiraj are those of the late Siddaganga Swamiji installed in Haralur village near Siddaganga, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar in Mysuru, Dr B R Ambedkar statue in front of town hall here, common man statue in the railway museum etc.

Sculptors from different states had been chosen and the models sent by them were verified. The two-feet model of the statue made by ArunYogiraj was approved to be the best. Arun's father the late Yoigiraj, was a renowned sculptor and had won Amarashilpi Jakanachari award of the state government.

With IANS Inputs