Title: “Ancient Origins: Ayodhya’s Bala Ram Statue Carved from 2.5 Billion-Year-Old ‘Krishna Shila'”
In a grand ceremony held on Monday, the city of Ayodhya witnessed the unveiling and dedication of the Bala Ram idol, captivating devotees with the divine presence of Ram Lalla. The 51-inch statue, carved meticulously from black stone, drew attention not only for its impressive craftsmanship but also for the remarkable history embedded within the chosen material.
The unique Krishna Shila, sourced from the granite mines of Hobli village in Jayapura district, Mysore, Karnataka, has been revealed to be an astonishing 2.5 billion years old, according to tests conducted by HS Venkatesh, director of the National Institute of Rock Mechanics in Bangalore. The National Institute of Rock Mechanics, a pivotal organization for rock testing in Indian infrastructure projects, confirmed the exceptional age of the stone, making it a relic from the Precambrian age.
The granite stone’s durability, climate resistance, and remarkable age set it apart as the oldest rock in this sub-tropical zone. Earth itself is estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old, making the ‘Krishna Shila’ roughly half the age of our planet or potentially even more.
The stone, originating from the renowned Jayapura Hobli village, underwent a meticulous carving process lasting six months to bring forth the exquisite form of Ram Lalla. The sculptor behind this masterpiece is Arun Yogi Raj, a 38-year-old artist from Mysore, known for his exceptional craftsmanship. Raj’s previous notable work includes the creation of the 30-foot statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate in Delhi.
The Bala Ram idol not only stands as a symbol of devotion but also serves as a testament to the enduring nature of the ancient ‘Krishna Shila,’ connecting Ayodhya’s present with a remarkable geological past.
