Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Stone from Karkala to be used for sculpting Lord Ram’s idol

Team Udayavani, Mar 18, 2023, 8:46 AM IST

A stone from the small village of Edu in Karkala has been chosen for sculpting the idol of Lord Ram to be installed at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This has further cemented the reputation of Karkala as a hub of sculptors and stone artisans.

The stone, which weighs 10 tons, and is 6 feet wide, 4 feet thick and feet long, is called the Nellikaru stone, was chosen after a long and meticulous process involving rock experts and local Bajrang Dal workers. The exquisite stone was dispatched to Ayodhya by a huge lorry after offering Puja. The ceremony was attended by Karnataka Minister for Energy and Kannada and Culture Department V. Sunil Kumar.

Karkala’s Nellikaru rocks have gained international recognition for their unique properties and have been used in the construction of several famous sculptures, including the Karkala Baahubali. Idols made with these stones are displayed in prestigious locations such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The choice of Karkala’s Nellikaru stone for the construction of the Rama idol in Ayodhya is a matter of great pride for the people of the village and the entire Karkala region.