The Claim by News24
On December 14th, News24 posted a tweet suggesting that Muhammad Jamaluddin and his son Bittu were the sculptors behind the idol of Ram Lalla for the Ayodhya temple. They hail from West Bengal. The tweet, written in Hindi, strongly implied that the main idols were being created by this Muslim father-son duo. This sparked both debate and misunderstanding regarding the religious identity of the artisans engaged in this sacred task.
The Actual Role of Jamaluddin
Contrary to the implications made by News24, a closer examination reveals that Jamaluddin and his son are not involved. In fact they are not crafting the primary idol destined for the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Multiple reliable reports make it clear that Jamaluddin is instead channeling his artistic skills into crafting decorative fiber statues.
They are specifically designed for the grand opening ceremony of the Ram Mandir. These fiber statues, intended for aesthetic purposes, do not serve as the central deity within the temple.
Insights from Credible Media
Reports from reputable sources such as India Today and TV9 provide clarity on Jamaluddin’s artistic endeavors. The father-son duo is working on life-size fiber statues that will adorn the temple complex and various key locations in Ayodhya during the inauguration ceremony. These statues depict various deities contributing to the visual splendor of the auspicious occasion.
Understanding Fiber Idols
To comprehend the significance of Jamaluddin’s work, it’s essential to recognize that fiber idols are primarily crafted for decorative purposes. They are not traditionally used as the principal deities in Hindu temples. Unlike the main idols, which are made from stones, fiber idols offer a durable and lightweight alternative. They are suitable for decorative elements and export purposes.
The Truth Behind Ram Lalla’s Idols
In the larger context, it’s vital to acknowledge that three distinct artists—Ganesh Bhatt and Arun Yogiraj from Karnataka, and Satyanarayan Pandey from Jaipur—are each contributing to the creation of three unique idols of Ram Lalla. Crafted from stones sourced from Karnataka and Rajasthan, these idols will undergo a rigorous selection process by a committee. One of these Ram Mandir’s idols will find its permanent home in the sanctum sanctorum, while the remaining two will grace prominent spaces within the temple complex.