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In Jaipur, artisans prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime event – installing idols in Ayodhya’s ‘Ram Darbar’

'Ram Darbar' will be open for devotees from June 6; the event will mark completion of the construction of the temple which started in 2020

Ram Darbar, Ayodhya Ram Darbar, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Pandey Murti Kala Kendra, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Ram Mandir, Indian express news, current affairs

Now, artisans at Pandey Murti Kala Kendra are giving finishing touches to the idols for the ‘Ram Darbar’ which will come up at Ram Mandir’s first floor in Ayodhya.

It’s been a busy year for Pandey Murti Kala Kendra in Jaipur which has been in news for the idol it made for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2024.

Now, artisans at Pandey Murti Kala Kendra are giving finishing touches to the idols for the ‘Ram Darbar’ which will come up at Ram Mandir’s first floor in Ayodhya.

The Ram temple in Ayodhya will see the installation of a ‘Ram Darbar’ next month which will be open for devotees from June 6, temple construction committee chief Nripendra Mishra told PTI.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Prashant Pandey and his brother Puneet Pandey of Pandey Murti Kala Kendra said that they have carved 19 idols for the ‘Ram Darbar’.

The event will also mark the completion of the construction of the temple which started in 2020. The Ram Lalla consecration in 2024 was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It is expected that the idols of Lord Ram and that of his brothers and goddess Sita will arrive in Ayodhya and be installed on the temple’s first floor on May 23,” Mishra told PTI.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Prashant Pandey and his brother Puneet Pandey of Pandey Murti Kala Kendra said that they have carved 19 idols for the ‘Ram Darbar’.

“The idols for the Ram Darbar are completed and once we get a call from the temple authorities, we will send the idols to Ayodhya,” Puneet said.

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“‘Ram Darbar’ will be depicting the coronation of Lord Ram when he returns from ’vanvas’ with Devi Sita after defeating Ravana. The Ram Darbar will have 19 idols including that of Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Bharat, Laxman, and others,” Puneet Pandey said.

Pandey Murti Kala Kendra was one of the two artisans selected for making the main idol at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Satya Narayan Padney, father of Pandey brothers, was the main artisan of the idol.

Prashant Pandey said that they created white idol for the temple with the stone from Makrana marble mines. Prashant said that to create the idol, their team had stayed in Ayodhya for eight months. However, the idol made in Karnataka was finally selected as the main idol of the Ram temple.

“Our marble idol is still in Ayodhya, but it is yet to be installed. We have made 11 other idols for the main temple which have already been installed there,” said Prashant.

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Pandey Murti Kala Kendra has been in the business of making handcrafted stone idols for more than five decades. Their handcrafted idols are being exported to all the corners of the world.

“Recently, we exported an idol for ISKCON in Pakistan and another one is under construction. We also have an idol ready for Bangladesh but due to the security situation there, it is not exported yet,” said Puneet Pandey.

“To make a perfect idol, there are multiple stages. There are specialised artisans to carve body, hair, ornaments, or face. Choosing the right stone is the most important step,” Puneet said. “My brother and I are involved in the process and each idol will be checked multiple times before sending,” said Puneet.

Parul Kulshrestha

Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions. Expertise and Experience Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public. Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas: Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight. Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women. Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use. Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More

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