During the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya’s temple on January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may offer a gem-studded replica of the structure prepared by a Gulabi Meenakari artisan from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.
“The replica of the Ram temple is one of the most unique offerings to lord Ram as this art form is found nowhere in the world, except Varanasi," said Kunj Bihari Singh, the artisan.
The replica is set to join the list of other gifts, including a 2,100 kg bell, 108-ft-long incense stick weighing 3,610 kg and others that have so far reached Ayodhya.
Talking to News18, Singh said it took around 108 days to prepare the replica of the Ram temple. “The replica weighs around 2.5 kg and is prepared from 108 different parts made of pure silver and gold. The gems are also studded in several parts of the temple to give it a unique look," said Singh.
Singh said that he was trying to approach the UP government, requesting that the replica be offered by PM Modi during the ceremony.
‘MOST UNIQUE GIFT’
Singh claimed that the replica would be among the most unique gifts for lord Ram on his homecoming. “It’s the rare art form that makes it unique," said Singh.
WHAT IS GULABI MEENAKARI?
Gulabi Meenakari is one of the rarest forms of craftwork found only in Varanasi, claimed Singh. Highlighting its history, he said it is a Persian art said to have originated in Iran. It was brought to India by Persian enamelists during the Mughal period. However, over time, it disappeared from other parts of the world, but not from Varanasi, where it still exists, with a ‘Banarasi’ flavor.
THE ‘BANARASI’ TOUCH
He said although the art of enameling originated in Persia, the people here gave it a ‘Banarasi’ touch by adding pink to it. “The pink comes from gold oxide. That is how it got the name Gulabi Meenakari," he added.
GIFTED TO US PREZ BIDEN
This is not the first time that Gulabi Meenakari artefacts have been presented. Prior to this, PM Modi gifted a Gulabi Meenakari brooch and cufflinks to US President Joe Biden during the recent G7 summit in Germany in June 2022.
Kashi is home to around 80 families, including 400 women, settled in Gaye Ghat and other neighboring pockets, where they work around-the-clock on these artefacts.
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