Madhya Pradesh: All About 108-Foot Adi Shankaracharya Statue Set To Be Unveiled By CM Shivraj Chouhan Today
Discover the significance of the Adi Shankaracharya statue unveiling in Madhya Pradesh's Omkareshwar. Read on to learn about the tribute to unity, spirituality, and the philosopher's profound legacy.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to unveil a 108-foot-tall statue of the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya, on Thursday (September 21) in the temple town of Omkareshwar. This statue, named "Ekatmata Ki Pratima" or "Statue of Oneness," stands as a monumental tribute to Adi Shankaracharya's legacy and profound teachings. Originally slated for unveiling on September 18, the ceremony was postponed due to heavy rainfall in the region, as confirmed by an official source cited by news agency PTI.
Situated atop the scenic Mandhata hill, overlooking the Narmada river in Khandwa district, this towering structure was conceptualized under the guidance of Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas and the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC). It not only celebrates the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya but also commemorates his significant work, the commentary on 'Bharmasutrabhasya,' a fundamental text of the Vedanta school of Hinduism, emphasising the concept of Oneness.
Dikshu Kukreja, Managing Principal of CP Kukreja Architects and the visionary behind this cultural project told PTI, "This extraordinary structure, conceptualized to honor the life and philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, is a tribute to the great saint's masterpiece of commentary on 'Bharmasutra-bhasya."
He further added, "This cultural project will fulfill the much-treasured vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family).' With this 108 feet tall statue, Madhya Pradesh will consolidate its position as a cultural and spiritual hub for all religions."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh had earlier approved a Rs 2,141.85-crore project that included the construction of the Adi Shankaracharya statue along with a museum in Omkareshwar.
The inception of the statue dates back to 2018 when artist Vasudev Kamath from Sholapur created the initial portrait. Subsequently, a massive public rally and processions called "Ekatma Yatra" covered approximately 23,000 gram panchayats across the state, collecting metal for the statue with active community participation. This unique collaboration exemplifies the spirit of public-private partnership.
During a conversation with senior editor and columnist Vithal C Nadkarni, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan fondly recalled the remarkable achievements of Adi Shankaracharya, News 18 reported. Chouhan highlighted Shankaracharya's role in unifying the land known as Bharat-varsha, not only through his monistic philosophy called Advaita Siddhanta but also by establishing four spiritual mathas or monasteries strategically placed across the country.
Chouhan remarked, "This also highlights the timeless appeal of Acharya’s philosophy, for not only was the Master a child prodigy but he walked on foot at a tender age all over India for unity. He also brought the various sects under one roof with the worship of multiple deities on a single platform; he is therefore also lauded greatly as 'Shanmata-Sthapanacharya' or the Unifier of Six Creeds. He also composed voluminous commentaries on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagvad Gita in addition to mellifluous verses to the deities, all of which remain as classic authorities even today."
During Shankaracharya's time in the 9th century, there were six major sects, one dedicated to the Mother Goddess and the other four to Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesh. The sixth cult was centred on the God Skanda-Kartikeya, known as Murugan by Tamils in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and Mauritius. Adi Shankaracharya's significant contributions to uniting these disparate elements within India's spiritual landscape demonstrate his profound impact during his 32-year life.
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