There are still various components around the Statue of Equality that are yet to be constructed. Additionally, the maintenance of such a large project incurs costs. You can donate through any of the options below.
What is the Statue of Equality?
The Statue of Equality is a 216-foot (66-metre) panchaloha (five-metal alloy) statue of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya. The statue forms the highlight for a grand memorial and learning institution that is spread over a 45-acre complex on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India. The meditation hall under the statue houses a shrine for Bhagavad Ramanuja, featuring an archa-murti (deity) made with 120 kg of gold. Furthermore, there are 108 temples around the perimeter dedicated to the 108 Divyadesams.
The project was conceptualised by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, and inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on 5 February 2022. The meditation hall was inaugurated in the presence of President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, on 13 February 2022.
Why the Statue of Equality?
Learn more about Bhagavad Ramanujacharya and his contributions towards humanity at statueofequality.org
Features
- Bhagavad Ramanujacharya is commemorated with a 216-foot statue
- It is made from 700 tonnes of panchaloha (five metals): gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc.
- The statue lies on a 27-foot (8-metre) diameter lotus, which represents 24 tattvas, the Soul, Srimannarayana and Guru
- The lotus is carried by 36 elephants, mounted on a 54-feet high building (Bhadravedi).
- Bhadravedi houses a meditation hall, digital library, research centre, ancient texts, a theatre and a gallery.
- The meditation hall houses a 54-inch (1.4 metre) Ramanuja archa-murti (deity) made of 120 kg of gold
- The 120 kg of gold represents the number of years he lived.
- Surrounding the statue are stone models of the 108 Divyadesams (temples).
- 18-foot (5-metre) deities of Hanuman and Garuda are observed at the entrance.
- Other structures include an Omnimax Theatre, Musical Fountain, Grand Hall and Haritha Aramam (garden).
Project
- Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji planned to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Ramanuja’s teachings by building a statue.
- The foundation stone was laid in 2014 on a 45-acre complex on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India.
- 14 models of the project were designed according to Agama Shashtra and Shilpa Shastras.
- The selected model was conceptualised and revised with 3D technology.
- Donations paid for the entirety of the ₹1000 crore (AUD $180 million) project.
- The purpose of the project was to promote equality through Ramanuja’s teachings.
- Ramanuja encouraged temples to open their doors to everyone irrespective of caste or position in society.
- The inauguration of the statue is part of the ongoing 12-day celebration of Ramanuja’s 1000th birth anniversary.
- The 216-foot statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on 5 February 2022.
- The 120 kg gold statue was inaugurated by President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, on 13 February 2022.