Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unveils a towering 108-foot statue of revered Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya today at Omkareshwar Dham, a significant Jyotirlinga site on the banks of the Narmada river. This statue is aptly dubbed the “Statue of Unity,” symbolizing harmony and spiritual oneness.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Towering Statue in Madhya Pradesh
Adi Shankaracharya, although born in present-day Kerala, found his spiritual enlightenment at Omkareshwar. The revered eighth-century philosopher later journeyed to Kashi after this profound spiritual realization in Khandwa district’s sacred Dham.
The unveiling ceremony, initially set for September 18, faced a postponement due to heavy rains in the region, rescheduling it to September 21. The entire project incurred a substantial cost, closely rivaling that of the renowned Statue of Unity. The expenditure for this remarkable statue reached Rs 2,141.85 crore, with an accompanying museum also constructed. In contrast, the Statue of Unity, standing at 597 feet, is five times larger than the Adi Shankaracharya statue and cost a total of Rs 2,989 crore to construct.
