Adi Shankaracharya Statue : A Celebration of Unity and Devotion in Madhya Pradesh
In a momentous ceremony, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan proudly unveiled a towering 108-foot-high statue of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered eighth-century philosopher known for his significant contributions to ‘Sanatan Dharma,’ the ancient Hindu religion. This monumental statue now graces the serene hillock of Mandhata in Omkareshwar, nestled in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the natural backdrop.
The event was nothing short of a spiritual extravaganza, with religious fervor permeating the atmosphere. Approximately 300 renowned Vedic scholars from across India participated in the ceremonial ’21 Kund Yagna,’ where sacred containers played a central role. The air resonated with the melodious chanting of shlokas (spiritual verses) and the soul-stirring sounds of conches.
A gathering of around 5,000 seers, hailing from various corners of the nation, graced this grand occasion with their presence, enhancing the spiritual aura of the event. Cloaked in saffron attire and immersed in devotion, Chief Minister Chouhan himself performed intricate religious rituals associated with the consecration of the statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The priests chanted shlokas and hymns, adding a sacred touch to the proceedings. Chouhan also embarked on a ceremonial circumambulation, known as ‘Parikrama,’ around the hillock, a place of great significance for Hindus due to its association with the revered Omkareshwar shrine.
In his address, Chief Minister Chouhan emphasized the message of peace and unity that the statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya would convey to the world. He highlighted the saint’s invaluable contributions to Sanatan Dharma, noting that Adi Guru Shankaracharya Maharaj played a pivotal role in connecting the country culturally. His tireless efforts to disseminate the essence of the Vedas among the common people and the establishment of four monasteries in different corners of the country played a pivotal role in uniting India culturally.
Born in Kerala, Adi Shankaracharya’s journey to Omkareshwar, where he gained profound wisdom, was awe-inspiring. He embarked on a remarkable pilgrimage of over 1600 kilometers through dense forests to reach the sacred Omkareshwar, situated on the banks of the Narmada River. His teachings primarily revolved around the Advait Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the concept of ‘Oneness’ in the spiritual realm.
Adding to the cultural richness of the event were mesmerizing traditional dances rooted in Sanatan culture, infusing a spiritual essence into the gathering.
The idea of erecting the statue of Adi Shankaracharya was conceived by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in 2017, and it has now come to fruition as a symbol of reverence and cultural unity.
In addition to the statue unveiling, Chief Minister Chouhan laid the foundation stone for the ambitious ‘Advait Lok’ project in Omkareshwar, with an estimated cost of Rs 2,200 crore. This site holds significance due to its proximity to the ancient Omkareshwar shrine, which houses one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a cherished spiritual destination.
The grand unveiling of the 108-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya was not just a remarkable event; it was a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of India, symbolizing unity, peace, and devotion to Sanatan Dharma.