The Statue of Equality is a massive masterpiece built in memory of Saint Ramanujacharya—an admired saint and philosopher from the 11th century. The statue is located in Sriram Nagar, Hyderabad. It is a remarkable example of modern engineering and artistry.
The Statue of Equality was built at the cost of Rs. 216 crores and was inaugurated on 5 February 2022 by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. During the period of 2 February to 14 February, pooja and yagya were performed.
This iconic structure is more than a statue; it represents hope, unity, and social justice. Swami Ramanujacharya’s teachings and message of equality have inspired people from all walks of life. For these people, visiting the Statue of Equality is a must.
In this article, we will look at things you must know about the Statue of Equality, ranging from its history and construction to its significance and impact on society.
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History and significance of Saint Ramanujacharya
Before we move ahead to knowing more about samantha murthy statue, let us know about Saint Ramanujacharya, a renowned Indian philosopher and religious leader. Saint Ramanujacharya lived in the 11th century. Ramanujacharya was born in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Ramanujacharya is widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in Indian philosophy and religious history.
The muchintal temple is a reflection of Saint Ramanujacharya’s preachings. Even today, Ramanujacharya’s teachings and contributions to Indian philosophy are studied and celebrated. He is credited with rejuvenating the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. He was a key proponent of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy. Ramanujacharya was a social reformer. During his lifetime, he advocated for social equality and inclusiveness in addition to his philosophical contributions.
Ramanujacharya believed everyone should have equal access to spiritual practices and knowledge regardless of caste, gender, or background.
Ramanujacharya was chosen as the inspiration for the Statue of Equality because of his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. The statue honors his vision of a casteless society and his efforts to help disadvantaged people.
The Equality Statue aims to embody Ramanujacharya’s message of inclusivity and equal opportunity. It gives us the remainder of the importance of social justice and equality and inspires us to work towards a more equitable society. Ramanujacharya’s teachings and contributions to Indian philosophy and culture will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come, thanks to this statue.
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Construction of Statue
Chinna Jeeyar is a spiritual leader who wanted to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Saint Ramanujacharya’s teachings. He proposed the idea of the Statue of Equality at the muchintal temple.
Aerosun Corporation, a Chinese company specializing in large-scale sculptures, was working on this project. The team of workers faced several challenges during the construction process of the samantha murthy statue, including the enormous weight of the statue, which required careful planning and proper execution to ensure its stability. The team had to work with a minimal budget and strict deadlines to finish a project within time and within budget.
Indian Chief Architect Anand Sai and Prasad Sthapati led the team behind the Statue of Equality’s construction. This team created 14 clay statues to simulate the statue’s appearance at the Muchintal temple. Jeeyar Swami and his advisors chose Four of these clay statues.
The statue’s construction required 1600 parts, all of which were manufactured in China and later assembled in Muchintal, Sri Ramnagar, India. The assembly process took 9 months to complete, with the team working hard to ensure that each part was correctly fitted together.
The Statue of Equality is supported by an inner core of 850 tonnes of steel. This gives the statue the necessary stability and strength to withstand strong winds and other challenging weather conditions. The statue’s construction is a testimony to the skill and dedication of the whole team, who worked tirelessly to create this magnificent art.
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Architecture
The statue at muchintal temple stands 216 feet tall and weighs approximately 1000 tonnes. It is built on 40 acres of land within a 200-acre ashram.
As you enter the ashram, you will notice two 18-foot-tall statues of Hanumanji and Garudji. The 108 temples, known as Divya Desams, are made of black stone and built in the same style as the original temple. 108 Vaishnava temples surround the main statue of Sri Ramanujacharya.
A small statue of Sri Ramanujacharya made of 120 kg gold is located directly beneath the main sculpture. The figure has 54 Lotus petals, 36 elephants below the petals, 18 shells, and 18 chakras. Puja is performed at the golden statue.
The samantha murthy statue complex also features a 42-foot-tall musical fountain called Leela Jala-Neeranjanam (Dancing Fountain), which depicts Swami Ramanujacharya’s life and levels in beautiful detail.
There is also an Omni-max theater where visitors can learn about Sri Ramanujacharya’s contributions. The statue is a stunning example of modern architecture as well as the Vaishnava sect’s devotion to Sri Ramanujacharya.
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Size & Height
The Statue of Equality at Muchintal temple stands 216 feet tall above the ground. After the Buddha Statue, it is the world’s second-largest seated statue. The Sri Ramanujacharya statue, which is located beneath the main sculpture, is 108 feet tall. Other temple complex arches include Bhadradevi at 54 feet, Trivandrum at 135 feet, and Padmapitham at 27 feet.
The statue’s height is vital in its design because it represents Sri Ramanujacharya’s towering personality and contributions to the world of spirituality. The statue’s impact on the surrounding area has been enormous. Leading to attracting visitors worldwide and contributing to the region’s tourism growth.
Surrounding Complex
1. Leela Jala Neerajanam Water Show
The Leela Jala Neerajanam Water Show is a must-see at the Statue of Equality. Leela Jala Neerajanam’s dancing water show is an experience that brings together music, lights, and water to create an awe-inspiring demonstration. The show is held at specific times throughout the day and evening, beginning at 1 pm on weekdays and 1 pm on weekends. On weekends, the times may vary slightly because more shows are available.
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Dynamic Fountain Show Timings:
Weekdays: 1 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm
Week End (SAT & SUN) : 1 pm, 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:15 pm, 8:30 pm
The show honors Sri Ramanujacharya with a respectful gesture of gratitude-filled water (Jala), leaving visitors’ hearts in a magical state. (Leela).
The admission fee is reasonable, with adult tickets costing Rs. 200 per person and child tickets costing Rs. 125 per person.
The show is appropriate for people of all ages and is a beautiful way to unwind and appreciate the majesty of the statue and its surroundings. Don’t miss out on this experience while visiting the Statue of Equality.
2. 108 Divya Desas
The 108 Divya Desams are an essential part of the Equality Statue at the Muchintal temple. Each center is adorned with a Shri murthy or Samantha Murthy from the respective, and it is believed that these centers inspired Jagadguru Ramanujacharya.
For example, the Sri Rangam Ranganatha temple in Thiruchurapalli’s Sri murthy is now worshiped at the Shri Rangam Divya Desam at the Statue of Equality. This establishes a link and honors the origins of each center.
The Divya Desa Mandapam, a center for Moolavar and Utsavar deities for the Divya Desam temples, has begun construction. It is built in the Hoysala architectural style and features 12 beautifully carved pillars that add to the mandapam’s elegance.
The 108 Divya Desas at the Statue of Equality inspires visitors with the timeless wisdom that they represent. The centers serve as a reminder of India’s cultural heritage and religious diversity. Also, promote a spirit of harmony and brotherhood.
3. Omnimax Theater
The Statue of Equality features an Omnimax theater showcasing different shows, bringing to life some of Ramanujacharya’s life through technology.
4. Golden Deity
The Ramanujacharya Golden Statue, also known as Swarna Murthy, is made of 120 kg of gold. It is located below the main statue of the Statue of Equality and is a place where people can meditate on Ramanujacharya’s teachings.
The samantha murthy statue represents people’s enormous respect and devotion for the great teacher. The statue is a stunning and incredible sight, and its golden glow will inspire anyone who comes across it.
Puja is held at the statue regularly, and it is a place where visitors can come to pay their respects and seek guidance from the great teacher.
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Timing & Ticket Price
The Muchintal temple Statue of Equality is now open from Monday to Sunday, at 11:00 am to 08:00 pm. On Wednesdays, it is closed. You can book your entry passes online by entering your details and paying the entry fee to save time upon arrival. Remember that the entry pass price may vary depending on the attractions available on the day of your visit.
Visitors can also purchase entry passes after arriving at the venue’s walk-in entry pass counters. They must stand in line and wait their turn to provide information about their visit at the counters and collect the entry passes. The admission fee is Rs. 200 for adults and Rs. 125 for children. An additional Rs. 40 is charged for parking. It is necessary to bring a soft copy or a printed entry pass with you on your visit and present it at the counters.
Key Elements of Statue of Equality Hyderabad
- Stone replicas of 108 Divya Desams surrounding Ramanujacharya Swamy
- Rich with ornate architectural detailing and accompanied by audio guides
- 120 kg gold statue of Ramanujacharya Swami inside Bhadra Peeta
- Mukha Mandapam, a common corridor for all 108 Divya Desas
- Auditorium for seminars and pandit sabhas
- Library with all the Vedic scriptures
- Educational gallery featuring exhibits about the inspiring life story of Ramanujacharya
The motive of the Statue of Equality
Saint Ramanujacharya was a spiritual leader and social reformer who favored equality across all castes, religions, social statuses, and gender. So he is honored with the Statue of Equality. The statue aims to raise awareness about social issues and promote equality and social justice. The statue’s message is that social status, gender, and caste should not hinder friendship and unity.
One of the critical ways the muchintal temple samantha murthy statue promotes equality is by emphasizing the role of temples as administrative centers and encouraging inclusiveness by assigning tasks to people of different castes. This has aided in the removal of caste-based restrictions in temples. The statue also emphasizes the value of sharing food and companionship with people who share a common goal, regardless of social status.
In terms of gender equality, Saint Ramanujacharya advocated for the right of women to pray and chant God’s name. He believed women should not be denied knowledge and advocated for gender equality.
Overall, the Equality Statue serves as a reminder of the significance of promoting equality and social justice. It represents hope and inspiration for individuals and leaders working to create a more inclusive and equal society.
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Location and Access to the Statue of Equality
The Muchintal temple Statue of Equality is located in Sri Ramanagaram JIVA Campus Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
The nearby airport to the statue is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and also the nearest railway station is Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. You can visit from 6 am to 11:30 am and 4 pm to 5:30 pm. Besides these times, visitors should know gates remain closed on Wednesdays.
Conclusion
Finally, the Statue of Equality or samantha murthy statue is a magnificent masterpiece erected in memory of Saint Ramanujacharya, a pivotal figure in the history of Indian philosophy and religion. The statue honors his vision of casteless society and his efforts to assist those in need.
The Statue of Equality at the Muchintal Temple symbolizes hope, unity, social justice, and the importance of promoting equality. Thanks to this statue, Swami Ramanujacharya’s teachings and contributions to Indian philosophy and culture will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.