The esteemed Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unveiled a 108-foot-tall sculpture paying tribute to the venerated Hindu sage and philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya. This masterpiece adorns the majestic Mandhata mountain, nestled in the holy town of Omkareshwar.
Facing the Narmada River, in the Khandwa district, the statue is also a tribute to the great saint's masterpiece scripture ‘Brahma Sutra Bhasya’ -- a foundational text of Vedanta Hinduism, emphasizing the concept of Oneness.
In a magnificent ceremony, the State Chief, accompanied by an assembly of wise sages, revered saints, and devoted followers, officially inaugurated the majestic statue. They paid homage by offering prayers, reciting Vedic mantras, and placing flowers at the feet of the grand figure.
According to reports, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet has allocated a substantial budget of over INR 21 billion ($257 million) for the construction of the multi-metal Statue of Oneness. This project has been conceptualized under the guidance of Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas and the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
The statue marks the inauguration of the first phase of a major development project and symbolises the state's commitment to preserving its rich cultural and religious heritage.