Subhechcha Ganguly 
The enormous 108-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu saint and philosopher who lived in the eighth century, was unveiled today by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This sculpture, known as “Ekatmata Ki Pratima” or the “Statue of Oneness,” is a magnificent homage to the enduring legacy and deep teachings of one of India’s greatest spiritual figures.
The magnificent multi-metal sculpture is located in Omkareshwar, about 80 km from the bustling city of Indore, on a 54-foot-high pedestal along the scenic Narmada River.
During the inauguration, Chouhan posted a video of himself praying at the location on X (previously Twitter), saying, “There is auspiciousness and auspiciousness only in the feet of Acharya Shankar, enlivened with spiritual force. In Advaita’s fortunate thoughts, there is the sun of global prosperity.
“His wonderful gift for every age,” said Chouhan, “is the cultural foundation on which Adi Shankaracharya ji, who propounded Advaita Vedanta, united India in one thread by seeing the existence of only one Brahma in every living being.”
Shankaracharya was born in Kerala, but at the age of 12, he moved to Omkareshwar to study. He had traversed woodlands for more than 1,600 miles. He discovered a Guru there, and after learning from him, he headed in the direction of Kashi (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh). He completely united the nation, which at the time was in a state of cultural disintegration.The BJP-led government in Madhya Pradesh set aside Rs 2,141.85 crores for this large-scale undertaking. It includes both the creation of a museum at Omkareshwar and the building of the Adi Shankaracharya statue. The state’s dedication to safeguarding and promoting its rich cultural and spiritual history is reflected in this investment.
