INDORE: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to unveil a towering statue of Adi Shankaracharya, standing at an impressive height of 108 feet, in Omkareshwar on September 18th. Omkareshwar is a sacred temple town housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, and this momentous event was officially announced on Tuesday.
This monumental structure, paying homage to the 8th-century philosopher who holds significant reverence in Hinduism, has been aptly named "Ekatmata Ki Pratima" or the "Statue of Oneness." As part of a broader initiative, efforts are underway to transform Omkareshwar, situated approximately 80 kilometers from Indore along the banks of the Narmada River, into a global center for the Advaita Vedanta philosophy propagated by Adi Shankaracharya.
The construction of this 108-foot multi-metal statue of Adi Shankaracharya, portrayed in his youth at the age of 12, is a pivotal component of the initial phase of this development project. Chief Minister Chouhan will be presiding over the unveiling ceremony.
Notably, this unveiling occurs just months ahead of the year-end assembly elections in the state, adding a significant political dimension to the event.
Adi Shankaracharya, originally hailing from present-day Kerala, is believed to have arrived at Omkareshwar as a young monk. During his time in the religious city, he encountered his guru, Govind Bhagwadpad, and dedicated four years to pursuing education. At the age of 12, in accordance with religious beliefs, he departed from Omkareshwar and embarked on a journey across the country, disseminating the profound teachings of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and elucidating its principles to the masses.
In conjunction with the establishment of a museum named "Advaita Lok" and an international Vedanta institute in Omkareshwar, there is also an ambitious plan to develop an "Advaita Forest" spanning 36 hectares within the town.
Omkareshwar's Transformation into a Global Hub for Advaita Vedanta