Advaita Vedanta Hub: 108-Foot Statue Of Adi Shankaracharya To Be Unveiled In Omkareshwar On 18 September

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to unveil a towering 108-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, a revered temple town housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The statue, named "Ekatmata Ki Pratima" (statue of oneness), pays homage to the 8th-century philosopher who holds great significance in Hinduism.

Omkareshwar, situated along the Narmada river, approximately 80 kilometers from Indore, is undergoing development to become a global center for the Advaita Vedanta philosophy championed by Adi Shankaracharya, as per an official release.

The statue, standing at an impressive height of 108 feet, portrays Adi Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old boy. The unveiling event coincides with the upcoming year-end assembly elections in the state.

"Omkareshwar, a global hub for unity and spiritual enlightenment, will honour the teachings of Acharya Shankar with a majestic 108- feet statue, a museum delving into the depths of Advaita Vedanta, and a research institute for in-depth study and contemplation," Chouhan said.

It is believed that he left Omkareshwar at the age of 12 and embarked on a journey across the country, spreading the teachings of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.

The development project encompasses the establishment of a museum named "Advaita Lok" in Omkareshwar, an international Vedanta institute, and the creation of an "Advaita Forest" spanning 36 hectares within the town, as stated in the release.

The Advaita Lok museum will showcase the life and philosophy of Acharya Shankar through exhibits reflecting the message of Advaita Vedanta.

Advaita Narmada Vihar, Laser-and-Sound Show, Maya- Vedanta Interpretation Centre, Wide-Screen Theatre, Panchayatana Temple, Advaita Kalagram, Nididhyasan Kendra and Annapurna will be other centres of attraction.

The Buildings and Factories (B&F) business of L&T Construction had secured an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) order from the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited to construct a statue of Adi Shankaracharya last year.