Shivraj Singh Chouhan Unveils Statue of Shankaracharya:
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled a majestic 108-ft-high statue of Adi Shankaracharya, an eighth-century philosopher renowned for revitalizing ‘Sanatan Dharma,’ on the scenic hillock of Mandhata in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh. The event was marked by religious fervor, featuring approximately 300 prominent Vedic scholars performing a ’21 Kund Yagna,’ accompanied by shlokas and conch blowing.
Around 5,000 seers from across the country participated in the grand celebration. Donning saffron attire and immersed in devotion, Chief Minister Chouhan conducted elaborate religious rituals during the statue consecration, accompanied by priest-led recitations of shlokas and hymns. He also performed a ceremonial circumambulation of the sacred hillock, which houses the famous Omkareshwar shrine.
The Chief Minister stated, “The statue of Adi Guru Shankaracharya will convey a message of peace and unity to the world.” He emphasized the saint’s contributions to Sanatan Dharma, underscoring his role in connecting India culturally by spreading the essence of Vedas among the masses and establishing monasteries in various corners of the country.
Adi Shankaracharya, originally from Kerala, attained wisdom in Omkareshwar after a remarkable journey covering over 1600 km through forests to reach the sacred site on the banks of the Narmada River. He propagated the Advait Vedanta philosophy of ‘Oneness.’
The event featured cultural dances deeply rooted in Sanatan culture, infusing a spiritual essence into the celebration.
The idea of erecting the Adi Shankaracharya statue was conceived by the Chief Minister in 2017. He also laid the foundation stone for the Rs 2,200 crore ‘Advait Lok’ project in Omkareshwar, near the ancient Omkareshwar shrine housing one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas.
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