Statue of Oneness (ekatmata ki murti)
Why In News:
- Recently, Acharya Shankar’s 108 feet high multi-metal statue of unity was unveiled in Omkareshwar. Omkareshwar is located in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.
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Main point:
- The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a 108 feet tall multi-metal statue of 12 year old Kishore Shankar, with a 16 feet high stone base in the shape of a lotus.
- In this statue, a 45 feet high stone ‘Shankar Stambh’ has been installed, on which the life journey of Acharya Shankar has been depicted.
- 250 tonnes of 316L grade stainless steel has been used in the construction of this statue. Also, a mixture of 100 tonnes of bronze, 88 tonnes of copper, 4 tonnes of zinc and 8 tonnes of tin has been used.
- The lifespan of this statue is about 500 years. In this statue, the feelings of 12 year old teenager Acharya Shankar will be vividly reflected, which will instill a feeling of unity in the minds of people and will provide positive energy to the lives of the people.
Why is the Statue of Unity in Omkareshwar only?
- Bal Shankar came to Omkareshwar while walking on the banks of river Narmada in search of Guru and it was here that he took Guru Shiksha from Govind Bhagavadpada. Stayed here for 3 years and got education.
- Narmadashtakam was composed by Acharya Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar.
About Adi Shankaracharya:
- Shankaracharya was born in 788 AD in ‘Kaldi Village’ located in Kerala, South India. His mother’s name was Aryamba and father’s name was Shiv Guru.
- Shankaracharya took Samadhi at Kedar Tirtha at the age of 33.
- He was a devotee of Shiva.
- The ‘Advaita Vedanta sect’ established by him became quite popular in the 9th century.
- Shankaracharya was opposed to Buddhist philosophy.
- To propagate Sanatan Dharma, he established four monasteries in four directions of India – Shringeri, Puri, Dwarka and Badrinath.
- His main works are Brahmasutrabhashya (commentary on Brahmasutra), Bhajagovind Stotra, Nirvana Shatakampra and Karan Granth.
Source – Indian Express
