STATUE OF ONENESS

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan unveils 108-ft ‘Statue of Oneness’ in Omkareshwar.

What is STATUE OF ONENESS?

Majestic 108-feet-tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh. The project is named “Eaktmta ki Pratima” (Statue of Oneness). It is located on the banks of the Narmada River, on the Mandhata mountain. It is a multi-metal statue, which portrays Adi Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old boy.

Adi Sankaracharya

Known as Adi Shankara, born in 788 AD in Kaladi, Kerala. Devotee of Shiva and took Samadhi at Kedar Tirth at the age of 33. Propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism) and wrote commentaries on Vedic texts in Sanskrit. Major works include Brahmasutrabhasya, Bhajagovinda Stotra, Nirvana Shatakam, and Prakaran Granths. Revived Hinduism in India during a time when Buddhism was gaining popularity. Opposed Buddhism. Established four Mathas (monastic institutions) in Sringeri, Puri, Dwaraka, and Badrinath to propagate Sanathana Dharma. Advaita Vedanta philosophy emphasises radical nondualism, based on the Upanishads, with the concept of ‘brahman’ as the ultimate reality.

Importance of Omkareshwar

Adi Shankara started his spiritual journey at a young age and went to Omkareshwar, where he spent four years studying under his teacher, Govinda Bhagavatpada. Remarkably, at the age of 12, he left Omkareshwar and embarked on a journey across India, spreading the deep wisdom of Advaita Vedanta philosophy and bringing enlightenment to numerous individuals.