PNS | Vijayawada
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone, through video conferencing, for a majestic 108-foot tall statue of Lord Shri Ram in Kurnool.
The project, estimated to cost more than Rs 500 crore, will be constructed at Mantralayam in Kurnool.
During his address, Amit Shah said that the imposing statue will serve as a beacon of ‘Sanatan Dharma’, spreading its message across the globe for generations to come and bolstering the Vaishnava tradition in India and worldwide. Emphasizing the significance of the number 108 in Hindu culture, he described it as a deeply sacred number.
Covering an extensive area of 10 acres in Mantralayam village, which is located along the banks of the Tungabhadra river, the project is expected to be completed within two and a half years. Mantralayam village is renowned for the revered temple of Raghavendra Swamy and holds immense historical significance, being the birthplace of the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire. The empire, with its valor and determination, successfully reclaimed and defended the entire South from foreign invaders.
Union Home Minister Shah also highlighted various initiatives undertaken as part of the Mantralayam Das Sahitya Prakalp, including housing, Anna Daanam (food donation), Pran Daanam (life donation), Vidya Daanam (education donation), efforts to provide clean drinking water, and protection of cows.
The ambitious project of erecting this colossal statue of Lord Shri Ram will undoubtedly stand as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and profound spiritual legacy.
