India is home to some magnificent statues. Of these, most are dedicated to religious figures. Some have been built in the memory of revolutionaries. These statues have also played a major role in boosting tourism and helping the local economy. Here, we feature some of the most iconic statues in India. By Karan Kaushik
10 most iconic statues in India
Statue of Unity, Kevadiya
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Dedicated to The Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world. Located on the banks of the Narmada river in Gujarat’s Kevadiya, the statue stands 182 metres tall. The area around the bronze statue has a lot in store for tourists. From a beautiful cactus garden to river rafting, expect a cherishable time. The statue was built at a cost of INR 2989 crore and has given a major boost to Gujarat’s tourism economy.
Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari
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Perched on a 38 feet pedestal, the statue of Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari is 133 feet high. The statue was built in the honour of eminent philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar, who is known for his classic Tamil text Tirukkural. Located atop a small island, the statue of Thiruvalluvar was sculpted by renowned sculptor V Ganapati Sthapati. Interestingly, it was inaugurated on the millennium day of January 1, 2000.
Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Coimbatore
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This massive statue in Coimbatore has gained immense popularity over the last few years. You must have seen its miniatures on car dashboards and mobile screen wallpapers. Nestled in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, the Shiva statue is housed in the Isha Yoga Complex. 500 tonne of steel was used in the construction of this statue, which stands 112 feet tall.
Statue of Equality, Hyderabad
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Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2022, the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad is dedicated to the 11th-century vaishnavaite Ramanuja. The statue is located at the premises of the Chinna Jeeyar Trust at Muchintal. At 216 feet, it is the second-tallest sitting statue in the world. The statue has been constructed using silver, gold, zinc, brass, and copper.
Basaveshwara Statue, Gadag
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Located in the lesser-known town of Gadag in Karnataka, this mammoth statue is visible from all parts of the city. Dedicated to the 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara, the statue stands 116 feet tall and features a zinc exterior. Surrounded by a gorgeous park and the tranquil Bheeshma Lake, the statue was inaugurated in 2015. When here, you must also visit the art gallery, which gives a glimpse of Basaveshwara’s life.
Tathagata Tsal, Ravangla
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Any trip to South Sikkim’s Ravangla is usually incomplete without a visit to the Tathagata Tsal. Also known as Buddha Park, the park is famous for its stunning statue of Lord Buddha, perched at the height of 130 feet. Perched between the hills of Maenam and Tendong, Ravangla is a quaint haven offering great opportunities to trek and relax amidst nature.
Lord Hanuman Statue, Paritala Anjaneya Temple, Vijaywada
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You may have admired the Hanuman statues at Shimla’s Jakhoo Temple and Delhi’s Jhandewalan Temple, but have you been to Paritala town near Vijayawada? If you haven’t, you must. The town is home to the Paritala Anjaneya Temple of Lord Hanuman. The temple is known for its giant 135 feet tall statue of the deity. It is the world’s tallest Hanuman statue and was installed in 2003.
Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley
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Diskit Monastery, which sits dramatically on a hillside above the old town of Diskit, is known for its 106 ft tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. Set against the backdrop of rugged mountains, the statue attracts travellers to the monastery, which is the oldest and largest in Nubra Valley. The monastery is also known as the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’ and houses ancient Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts.
Buddha Statue of Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
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Asia’s largest artificial lake Hussain Sagar is famous for its iconic statue of Lord Buddha. When in Hyderabad, most tourists make sure to take a refreshing boat ride and do all things touristy by the lake. Raised on Gibraltar rock, the statue is the world’s tallest monolithic statue of Lord Buddha. The statue was inaugurated in 1993 by His Holiness Dalai Lama.
Murudeshwar Statue, Murudeshwar
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This magnificent statue of Lord Shiva is located at the much-revered Murudeshwar Temple in Uttara Kannada. With a height of 237 feet, it is the second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. The temple and its impressive statue are located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and overlook the Western Ghats. Another stunning golden-coloured sun chariot stands next to the Shiva statue, which depicts a popular scene from the Bhagavad Gita.
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