Inchara Udupi
With Additional Pics by Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Mar 30: A 32-feet high monolithic statue of Sri Madhwacharya, leading proponent of Dwaitha (dualism) philosophy, which was proposed to be installed on Durga Betta, a hill at Kunjarugiri of Kurkalu village in the taluk, was successfully placed in its pedestal with the help of cranes on March 27.
Huge cranes, guided by engineers of Larsen and Toubro company, placed the statue over an eight-feet thick lotus-shaped pedestal set over pillars that are 40-feet high.
The statue that has been procured is a replica of the statue of Sri Madhwacharya installed in Sri Krishna Math here by Sri Vadiraja, one of the leading spiritual Gurus in the impressive lineage of spiritual heads of Sri Krishna Math. The sculpting of this statue had begun three years back, and it has been ensured that it conforms to 32 characteristics stipulated by ancient works in the art of sculpting.
The stone used for the statue was got from Devanahalli near Bengaluru. The stone was transformed into the statue of Sri Machwacharya by a team of sculptors under the supervision of international sculptor, Ashok Gudigar from Bengaluru. The entire task was conducted as per the design, concept and close monitoring of K M Sheshagiri. Architect, Rajendra Mayya, guided a team led by engineer, Laxminarayan, in taking up and completing the task of installation of concrete pillar and land levelling at the hill.
Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimaru Math, who conceptualized this dream and executed the project, said that religious procedures including ceremonial baths in connection with the consecration of the statue will take place between May 8 and 10 this year. Junior Swamiji of Admar Math, Eashapriyateertha Swamiji, said that the Swamiji of Palimaru Math has made an effort by installing a giant statue of Madhwacharya, to make Madhwacharya visible and accessible to everyone. He felt that this place will emerge as a centre from where principles and messages of Madhwacharya will be spread far and wide, and where interested people can sit in peaceful medication.
K M Sheshagiri, who monitored the entire process of sculpting of the statue, said that the statue has been created in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by Machwacharya in his work, 'Tantrasara'. He said that this 32-feet high statue was sculpted over a period of 32 months. The statue, which has been created in accordance with the stipulations mentioned in the said work, depicts Chola, Hoysala and other South Indian styles of sculpting, he added.
Learning about the installation of this monolithic statue, thousands of people gathered at the spot and eagerly watched the processes culminating in the installation of the statue at its pre-determined destination. Representatives of Palimaru Math, Admaru Math and several dignitarires were present.