A Symbol of Equality
The Statue of Equality in Hyderabad radiates the persona of Sri Ramanujacharya, an icon of equality who was the torchbearer of Vaishnavism and a forerunner of the Bhakti movement.
The Statue of Equality in Hyderabad is a 216-foot-tall golden statue of the 11th- century Bhakti Saint Sri Ramanujacharya (Ramanuja) and is one of the world's tallest metallic statues in sitting position, only second to Thailand's Great Buddha statue. It is situated on the 45-acre beautiful Jeeyar Integrated Vedic Academy (JIVA) campus at Muchintal Road, Palmakol, near Shamshabad on the city's outskirts.
The statue was actualized by the Founder & Inspirer, Sri HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, an Indian erudite Vedic scholar, to reintroduce the concept of equality throughout the world. The sculpture was created to commemorate Sri Ramanujacharya's teachings on his 1000th birth Anniversary, who ardently promoted the principle of equality in all spheres of life, regardless of caste, faith, or gender.
Highlights of the Statue
The Statue comprises 700 tonne of 'Panchaloha', a five-metal alloy made of gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc. It is erected on a 54-foot-high base building called 'Bhadra Vedi', and atop the building, 36 elephants carry 27-foot-diameter lotuses representing 24 tattvas and the remaining three representing soul, god, and the guru.
The structure includes floors for a Vedic digital library and research center, ancient Indian scriptures, a theater, and an educational gallery showcasing Sri Ramanujacharya's contributions.
In addition, a meditation hall and a Ramanujacharya temple measuring approximately 300,000 sq ft have been built in the complex, where a 120 kg gold idol reflecting the years he lived is installed and placed for daily worship. Surrounding the statue are mini copies of 108 Divya Desams (model temples) made of stone with rich, elaborate craftsmanship.
Additional Attractions
Apart from the majestic statue and the entire complex dedicated to understanding Sri Ramanujacharya's teachings and philosophy, there is also the option of walking through the Divya Desams. The facility also includes a spiritual lecture auditorium and a food court where devotees can enjoy prasadam and bhog meals during the day.
The Statue of Equality also boasts a musical dancing fountain, and in the evening, visitors can learn about the Saint's key life events through a colorful laser light show. As nightfall comes, the entire complex is illuminated in bright lights, and the brilliance of the Statue of Equality at night is incomparable.
Things to Note
The Statue of Equality is open Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 8 PM and on weekends from 11 AM to 8 PM. Except for Wednesdays, it is open every day. The holy site's dress code is highly traditional, and visiting this place will require a whole evening or half a day. Battery-operated vehicles are available at the complex.
The Statue is located in Sriram Nagar, near Muchintal, off the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route. It is 36 km and 41 km away from Hyderabad Nampally and Secunderabad railway stations, respectively.
With it being around 44 km from the HITEX Exhibition Center, it takes approximately 55 min to reach. The best way to visit the site is to take a cab or a personal vehicle. Although local bus transit is available, it entails a lot of walking and may take three and a half hours or even more.
Distance from HITEX
44 Km
Travel Time
45-55 min
Time of visit
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Image source: Magic Wand Media