Pretty much in every nation of the world, you’ll find statues of the gods and famous figures in history, which the people build as a tribute or as some symbol. And in that race, India is not far behind, actually, India’s Statue Of Unity is the tallest statue standing on planet Earth right now. But, this isn’t just about the height of the statues, it is more about the impact, and the popularity they have. That’s the very reason why we are here with a list of the top 10 famous statues in India as of 2024. Alright, let’s get to the list then.
1. Statue of Unity, Gujarat
The stunning Statue of Unity, standing at an astounding 182 meters (597 feet) tall, takes not just first place in India as the tallest and most famous statue but is the world’s tallest statue as well. Located close to Kevadia in Gujarat, this enormous memorial honors Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India and the person who actually united the majority of the princely states during independence to form today’s India. It actually took an incredible 1,700 metric tons of bronze and 18,500 metric tons of reinforced steel to construct the monument, which was inaugurated on October 31, 2018. Today though, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India, especially in the Gujarat state.
2. Statue of Belief, Rajasthan
Coming up next is the breathtaking Statue of Belief in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, which is also called Vishwas Swaroopam. At 106 meters (348 feet) at its base, this colossal sculpture of Lord Shiva is the highest of its kind in the world, can you even believe that? The sculpture portrays Lord Shiva in a calm, contemplative posture, radiating serenity and enlightenment. Its concrete and steel construction ensures it will last for years to come, though it was finished in 2020 and unveiled on October 29, 2022.
3. Statue of Equality, Telangana
In Telangana, the striking Statue of Equality, a tribute to the renowned philosopher and saint Ramanujacharya, takes third place on our list today. Why? Well, it is the third-highest statue in India, reaching approximately 65.8 meters (216 ft). And just like the Statue Of Unity, on February 5, 2022, this magnificent monument was also inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One special thing about this particular statue is that its composition of panchaloha, a combination of five metals, represents unity and harmony.
4. Dhyana Buddha Statue, Andhra Pradesh
The 38.1-meter-tall Dhyana Buddha Statue at Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh, honors Lord Buddha and you can see him in a meditative stance as this statue. Located on the calm banks of the Krishna River, the statue was inaugurated by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on January 19, 2024. Intricately carved meditation halls and museums exhibiting Buddhist items are housed at the base. Attracting both visitors and pilgrims, this statue is more like a place for peace and spiritual illumination.
5. Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami, Andhra Pradesh
Fifth on the list of the most famous statues in India, is this 41-meter (135-foot) Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami statue in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Built in 2003, this is the world’s highest statue of Lord Hanuman. The main reason behind building this statue was to have a symbol in the form of Lord Hanuman which represents strength and devotion, you know? Situated in the Paritala Anjaneya Temple, the statue and the temple complex draw a lot of pilgrims and visitors, and this place is literally huge.
6. Thiruvalluvar Statue, Tamil Nadu
Number six on the list is the almost 41-meter-tall (133-foot) Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. Thiruvalluvar, a pretty well-known Tamil poet and philosopher, was represented by this magnificent monument, which was built in the year 2000. Sculpted by the famous Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, it painstakingly represents the wisdom contained in Thiruvalluvar’s “Tirukkural.” There are 133 chapters in the “Tirukkural,” and the 133 feet in height signify each chapter.
7. Padmasambhava Statue, Himachal Pradesh
At number seven, we have the magnificent Padmasambhava Statue, a beautiful Himachal Pradeshi landmark situated right beside Rewalsar Lake. It was unveiled in 2012 and stands proudly at 37.5 meters (123 ft). This statue beautifully captures Guru Padmasambhava, the pretty well-known figure famous for introducing Buddhism to Tibet. The statue is a focal point for Buddhist pilgrims due to its serene demeanor and careful craftsmanship. The quiet forests and mountains that surround Rewalsar Lake, which is sacred in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, create an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
8. Murudeshwar Shiva Statue, Karnataka
The Murudeshwar Shiva Statue in Karnataka, a 37-meter-tall (122-foot) representation of Lord Shiva, is ranked eighth on our list today. This second-tallest Lord Shiva statue in the world was created in 1979 by the sculptor Kashinath with the support of the philanthropist R. N. Shetty. The statue, which is perched on a hilltop with a view of the Arabian Sea, is a sight to behold thanks to the meticulous attention to detail in every part, including Shiva’s trident and the serpent.
9. Tathagata Tsal, Sikkim
Then there is the Tathagata Tsal, also known as the Buddha Park of Ravangla, is located in Sikkim and is home to a magnificent 39-meter (130-foot) statue of Lord Buddha. It is the tallest Buddha statue in India, and its unveiling in 2013 coincided with the 2550th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s birth. The government of Sikkim and the local people have collaborated on this massive project to increase tourism and promote Buddhist teachings.
10. Adiyogi Shiva Statue, Tamil Nadu
The Adiyogi Shiva Statue, located close to Coimbatore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, rounds out the list at number 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented this massive structure, standing at 34 meters (112 feet), during Mahashivaratri in 2017. This steel statue, designed by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and constructed by the Isha Foundation, serves as a symbol of spiritual well-being and yoga in the country. All in all, the Adiyogi statue, which has the distinction of being the largest bust sculpture in the world, represents Shiva as the one who first practiced yoga.
Conclusion
That’s all there is for now. If you live in India and have never visited these places where these statues stand tall and represent something special, then you should give it a shot. Alright, we’ll meet you in the next one.
