Statue of Equality-A modern Temple

What is the difference between an idol and a murthy?

An idol of diety made of clay or stone, even if a piece of art, is a physical object. This can be made or got made or bought from the shop. But, when a divine bhav भाव or feeling is attached to it the same idol becomes murthy मूर्ति. The process of attaching divinity to the idol can be a simple puja or an elaborate ritual called pran pratishtha प्राण प्रतिष्ठा under Agam vidhi or procedure. Thereafter, when we look on the object its no more an idol or statue but the deity represented by it. We take inspirations from the qualities and knowledge of the presiding deity. A statue of Ganesha kept in the shop is just an idol which can be tested, reconstructed or even destroyed as well as bought and sold, but when we install with due respect in a temple or at our homes it becomes Ganesha. And, its called ‘Murthy’ मूर्ति-a Sanskrit non translatable to English!

Statue of Equality, समता का प्रतीक, combines the two concepts-a magnificent statue to honor the progenitor of the faith to which the complex is dedicated to and a full scale temple, rather temples, housing murthys for traditional puja.

Our visit to Statue of Equality situated near Hyderabad was a lifetime experience. Sprawling over a huge area it’s a magnificent complex, one more reason to visit this age old city. I suppose this is the only complex in the world that contains at one place intricate structures representing Vijaynagar, Chola, Pallava, Hoyasala, Nagara and Kakatthiya architectures. I recalled my visits to Greece and Turkey where we saw some huge constructions but no way they match with the intricacies of Indian architecture, specially from South, and dedications with which they have been made.

The complex is essentially a Vaishnav temple dedicated to Sri Ramanujacharya-exponent of Vishisht Advait philosophy of Vedant, as compared to Advait philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya and Dvait philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya. In the center of the complex there is a huge multilevel podium on which a statue of Ramanujachaya in sitting position is built. At different levels there are meditation halls with a variety of devotional infrastructures.

The central part is surrounded by 108 temples, housing Sri Vishnu murthys in traditional style with garbh gruh गर्भ गृह and facilities for worship. In each of the 108 temple there are unique murthys of Sri Vishnu depicting his messages to the world.

Why Statue of Equality?

Continuous reform with times is an integral feature of Sanatan culture, and Sri Ramanujacharya worked for that during his times which included bringing social and economic equality to the various sections of society.

And, why do we call a ‘modern’ temple?

Its very thoughtfully built with an eye to every piece of stone. Very spacious, no more rushing or crushing to see one’s diety. Very well maintained. And, most importantly, staffed with persons well qualified in Sanatan scriptures. Accordingly, it houses a gurukul to prepare a new gen to take further Sanatan scriptures to masses. The place deserves a visit both from religious as well as tourism point of view.

Meditation Hall with Guru statue in the center

Statue made of gold to depict the affluence that existed in Bharatvarsh-the richest country on globe until 1800.

Some moments captured in pictures I am providing here. Since photography is not allowed within premises some pics are from the brochures.