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This statue, said to be the tallest Lord Ram statue in North America, holds a bow in its right hand and an arrow in its left.
Shri Ram statue installed at Hindu Heritage Centre in Canada
New Delhi: For several days, there had been talk at home that a magnificent, tall Shri Ram statue had been installed in Mississauga, Ontario, and that people were going to see it.
One day, when we planned to travel to Mississauga for some work, we decided to first visit the magnificent Shri Ram statue. Everyone immediately agreed to arrive at the Hindu Heritage Centre temple during opening hours and, along with seeing the Shri Ram statue, also offer prayers, worship, and aarti at the temple.
The next day, our family members enthusiastically prepared and entered the temple premises of the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga around 12 noon. We live in the Ancaster (Ontario) area near Hamilton, and the typical journey from our home to the temple is about an hour.
However, with work-from-home practices waning and people commuting to the office more frequently, we have to estimate the traffic on the highways to and from Toronto accordingly.
The brilliance of Lord Ram is evident.
This statue, said to be the tallest Lord Ram statue in North America, holds a bow in its right hand and an arrow in its left.
The bow and arrow are intricately carved, making them appear not just as weapons but as symbols of righteousness and justice. To ensure the brilliance and bravery of Lord Ram are reflected, the statue has been decorated with a special coating on fiberglass and painted silver.
It appears dazzling and divine even from a distance. With a charming smile on his face and compassion and brilliance in his eyes, Lord Ram seems to bestow spiritual peace when he appears before our eyes. The gold-like aura, along with the intricately carved ornaments and saffron-colored robes, give them a supernatural appearance.
Shri Ram's crown, crafted in the traditional golden style, is particularly appealing. The statue's costume is adorned with jewel-like inlay, making the ornaments appear divine and regal. A golden necklace adorns the neck and bracelets adorn the arms.
The Colossal Statue and the New Generation
As we entered the temple premises after a nearly hour-long highway journey, children exclaimed from the car, "Look, there's Lord Ram." As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the colossal statue of Shri Ram.
Standing in his colossal form, Lord Shri Ram stood before the main entrance, holding a bow and arrow. Keeping the next generation connected to their religion and roots is considered crucial for the Hindu community in Canada, and temples play a crucial role in this endeavor.
Children visit the statues of gods and goddesses, asking numerous questions, and parents satisfy their curiosity in detail. They teach children how to worship and pray according to tradition.
They tell them stories of the gods at home beforehand so that they have no difficulty identifying idols in the temple and gradually become familiar with their religion.
Beyond Time and Weather
Unveiled in August, this statue of Maryada Purushottam Ram stands 51 feet tall and is installed on a seven-foot-high podium. Due to the strong winds and heavy snowfall during Canadian winters, any outdoor structure is specially designed.
This statue also has a strong steel frame encased in fiberglass, which makes it capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour.
It is estimated to have a lifespan of up to 100 years. The surrounding garden, full of flowers and greenery, enhances its beauty during the day. At night, when the LEDs and spotlights placed around it illuminate the statue, it glows with a golden glow that can be seen from afar.
Created in India by Indians
The inspiration for this statue is the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. It was created by renowned Indian sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat. It was constructed on a special steel frame at his Matu Ram Art Center in Gurugram and was assembled in Mississauga.
The auspicious time for its unveiling was chosen to ensure it was religiously and spiritually auspicious and would remain a symbol of strength and good fortune for centuries. Created in India over four years by an Indian sculptor, this statue is a beautiful fusion of artistic excellence, religious faith, and modern technology, marking a new chapter in global culture.
