Udaipur (Rajasthan): The world's tallest Shiva idol in Nathdwara Rajsamand was unveiled on Saturday. Claimed to be the tallest in the world, the 369 feet idol was set open to the public by religious preacher Morari Bapu in the presence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Speaker CP Joshi, and others. Morari Bapu unveiled the world's tallest Shiva idol in the afternoon today.
The statue, which is situated 45 km from Udaipur, has been constructed by Tat Padam Sansthan. After the unveiling, the Sansthan trustee and Miraj Group Chairman Madan Paliwal said that a series of religious, spiritual, and cultural events began and will continue till November 6.
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Religious preacher Morari Bapu will also recite Ram Katha during the nine days. This wonderful idol of Lord Shiva installed in the city of Shreenathji will give a new dimension to religious tourism, Paliwal said. Installed on a hilltop over an expanse of 51 bighas, the idol was carved in a meditation posture and is said to be visible from 20 km.
The idol is also clearly visible at night as it has been illuminated with special lights, Jaiprakash Mali, spokesperson for the programme said. The foundation of the project was laid in August 2012 in the presence of Ashok Gehlot, who was the CM then and Morari Bapu. Mali said that the idol has been constructed to last 250 years and can withstand wind speed up to 250 kmph.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reached the Dabok Airport in Udaipur by special plane at 2 pm on Saturday and went to Nathdwara by helicopter from there. Apart from Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Speaker Dr CP Joshi, BJP State President Dr Satish Punia, Leader of Opposition Rajendrasinh Rathod, RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathod, Minister of State for Home Rajendra Yadav, Gulabchand Kataria, Chidanand Swami, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari, Chittorgarh MP CP Joshi among others attended the event.