Statue of Equality, Hyderabad
Statue of Equality, Hyderabad

Introduction & Spiritual Essence

The Statue of Equality in Hyderabad is a monumental tribute to Saint Sri Ramanujacharya, the 11th-century philosopher and social reformer who championed the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. Officially dedicated on February 5, 2022, this 216-foot marvel is not merely a statue; it is a smarakam (memorial) embodying the saint’s core teachings of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

Phalaśruti: Why do devotees visit?

Devotees visit the Statue of Equality to seek spiritual liberation and the blessings of Lord Ramanujacharya. According to Vedic scriptures, offering prayers here is believed to purify the mind and soul, removing ignorance and ego. The temple complex is designed to bestow the blessings of equality, helping devotees transcend social barriers and internal prejudices. By viewing the 120 kg gold idol of Ramanujacharya, which signifies his 120-year lifespan, pilgrims believe they receive the grace to lead a life of righteousness and Bhakti (devotion).

Historical Origins & Scriptural Legend

The conception of this massive structure is rooted in modern devotion to ancient wisdom. The project was conceptualized and championed by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami, a prominent spiritual leader of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition.

The Legend of Ramanujacharya

According to the Sthala Purana and traditional texts, Saint Ramanujacharya was born in 1017 CE in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. He is revered as the Acharya (teacher) who broke the shackles of discrimination. Tradition holds that he lived for 120 years, during which he systematized the Sri Bhashya and protected the Alwar saints’ heritage. His pilgrimage sites, such as Srirangam and Tirupati, are acknowledged here through architectural replicas.

Modern Construction Timeline

  • 2014: The foundation stone was laid.
  • 2022: The statue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Magha Shuddha Ekadashi, marking the millennial celebration of the saint’s birth.
  • Cost: Approximately ₹1,000 crore (10 billion INR), funded entirely by devotee donations.

Architectural Marvels

The Statue of Equality is an engineering masterpiece blending traditional Shilpa Shastra with modern technology. It stands as the world’s second tallest statue in a sitting posture, following the Great Buddha of Thailand.

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Materials and Design

  • Statue: Constructed using Panchaloha, a sacred alloy of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc. The inner core is reinforced with steel and concrete for seismic stability.
  • The Base (Bhadra Vedi): The statue rests on a 54-foot high building. This basement structure is a marvel in itself, housing a Vedic Digital Library, a research center, and an educational gallery depicting Ramanujacharya’s life.
  • The Temple: At the foot of the statue lies a traditional Gopuram-style temple covering 300,000 square feet. The main sanctum houses the 120 kg solid gold idol of Ramanujacharya.

The 108 Divya Desams

Encircling the statue are perfectly scaled replicas of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Vishnu). This architectural ring allows pilgrims to circumambulate the universe in a single Pradakshina, a feature unique to this site.

Darshan & Ritual Logistics

Managing darshan at a site of this magnitude requires planning. Below are the operational timings for 2026.

Daily Timings

SessionTimingActivity
Morning08:00 AM – 12:00 PMTemple Opens / Abhishekam
Afternoon12:00 PM – 04:00 PMBreak (Seva / Lunch)
Evening04:00 PM – 08:00 PMDarshan / Archana / Closing

Key Sevas and Booking

Devotees can perform several Sevas (ritual offerings). The 120 kg Gold Abhishekam is the most sought-after ritual.

  • Online Booking: Available via the official Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram website or authorized portals. It is recommended to book at least 15 days in advance for festival dates.
  • Archana: Can be booked at the counter on arrival (subject to availability).

2026 Festival Dates

  • Maha Shivaratri: February 26, 2026 (Special Sevas from 6:00 AM).
  • Ramanujacharya Jayanti: April 18, 2026 (Major celebrations and cultural programs).
  • Brahmotsavam: October 15 – October 24, 2026.
  • Vaikuntha Ekadashi: December 30, 2026.

Practical Visitor Guidance

Dress Code and Conduct

As this is a major pilgrimage center, traditional attire is highly recommended. Men should wear dhotis or formal trousers and shirts; women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted inside the inner sanctum.

Crowd Management

  • Best Hours: The first hour after opening (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM) is the least crowded. Evenings on weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
  • Seasonal Advice: Hyderabad summers (April–June) are scorching. Carry a reusable water bottle (refill stations are available), sunglasses, and an umbrella. The sandstone flooring around the statue reflects heat intensely.
  • Accessibility: The complex has ramps and elevators (lifts) to access the Bhadra Vedi basement and viewing decks. Wheelchairs are available at the entrance.

Facilities

  • Mobile Lockers: Free and paid lockers are available for electronic devices, as photography is restricted in certain zones.
  • Photography: Strictly prohibited inside the main temple (Gold Idol zone) and the Vedic Library. Permitted in the outer complex and courtyard.

Pilgrimage Connectivity

The temple is strategically located in Muchintal, near the Hyderabad Outer Ring Road, making it highly accessible.

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How to Reach

  • By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) is the nearest airport, located just 15 km away (approx. 20 mins via Nehru Outer Ring Road).
  • By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Secunderabad Junction (40 km). Hyderabad Deccan Station (Nampally) is also accessible.
  • By Road: Located off NH 44 (Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway) and connected via the ORR Exit 14. Dedicated bus services run from Mehdipatnam and Patancheru.

Nearby Sacred Sites (Pilgrimage Circuit)

Extend your spiritual journey with these nearby destinations:

  1. Chilkur Balaji Temple (15 km): Known as the “Visa Temple,” this ancient shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and offers a traditional, non-commercialized darshan.
  2. Negedi Hanuman Temple (10 km): A serene temple complex known for its large Hanuman murti and peaceful meditation spots.
  3. Keesara Gutta (25 km): An ancient Shiva temple complex set on a hill, dating back to the 4th-5th century CE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a VIP darshan entry?

Yes, the temple administration offers a “Quick Darshan” or VIP pass for an additional fee. This can be purchased online during seva booking or at the special counter near the entrance. However, during peak festivals like Brahmotsavam, general darshan lines are prioritized.

Can I visit without an online booking?

Absolutely. While online booking is recommended for sevas and quick entry, general darshan is free and open to all without prior reservation. You can obtain a token at the counter.

Are children and senior citizens allowed?

Yes. The temple is family-friendly. There are designated waiting areas for senior citizens near the inner sanctum. Children under 12 years often receive free entry for sevas (check current terms).

Is non-vegetarian food allowed nearby?

No. As this is a holy place, the entire campus and surrounding vicinity are strictly vegetarian and egg-free. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited. Free meals (Prasadam) are often served at the Annadanam hall.

What is the best way to get around the campus?

The complex is vast. For those with mobility issues, electric buggies are available to ferry devotees from the parking area to the main temple entrance.

A statue built in the memory of Sant Sri Ramanujacharya

The Statue of Equality, in Telangana, is a 216 feet Ramanujacharya statue made of panchaloha. The structure installed at Muchintal near Hyderabad would be “dedicated to the world” by PM Modi on 5th Feb 2022, to mark the 1,000 years since the birth of the Hindu reformist saint.

About The Statue of Equality

  1. The Statue is made of a combination of five metals called ‘Panchaloha’, which includes gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc.
  2. The statue is the world’s second tallest statue in a sitting posture. The Buddha statue in Thailand, at 301 feet, takes the spot as the world’s tallest ‘sitting’ statue.
  3. Mounted on a 54-ft high base building, named ‘Bhadra Vedi’, the basement features a Vedic digital library and research centre.
  4. The building also hosts numerous ancient Indian texts, a theatre, an educational gallery detailing many works of Ramanujacharya inside.
  5. A temple of Ramanujacharya covering an area of about 300,000 square feet has also been constructed, where a 120 kg gold idol will be placed for daily worship. The 120 kgs is to mark the 120 years that the saint is said to have lived.The Statue of Equality
  6. The statue has been conceptualised by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram.
  7. Built at Muchintal, a village in Telangana, the statue is located near the Hyderabad International Airport at Shamshabad. Conceptualised by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram, the foundation stone for the structure was laid in 2014.
  8. The project is believed to have been completed at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore that was funded entirely by donations.
  9. The giant statue is also encircled by the replicas of 108 sacred shrines from the many parts of the country including Tirupati, Srirangam, Dwaraka, Badrinath etc.
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About Saint Sri Ramanujacharya

Ramanujacharya was an Indian philosopher, Hindu theologian, social reformer, and one of the most important exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. His philosophical foundations for devotionalism were influential to the Bhakti movement.

  1. Born in 1017 in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, Saint Ramanujacharya is revered as a Vedic philosopher who revived the Bhakti Movement.
  2. According to the ancient scriptures, he lived for 120 years, a claim often questioned by modern scholars and historians
  3. In the early 11th and 12th centuries, the saint is said to have travelled across the length and breadth of the country to promote equality and social justice.
  4. According to his followers, Ramanujacharya was one of the first who fought against social, cultural, gender, educational and economic discrimination.
  5. He is said to have spread teachings like equality among every human regardless of nationality, gender, race, caste or creed.
  6. Several scholars followed his path and the works of many ancient poets like Annamacharya, Bhakt Ramdas, Thyagaraja, Kabir, and Meerabai were inspired by him.
  7. He is considered to be a timeless icon of equality for social reformists around the world.
  8. He made education accessible to those who were the most deprived in those days and came up with the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva kutumbakam’, which means that all universe is one family.
  9. He opened the doors of temples to all people, including those subjected to extreme discrimination.
  10. He is also believed to have taught about the protection of nature and its resources like air, water and soil.

Contact Details

Address: Sri Ramanagaram JIVA Campus Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 509325
Hours:
Phone: 095535 49971
Height: 65.8 m
Opened: 2018
Dedicated to: Ramanuja
Material: Steel framing, panchaloha

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