Visitor Speaks

For a long time, I tried to visit the Statue of Equality, but due to professional responsibilities, especially the new responsibilities of heading the ETV Life Spiritual Channel, it was not possible. Finally, after visiting the Statue of Equality and the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams on 21-3-26, my heart was filled with an indescribable experience. Truly, how wonderfully it has been constructed! Building a temple is not merely about raising a modern structure. Particularly, in the construction of the 108 Divya Desams, creating them in today’s modern era while adhering to the architectural styles of the respective states is remarkable. The way the pillars of Belur Chennakesava Temple were turned into marvels in days without technology is astonishing. Replicating such pillars in the same manner, and blending the styles of the Cholas, Pallavas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara, and Kakatiya dynasties into the architectural forms, is truly impressive.

Especially, the monolithic chariot of Hampi has been recreated exactly as it is. Similarly, the gopurams of the northern Indian temples reflect their architectural style, while the Kerala-style gopurams are represented authentically, all standing as symbols of naturalness. What I liked most were the pink stone arches in the main hall, which are unparalleled and timeless. Constructed with soapstone, they are no less than the ancient structures of Aihole, Pattadakal, and Belur, and they vividly bring alive the artistic grandeur of those times. The dedication, love, and commitment shown in the Samata Murthy campus are always commendable and praiseworthy.

For the ETV Life Spiritual Channel, we filmed extensively across many of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams in South India. While researching and viewing them, I often wondered whether I would ever be able to see at least some of them in my lifetime. That wish was fulfilled upon coming to the Samata Murthy campus. The systematic arrangement of the Divya Desams into Dakshina Patham and Uttara Patham, culminating in Paramapadam, was captivating.

As for the design of the Statue of Equality itself, words fall short. Its grandeur and magnificence are evident at first sight. The fountain arrangements in front of the statue, flowing like waves of water, combined with the dance offerings, are especially attractive to visitors. During this journey, the detailed explanations provided by volunteer sister Sunitha about each Divya Desam added valuable insights to my research writings for the channel, I extend special thanks to Seethanagaram Ashram in-charge Ramprasad Garu. Bhupati Garu. Suneetha Garu and the followers of Jeeyar Swamiji for giving me this opportunity.

For the world-class spiritual city “Om City. Ramoji Group Chairman Sri Ramoji Rao Garu envisioned recreating the 108 prominent temples of India exactly as they are. As the head of Om City, I successfully completed the responsibilities entrusted to me. Though the project did not materialize for certain reasons. my efforts to re-establish those 108 temples came to mind during this visit. With unwavering determination and wholehearted devotion, under the great resolve of Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and with the support of Sri Rameshwar Rao Garu, this great yajna has borne fruit. It is no surprise, for this is a world-class construction, an unparalleled edifice gifted to humanity. The Statue of Equality will stand as

a cultural and spiritual bridge for generations to come, conveying the divine philosophy of Sri Sri Sri Ramanujacharya that service to all beings brings us closer to God. My heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to this construction.