What Are The Ramanuja Statue Of Equality Timings? Know Everything About Visiting The Second Tallest Sitting Statue In The World
I was reading what Dr Prema Nandakumar, the famous researcher and author of Sri Aurobindo As We Saw Him, shared about Ramanuja, the man, who is now celebrated every day with spiritual observations at the Statue of Equality in Telangana.
Ramanuja was one of the great scholars of the Vishishta Advaita school of Vaishnavism. This 11th-century scholar and philosopher also strived hard to bring social integration.
Some of us identify him as a “compassionate philosopher,” or some of us may call him a social reformer or an important name in the Bhakti Movement.
Furthermore, the words of Dr Prema Nandkumar published in The Hindu give us a better understanding of why Ramanuja is the chosen one of the “Statue of Equality.”
Dr Nandkumar quoted from the Sages of India, Colombo to Almora Lectures by Swami Vivekananda.
“He (Ramanuja) felt for the downtrodden, he sympathised with them. He took up the ceremonies, the accretions that had gathered, made them pure so far as they could be, and instituted new ceremonies, new methods of worship, for the people who absolutely required them.
At the same time, he opened the door to the highest spiritual worship from the Brahmin to the Pariah. That was Ramanuja’s work.
That work rolled on, invaded the North, was taken up by some great leaders there; but that was much later, during the Mohammedan rule, and the brightest of these prophets of comparatively modern times in the North was Chaitanya.”
The works and teachings of Ramanuja are vast, and I am not even trying to present them in this brief span. In this Dream and Travel Guide, I will discuss important details about the Statue of Equality, such as timings, entry fees, best features, history, and more.
Key points
- Where Is The Statue Of Equality?
- How To Reach The Statue Of Equality?
- Who Founded The Statue Of Equality?
- What Is The History Of The Statue Of Equality?
- What Is So Special About The Statue Of Equality?
- What Are The Fees To Visit The Statue Of Equality?
- What Are The Main Attractions At The Statue Of Equality Complex?
- What Are The Timings Of The Statue Of Equality?
- What Are The Facilities And Services At The Statue Of Equality?
- What Is The Entry Dress Code?
- What is The Best Time To Visit The Statue Of Equality?
- Ramanuja Statue Of Equality: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Is The Statue Of Equality?
The Statue of Equality is located in the large spiritual and cultural complex of Chinna Jeeyar Trust in Muchintal, Telangana. This statue, with a height of 216 feet, is the second-tallest sitting statue in the world.
Furthermore, the statue is located at a distance of 35 km from Hyderabad City. The journey by road takes around 1 hour. So, it has been a popular weekend destination from Hyderabad.
How To Reach The Statue Of Equality?
The Statue of Equality complex is well-connected by road, railway, and air.
1. How To Reach The Statue Of Equality By Air?
If you are traveling from any other state or country, you can fly to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The airport is less than 20 km away from the spiritual complex, and you can take a cab from there.
2. How To Reach The Statue Of Equality By Train?
Hyderabad Deccan and Shamshabad are close to the Statue of Equality. These railway stations are located at a distance of 35 km and 15 km, respectively.
From the railway stations, you will have to travel the distance by road.
3. How To Reach The Statue Of Equality By Bus And Train?
You will get TSRTC or Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses frequently from Afzalgunj. The bus services to the Statue of Equality are available from 5:35 AM to 9:55 PM.
Furthermore, from the Statue of Equality, you will get buses to Afzalgunj from 4:15 AM to 8:35 PM.
Moreover, you can book a cab, or if you have a private vehicle, you can reach the Ramanuja Statue of Equality via NH 44.
Who Founded The Statue Of Equality?
HH Tridandi Chinna, a Vedic Scholar and a humanitarian, has been teaching people the art of living in harmony with nature. He is also the man who explains Vedic learnings and teachings to us in relation to our everyday lives, using practical examples.
Some of the most prominent humanitarian services offered by him are programs for prisoners to introduce them to the path of righteousness and offering education to visually impaired individuals.
What Is The History Of The Statue Of Equality?
The Statue of Equality today stands as the icon of harmony and oneness. It reflects the words of Ramanuja, “All are eligible to enter a temple. The Creator showed no partiality, nor should we.”
Other values this statue symbolizes are morality, spirituality, liberty, and prosperity. Furthermore, it was inaugurated on 5th February 2022 by PM Narendra Modi to celebrate the 1000th birth anniversary of Sri Ramanujacharya.
Moreover, this statue is a beautiful integration of five metal alloys or panchalohas.
What Is So Special About The Statue Of Equality?
Bhadravedi, or the foundation building of the statue, is three-storied and has a height of 54 feet. On top of the building is a lotus which has a diameter of 27 feet and 54 petals.
Furthermore, Sila or Ethical Conduct sets the foundation of Sri Ramanuja’s path. It inspires to lead a life in harmony.
What Are The Fees To Visit The Statue Of Equality?
You can book the pass for visiting the Statue of Equality online. Here are the entry pass and price details.
| Pass | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Passes | For Adults: 250 For Children (4-11 Years): 150 |
| Audio Visual Tour | 500 |
| Archana | 100 Each Temple |
What Are The Main Attractions At The Statue Of Equality Complex?
The main attraction of the complex is the Statue of Unity. This 120 kg and 216 feet tall alloy statue is a wonderful fusion of architectural excellence and divine grace. The Swarna Ramanuja Acharya, or the 120 kg gold statue inside the Statue of Equality, is at the epicenter of the spiritual activities in the complex.
Furthermore, the 108 Divya Desams or replicas of famous Vishnu temples in India are popular among pilgrims. Additionally, attending rituals such as Nithya Kalyanam, Abhishekam, Suprabhatha Seva, and Samatha Neerajanam (Harathi) is a truly divine experience.
Moreover, the complex has Leela Jala Neerajanam, or a musical mountain, and it hosts a laser show every evening.
What Are The Timings Of The Statue Of Equality?
You can visit the Statue of Equality from 10:30 AM to 8 PM from Monday to Friday. Furthermore, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can visit the complex from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Moreover, the musical fountain show takes place at 2 PM and 5:30 PM on weekdays, and on weekends, there is an additional show at 8:35 PM.
Also, the timings of Arjitha Sevas are:
- Suprabhatha Seva: 5:30 AM
- Abhisheka Seva: 6:30 AM
- Kalyanam: 7:00 AM
- Sathumurai: 8:00 AM
What Are The Facilities And Services At The Statue Of Equality?
The Chinna Jeeyar Trust complex offers various amenities for the visitors. These amenities are:
- EV Charging Points
- Footwear Counters
- Cloakrooms
- Lifts and Wheelchairs
- Car Parking
- Phone Deposit Centers
What Is The Entry Dress Code?
Traditional Indian attire is ideal for entering the spiritual complex. The authorities are very strict about the dress code, and everyone above the age of five needs to abide by it.
If you do not have the suitable outfit, you can contact the office to get traditional outfits at a reasonable rate.
What is The Best Time To Visit The Statue Of Equality?
Autumn and winter, or the months of October to February, are the best time to visit the Statue of Equality. Furthermore, you must plan a visit to the Statue of Equality in the evening to attend the Harathi, fountain, and laser shows.
Ramanuja Statue Of Equality: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Statue of Equality in Telangana.
Three to four hours are ideal for exploring the Statue of Equality spiritual complex. You will visit the statues, the museum, the 108 temples, and the laser and fountain shows.
Also, you can spend some more time in spiritual reflection and meditation.
Photography is only allowed in the outer premises. Furthermore, the complex has dedicated centers where you can deposit your phone.
Yes, the Statue of Equality is worth visiting, considering it is an ode to Ramanujacharya, who preached equality and has been an important name in the Bhakti Movement. Furthermore, he has been an important name in the landscape of Hindu philosophy and social reform.
Furthermore, the Statue of Equality and the Golden Ramanuja Statue stand for architectural excellence.
