The Statue of Equality, or, ‘Samta ki Pratima” is the statue of The Great Vaishnava Saint Ramanujacharya of the 11th century. The ‘Statue of Equality,’ is a 216-foot statue of Ramanujacharya in Hyderabad. It is a witness to the saint’s message of equality for all. The statue was made in China at a cost of around Rs 135 crore. It was brought to India in 1,600 pieces and the installation took around 15 months.
The entire concept of the statue is by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram. It consists of five metals namely gold, silver, zinc, brass, and copper. It is the second-largest statue in the world in sitting posture. Installed in the sprawling 45-acre campus of Sree Chitra Jeeyar Swami Ashram in Muchintala village, it is a must-visit for all.
Overview of the Statue of Equality (Ramanuja)
The Statue of Equality is a must-visit tourist spot. The following information will be helpful in this regard for tourists.
Statue of Equality Address: Sri Ramanagaram, Muchintal Road, Palmakol P.O. Shamshabad, HYDERABAD 509325.
Statue of Equality Contact Information:
Contact no: 7901422022, +91 7330754646
email: contact@statueofequality.org, srs.samaroham@chinnajeeyar.org
Statue of Equality Official Website: https://statueofequality.org/
Type: The Statue of Equality is a monumental statue.
Statue of Equality Height: The height of the Statue of Equality is 216 feet.
Statue of Equality Height in Meters: 66 m
Origins: The statue is dedicated to Sri Ramanuja. He was a well-known social reformer and philosopher who lived during the 11th and 12th centuries. It is a tribute to his contributions to equality and social unity.
Area: The entire complex covers an area of about 45 acres.
Statue of Equality Timings: The Statue of Equality is open to visitors from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please note it remains closed on Wednesdays, serving as a holiday for the monument.
What are the Entry Ticket Fees for the Statue of Equality and Show Timings:
Week Days: 1 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm
Weekends (SAT&SUN): 1 pm, 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:15 pm, 8:30 pm
Statue of Equality Entry Price is INR 200 per adult and 125 per child aged between 5 and 12 years.
Statue of Equality Dress Code: Visitors are requested to follow the dress code guidelines. For those not dressed appropriately, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the office for traditional dresses, available at nominal prices.
Statue of Equality Laser Show Timings: The Light, Music, and Laser show takes place Post 4:30 PM
Best time to Visit Statue of Equality: The best time to visit the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad is from November to February.
Time to explore the Statue of Equality (Ramanuja): You can spend around 3-4 hours to visit the place. You can also learn more about Saint Ramanuja by taking a tour of the library and museum.
Photography: Photography is allowed in and around the statue, but some restrictions may apply.
Statue of Equality Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station to Statue in Hyderabad is Paradise which is a 17-minute walk distance.
Statue of Equality Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Umdanagar Railway Station (12.2 km) in Shamshabad.
Parking: Adequate parking facilities are available near the statue.The car parking fee is 40 INR.
Items Not Allowed in Statue of Equality:
Tobacco, Alcohol, Sharp-edged items, Pets, Music Devices, Mobile Phones, Luggage, Food & Drink, Cameras
Statue of Equality Dress Code: Visitors are required to cover the armpits, chest, navel, and upper arms. It is mandatory to cover at least the knees at the bottom dress.
Facilities: The Statue of Equality complex offers various facilities, including Car parking, Cloakrooms available to safely secure your belongings, Footwear counters to securely hold them until you exit, Lifts & Wheelchairs, Mobile phone counters to securely hold them until you exit, Toilets
Features: The Statue of Equality is a towering impressive monument that includes:
- A grand statue of Sri Ramanuja that is a symbol of his legacy and teachings.
- Lush green gardens and landscapes for visitors to enjoy.
- Educational exhibits and displays on the life and works of Sri Ramanuja.
- Cultural and spiritual events are organized periodically.
Statue of Equality Location: Statue of Equality Distance
Statue of Equality Timings
Here’s the table for the Statue of Equality timings Today:
Day | Timing |
Monday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
Tuesday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
Wednesday | Closed / Holiday |
Thursday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
Friday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
Saturday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
Sunday | 11:00 am – 8:00 pm |
You can also book online tickets for the Statue of Equality by visiting the official website.
Architecture of Statue of Equality (Ramanuja)
The sculpture of the Unit of Equality is made on a frame covered with Panchdhatu sheet (Panchdhatu means a combination of five metals). This sheet is a mixture of gold, silver, copper, brass, and titanium.
The idol is built on a three-storied building called Bhadra Vedi. At the top of this building is a lotus 27 feet high. The lotus is carried by 36 elephants. The idol is seated on this lotus-shaped platform which is called Padma Peetham.
The Bhadra Vedi houses a museum, library and educational exhibition. It also has a meditation hall. There is a 54-inch high idol of Ramanuja made of 120 kg gold here. Also, a miniature replica of Sri Ramanujacharya’s 108 Divya Desams (mini sculpture shrines) has been built around this idol.
Things to do at the Statue of Equality of Ramanuja
At the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad, visitors can experience:
- Take an impressive look at the towering statue of Sri Ramanuja, representing equality and harmony.
- Spend some time in solitude at the meditation hall and connect within.
- Experience the delightful water fountain show with lights and music.
- Visit the three-story Bhadra Vedi building.
- Explore the area around the statue to find mini replicas of 108 Divya Desams which are adorned beautifully.
- Take the opportunity to learn about the life and contributions of Sri Ramanujacharya at the library and museum.
- Stroll around the serene gardens surrounding the statue.
- During the scheduled Aradhana event, join in the spiritual gathering and experience the devotion.
- Click some beautiful moments and capture the beauty of the architecture and surroundings.
- Enjoy the evening with the musical fountain
Quick facts about the Statue of Equality Hyderabad
Here are some quick bytes about the Statue of Equality, Hyderabad.
- The Statue of Equality is made in China by Aerosun Corporation.
- About 130 million US dollars have been spent on the Statue of Equality.
- The Statue of Equality is the second tallest metal statue in the world after the Buddha statue in Thailand in the seating position.
- The Statue of Equality was constructed on a 54 feet high three-storey building, called Bhadravedi.
- Along with the Vedic digital library, there is a research center, a theater, and an education gallery have also been built in the building.
- This statue was built on the occasion of the 1000th birth anniversary of Ramanujacharya.
- The Statue of Equality is made of Panchaloha i.e. gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc metals.
- The height of this statue is 216 feet i.e. 66 meters.
- The construction of the Statue of Equality started on May 2, 2014.
- The statue has been built on about 45 acres of land.
- The Statue of Equality has 108 Divya Desams, and 108 ornately carved Vishnu temples.
Statue of Equality Entry Timings and Fee
Please take note, in short the Statue of Equality entry timings are from 3 PM to 8 PM for Monday to Friday and 11 AM to 8 PM. for Saturday & Sunday and entry fee is INR 150 per adult and 75 per child aged between 5 and 12 years.
- The evening ‘aarti’ at Divya Desam starts at 6 pm every day.
- The dress code is strictly traditional. Dhoti or formal Indian wear is preferred for men. Sarees or suits are preferred for women. Jeans and Western wear are not allowed in the building.
- The entry ticket price for Unit of Equality is ₹150 for adults and ₹75 for children (5 to 12 years old). Car parking charges ₹40.
Visiting Guidelines at Statue of Equality Hyderabad
To help keep the premises a safe and enjoyable place for everyone, please follow the guidelines below:
- Being considerate towards others
- Not touching the deities, walls, and other exhibits. Do not cross the barriers.
- Use trash cans when needed.
- Maintaining silence at the Divya Desas and Gold Ramanuja
- Any unattended bags will be removed and destroyed.
How to reach the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad?
By Road: The Equality Unit is located in Sariram Nagar, outside Hyderabad. It is near Muchintala, a short distance from the Hyderabad-Bangalore highway. The distance from the Unit of Equality to Hyderabad is around 34 km.
By Rail: The distance from Hyderabad Nampally Railway Station and Secunderabad Railway Station to Murthy is 36 km and 41 km respectively.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Unit of Equality is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, at a distance of 16 km.
By Taxi/Cab: Taxis and private cabs are the most convenient way to reach the Unit of Equality.
Final Thoughts
The Statue of Equality is a witness to the principle of equality in faith, caste, and religion. It serves as an epitome of unity in diversity for modern-day India as well, which is facing a serious divide based on religion and caste.
Yes, The Statue of Equality Entry Fee is INR 200 per adult and 125 per child aged between 5 and 12 years. It includes INR 50 per head for the Dynamic Fountain Show.
The Light, Music, and Laser show takes place Post 4:30 PM
The Statue is closed on Wednesday.
From 4:00 to 4:30 PM, visitors are not allowed inside.
The Light, Music, and Laser show takes place after 4:30 PM. The Statue remains closed on Wednesdays, and there is a short break from 4:00 to 4:30 PM when visitors are not allowed in.
To maintain spiritual decorum within the complex, visitors are requested to follow the dress code guidelines, which are strictly decent and traditional.
The Statue of Equality Hyderabad has 108 steps.
The Statue of Equality represents the idea of equality and social harmony. It is a symbol of unity and peace. It promotes the belief that all individuals should be treated equally and with respect. This is regardless of their background or status.
Saint Ramanujacharya was an advocate of a casteless society. He encouraged temples to welcome people regardless of caste or class in society. He worked to spread education among people who were deprived of it. Ramanuja’s greatest contribution is the promotion of the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.” It means, “The whole earth is one family”.
Saint Ramanujacharya traveled across India preaching his ideas of social equality and universal brotherhood. He spoke of universal salvation through devotion to God, compassion and humility, known as the ‘Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya’.