In a recent development, a ‘Statue of Peace’ of Swami Ramanujacharya made of marble was inaugurated in Srinagar by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah. Situated in the Sonwar region of Srinagar, this incredible statue symbolises peace in the valley and in the country. The minister said that peace is returning to ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir’.
During the ceremony, Shah said, “Sri Ramanuja, the proponent of Vishishtadvaita was an epic personality who always longed for the creation of an equitable society. This Statue of Peace will bring the blessings and the message of Ramanujacharya for Kashmiris of all faiths, and will take Kashmir forward on path of peace and development”.
He also said that by next year, Gujarat too will have a statue of peace. Talking about Ramanuja, the minister said that the spiritual leader had a liberal approach and he strongly stood against disparities in society and that his preaching is relevant even after a thousand years.
Who was Swami Ramanujacharya?
Ramanuja or Ramanujacharya was one great Hindu philosopher and a social reformer who is known for starting the Bhakti Movement in India. He was born on April 25, 1077 CE into a Tamil Brahmin community in a small village known as Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu) during the Chola period.
His devotees followed Vaishnava tradition and there are some significant Vaishnava temples associated with Ramanuja’s tradition. One of the very famous is the Srirangam Ranganatha temple in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier this year in the month of February, a Statue of Equality of Ramanujacharya in a sitting posture was inaugurated in Hyderabad by PM Narendra Modi. Standing at a height of 216 ft, the statue looks incredible. Also known as the Ramanuja statue, the iconic figure is situated on the premises of the Chinna Jeeyar Trust at Muchintal, Ranga Reddy district around 36 km from Hyderabad. For those who don’t know, it is the second tallest sitting statue in the world.