The 369-foot-tall Shiva statue
Viswas Swaroopam installed in Rajasthan’s Nathdwara town will be inaugurated today. It is hailed as the world’s tallest Shiva statue, and will be opened to the public in the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, assembly speaker CP Joshi, and others.

Situated around 45 km away from Udaipur, the statue has been built by Tat Padam Sansthan. After the inauguration of the statue, the Sansthan trustee and Miraj group chairman Madan Paliwal said that a series of religious, spiritual, and cultural events will be held for nine days – from October 29 to November 6, and religion preacher Morari Bapu will also recite Ram Katha during the nine days.

Referring to the statue, Paliwal said that this wonderful statue of Lord Shiva will give a new dimension to religious tourism in the state.

The statue has been installed on a hilltop over an expanse of 51 bighas, and is in a meditation posture; it is said to be visible from 20 kilometers away. The statue will also be clearly visible at night as it will be illuminated with special lights, informed Jaiprakash Mali, who was the spokesperson for the programme.

Reports also have it that lifts, stairs, and a hall for devotees have been built. Three thousand tonnes of steel and iron, 2.5 lakh cubic tonnes of sand and concrete have been used in its construction, and it took around 10 years to build it. The foundation of the project was laid in August 2012.

It is also believed that the statue has been built to last 250 years, and can withstand wind speed up to 250 kmph!

1. Where is the world’s tallest Shiva statue?
   The 369-foot-tall Shiva statue ‘Viswas Swaroopam’ installed in Nathdwara town of Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district will be inaugurated on Saturday.
2. Which is the largest statue in world?
   The largest statue in the world is the Statue of Unity which is located in the state of Gujarat, India.
3. What is the highlight of this statue?
   It is believed that the statue has been built to last 250 years, and can withstand wind speed up to 250 kmph!