Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram in Goa today, marking the 550th anniversary of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt.
Brajesh Mishra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram today at the historic Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt in Partagal village, South Goa. The statue, touted as the tallest of its kind in the world, is the centerpiece of the mutt’s 550th anniversary celebrations. The event, which includes a Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, is expected to draw over 10,000 visitors daily, marking a significant cultural moment for the state and the nation.
This unveiling is part of a broader week-long commemoration (November 27–December 7) celebrating the mutt’s 370-year presence in Partagal and its 550-year spiritual legacy. The statue was crafted by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, who also designed the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, linking this project to India’s recent trend of monumental statuary. Following the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, this event reinforces the narrative of a nationwide Hindu cultural revival, with the Goa government facilitating special infrastructure, including a helipad, for the PM's visit.
While the headlines focus on the statue's height and the PM's visit, the deeper story is the "Monumental Strategy." This isn't just about a statue; it's about the systematic creation of a new spiritual geography for India. By engaging the same sculptor behind the Statue of Unity and leveraging a centuries-old mutt in Goa, the event seamlessly blends modern nation-building with ancient tradition. It transforms a quiet village in South Goa into a significant node on India's expanding map of religious tourism, suggesting a deliberate policy to diversify the country's cultural landmarks beyond the traditional northern belt.
The unveiling is likely to boost spiritual tourism in South Goa, diversifying the state's visitor demographic. However, it also raises questions about the balance between heritage preservation and modern monument-building. As 3D projection mapping and other tech-enabled experiences are integrated into religious sites, we are witnessing the modernization of pilgrimage—making it more accessible and visually spectacular, but potentially altering the quiet, traditional character of historic sites like the Jeevottam Mutt.
If monuments are the markers of a nation's identity, what does the construction of the world's tallest Ram statue in Goa tell us about the India of 2025?
What is the significance of the Ram statue unveiling in Goa? The 77-foot bronze statue, to be unveiled by PM Modi, is touted as the world's tallest statue of Lord Ram. It marks the 550th anniversary of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt and signifies a major cultural milestone for Goa, potentially boosting spiritual tourism.
When and where will PM Modi unveil the Ram statue? PM Modi will unveil the statue on November 28, 2025, at the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt in Partagal village, Canacona, South Goa.
Who designed the new Ram statue in Goa? The statue was designed by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, who is also famous for creating the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
What events are part of the mutt’s 550th anniversary celebrations? The celebrations include a week-long series of events from November 27 to December 7, featuring the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) of the statue, a 3D projection mapping show, and various religious rituals.
Who are the key figures attending the ceremony? Key figures include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Shrinivas Dempo, the chairperson of the mutt's central committee.
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