One of Hinduism's most significant deities, Shiva (Sanskrit: Auspicious One), is worshiped as the ultimate lord by Nepal's Saivite sects. He is also known as the "destroyer and restorer" inside the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that also includes Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is the Supreme Being who is in charge of the universe's creation, protection, and transformation.
The serpent that encircles Shiva's neck, the crescent moon that decorates his hair, the sacred river Ganga that flows from his matted hair, the third eye on his forehead, the trishula or trident as his weapon, and the damaru drum are all iconographical qualities. He is frequently worshipped in the form of a Lingam, an aniconic form.
Nepal has long been considered as the Hindus' and Hinduism's spiritual birthplace. As a result, temples of all sizes, both little and huge, have sprouted up all throughout the country. ImartNepal has created a list of the world's largest statues of Lord Shiva, including several from Nepal, rather than telling you about a few temples dedicated to so-and-so Gods and Goddesses.
1. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue (Nepal) 43ft
The Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the highest Shiva statue in the world. It's in Sanga, Nepal, some 20 kilometers outside of Kathmandu, on the border of the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchwok districts. The statue has a coppery colour to it, and the face is calm, kind, and welcoming to both believers and guests. The statue is composed of copper, zinc, concrete, and steel and is 143 feet (43.5 meters) tall.
According to the List of Statues by Height, Kailashnath Mahadev is the world's forty-second tallest statue, four places behind the Statue of Liberty. Due to the enormous number of visitors, the monument has boosted religious tourism in Nepal, both domestically and globally. The statue's construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2010. It was created to mimic images of the Hindu god Lord Shiva and is regarded a marvel of Nepalese engineering.
2. Shiva Of Murudeshwara (Kannada, Karnataka) 122ft
Murudeshwara town in Bhatkal Taluq, Uttara Kannada District in Karnataka is home to the world's second largest Shiva statue, behind the one in Nepal. The statue and temple are located on the coast of the Arabian Sea near Murudeshwara.
Shiva is seated and has a silvery complexion. His eyes are friendly and sparkling. Gold-toned gemstones and decorations are used. Murudeshwar Temple is a well-known temple in Karnataka. It has a combination of modern and historic buildings. The statue was sculpted by Kashinath and funded by businessman R.N.Shetty.
3. Sarveshwar Mahadev Statue (Sursagar Lake, Vadodara, Gujarat) 120ft
Sur Sagar Lake, also known as Chand Talao, is a lake located in the heart of Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan has erected a 120-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake.
The unique lighting setup on this monument gives a spectacular effect during the late evening and night hours.
4. ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva Statue (Coimbatore) 112ft
Guinness World Records has recognized the 112 foot tall "Adiyogi" statue of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva with white Thirunamam in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, as the world's "Largest Bust Sculpture."
The Adiyogi face, which was built by the Isha Foundation and is maintained by spiritual leader Jaggi Vasudev, attracts thousands of visitors. The statue is called Adiyogi, which means "first yogi" in reference to Shiva, who is regarded as the originator of yoga, according to Sadhguru.
5. Namchi Statue (Siddheshwar Dham, Sikkim) 108 ft
A one-of-a-kind pilgrim center with a 108-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva and replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas to bring Shiva devotees together on a single platform.
Siddhesvara Dham Siddhesvara Siddhesvara Siddhesvara Siddhesvara Siddhesvara Sikkim's Siddhe Siddhesvara Dham has replicas of the ancient Chardham Hindu temples of Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka, and Rameswaram, as well as an 18-foot statue of Shiva's hunting form, Kirateshwar.
Solophok Hill has a historical reality in religious belief. According to Hindu mythology, after losing Sati in Agnikund, Lord Shiva retreated into seclusion and became a hunter in the Sikkim woods.
6. Mankamaeshwar Temple (Shiva Statue at Allahabad) 108 ft
Because it is located in the holy city of Allahabad, directly on the banks of the holy River Ganga, this massive statue is regarded as the Symbol of Allahabad—the sacred region of Sangam. The statue is located near the Kumbh Mela, which is a sacred and well-known event that occurs on a regular basis. The most striking feature of this 33-meter-high statue is the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva's bull (Nandi) watching over him.
7. Mangal Mahadev (Mauritius) 107ft
Mangal Mahadev, rising 107 feet tall in Mauritius' Ganga Talao Lake, is one of Lord Shiva's different statuses. During your visit to this sacred site, you will definitely be awed by the huge statue of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer. But don't worry about your death; at Grand Bassin, the Hindu God of Destruction is smiling and calm as ever.
Despite the fact that the Lord is frequently represented with the Himalayas as a backdrop, this monument stands out. It stands towering in Mauritius, the world's hottest beach resort.
8. Shiva Of The Har-ki-Pauri (Haridwar) 101ft
This statue, which measures 30.5 meters tall, can be found in Haridwar, a Hindu sacred city. On the banks of the Ganges, Shiva blesses worshippers, and those interested in doing the Badri yatra can see Shiva and continue their journey to Badri. Lord Shiva of the Har-ki-Pauri, which stands on the Ganga's banks, can grow to be up to 90 feet tall.
9. Shivagiri Statue (Bijapur, Karnataka) 85ft
The T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust built the 85-foot-tall Lord Shiva Statue on Sindagi Road in Vijayapura (Bijapur). As a pilgrimage site, it is progressively gaining appeal. Shimoga sculptors worked on it for more than a year, and Bangalore-based architects designed the civilian design.
10. Nageshwar Statue (Dwarka, Gujarat) 82 feet
The Nageshwar Statue is located near Dwarka in Daarukavanam, Gujarat. The main attraction of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a large yet beautiful statue of Lord Shiva in yogic stance. One of Lord Shiva's 12 Jyotirlinga shrines is Nageshvara Jyotirlinga. Late T-Series Music Company owner Gulshan Kumar restored this temple, which was later completed by his family following his death.
