There is now another attraction at the historical pilgrimage centre of Melkote in the district. A statue of the 10th century social reformer Sri Ramanujacharya has been installed there as part of his 1,000th birth anniversary celebrations.
The marble statue of the Bhakti saint, in sitting position with hands folded, was recently installed at an attractive mantap near ‘Akka-Thangi Kola’ (the Two Sisters Pond) and Dhanushkoti in Pandavapaura taluk.
A team of architects from Gujarat crafted the statue of Ramanujacharya wearing finger rings and ‘khadgas’ on both hands and legs.
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The installation was done by Yathiraja Mutt of Melkote, Ananda Alvar, managing trustee, Sri Ramanuja Sahasramanothsava Seva Trust, said.
Around ₹60 lakh has been spent on the project with the help of donors. The eight-pillar mantap will be illuminated with lights and a fountain will be set up around it, mutt sources said.
It is believed that Ramanujacharya lived for many years at Yathiraja Mutt. The millennial birth anniversary celebrations at Melkote began on April 21, with the support of the trust, the mutt and other like-minded people.
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Special pujas and rituals for the statue will be taken up during the valedictory function on Monday, sources said.