Watch - PM Modi unveils Asia's ‘tallest' statue of Lord Ram in Goa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram in Goa, marking a key highlight of the 550th anniversary celebrations of the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt. The Prime Minister also offered prayers at the historic monastic institution in Partagali, South Goa — one of India’s oldest mutts, revered for its deep spiritual and cultural legacy within the Saraswat community.

Goa minister Digambar Kamat announced that the statue, crafted by acclaimed sculptor Ram Sutar, who also created the Statue of Unity, is the tallest Lord Ram statue in the world. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, drawing significant public attention to a landmark moment in the state’s cultural heritage.

According to a press release from PMO, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the 'Ramayana Theme Park' developed by the Math. The bronze statue of Lord Ram is designed by renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar.

PM Modi also released the special postal stamp and a commemorative coin and address the gathering on the occasion.

Joint Convenor of the Organising Committee of celebrations, S Mukund Kamath, told news agency ANI that more than 15,000 people are expected from all over India today.

"More than 15,000 people are expected from all over India. PM will first visit Lord Ram's bronze statue, and address the people," Kamath told ANI on Thursday.

He said that the 11-day 550th-year celebration of the Math will witness more than 1.2 lakh people.

“In 11 days' time, more than 1.2 lakh people are expected here. There will be cultural programs, and renowned artists, including Shankar Mahadevan and Anup Jalota, and others, will be performing.”

Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math is the first Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Vaishnava Math. It follows the Dvaita order, a system established by Jagadguru Madhvacharya in the 13th century AD. The Math is headquartered in Partagali, a small town in South Goa, on the banks of the river Kushavati, the press release said.

What Did PM Modi Say During Goa Visit?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that despite facing numerous challenges over the years, Goa has not only preserved its cultural heritage but has continually revitalised it with time.

Speaking after unveiling the 77-feet bronze statue of Lord Ram in the state, PM Modi added that the road to Viksit Bharat lies in the unity and collective strength of the people, emphasising that cultural identity and national development are deeply interconnected.

PM in Udupi

While PM Modi's visit to the Math in Goa is scheduled at 3:15 pm, PM also visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka.

PM Modi held a roadshow in Udupi before the event.

At Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, he participated in the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme, a devotional gathering of about 1,00,000 participants, including students, monks, scholars, and citizens from various walks of life, who recited the Srimad Bhagavad Gita in unison.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Suvarna Teertha Mantapa, located in front of the Krishna sanctum, and dedicated the Kanaka Kavacha (golden cover) for the sacred Kanakana Kindi, a sacred window through which the saint Kanakadasa is believed to have had the divine darshan of Lord Krishna.

Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, was established over 800 years ago by Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy of Vedanta, the press release said.

Ahead of his of visit to Udupi, PM Modi said that he is "honoured" to attend the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme at Sri Krishna Matha.

PM Modi remarked that the programme brings together people from different sections of society to recite the Gita.

"I am honoured to be visiting Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi to take part in the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme tomorrow, 28th November. This is a special gathering that brings together people from different sections of society for a recital of the Gita. This Matha has a very special significance in our cultural life. Inspired by Sri Madhvacharya, it has been at the forefront of serving society," he had said in a post on X.

(With ANI inputs)