Har Har Mahadev!

The Hindu god Shiva (Sanskrit: Auspicious One) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism worshiped as the paramount lord by the Saivite sects of Nepal. Also known as the “destroyer and the restorer” within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. Shiva is the Supreme being who creates, protects and transforms the universe.

The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the serpent around his neck, the adorning crescent moon, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the third eye on his forehead, the trishula or trident, as his weapon, and the damaru drum. He is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of Lingam.

Since time immemorial, Nepal has been renowned as the abode of Hindus and Hinduism. So, needless to say, quaint as well as larger-than-life temples have been dotted around the country. But, in this list, rather than telling you few of the temples of so-and-so Gods and Goddesses, ImartNepal try to chart the tallest statues of Lord Shiva from Nepal and more from around the world.

Yes, you read that right—the tallest Lord Shiva statues in the world. So, without wasting any more time, here we go—

1. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue (Nepal – 143ft)

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the world’s tallest Shiva statue in standing pose. It is situated in Sanga, on the border of the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchwok districts in Nepal, about 20 km from Kathmandu. The color of the statue is copper and the face is serene, pleasant and welcoming to the believers and travelers. The statue is 143 feet (43.5 m) in height and is made using copper, zinc, concrete, and steel.

According to the List of statues by height, Kailashnath Mahadev is the world’s fortieth-tallest statue, four places after the Statue of Liberty. Due to the number of visitors, the statue has contributed to the religious tourism in Nepal, both locally and internationally. Designed to resemble images of the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, and seen as a marvel of Nepalese engineering, the statue’s construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2010.

2. Shiva Of Murudeshwara (Kannada, Karnataka  – 122ft)

A statue of Lord Shiva is in Murudeshwara town in Bhatkal Taluq, Uttara Kannada District in Karnataka is the second biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the world after the statue in Nepal. The statue and temple are located on the beach in Murudeshwara, which lies on the Arabian Sea coastal line.

Shiva, here, is silver colored and seated. His eyes are open and pleasant. The ornaments and jewels are gold colored.  The Murudeshwar Temple is one of the popular temples in Karnataka. It has a blend of modern and traditional architecture. The statue was built by Kashinath and financed by a businessman named R.N.Shetty.

3. Sarveshwar Mahadev Statue (Sursagar Lake, Vadodara, Gujarat – 120ft)

Sur Sagar lake also known as the Chand Talao is a lake situated in the middle of the city of Vadodara in the State of Gujarat in India.  A 120 ft tall statue of Lord Shiva built by Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan stands in the middle of the lake.

The special lighting arrangement on this statue gives a tremendous effect during the late evening and night hours.

4. ‘Adiyogi’ Lord Shiva Statue (Coimbatore – 112ft)

The 112 feet tall ‘Adiyogi’ statue of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva with white Thirunamam at Coimbatore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu; which has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the “Largest Bust Sculpture” in the world.

The face of Adiyogi, set up by the Isha Foundation led by spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudev, attracts thousands of people every day. Sadhguru said that the statue is for inspiring and promoting yoga, and is named Adiyogi, which means “the first yogi” because Shiva is known as the originator of yoga.

5. Namchi Statue (Siddheshwar Dham, Sikkim – 108 ft)

A unique pilgrim center with a 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva, this pilgrim center also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas to offer one platform for Shiva devotees.

Siddhesvara Dham. Siddhesvara Dham in Sikkim created atop Solophok hilltop, 5km from Namchi, models of sacred Chardham Hindu Temples of Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameswaram and an 18-feet statue of Kirateshwar a hunter incarnation of Shiva.

Solophok Hill has a historical fact in religious belief. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, after losing Sati in Agnikund, had gone into seclusion and became a hunter in the forests of Sikkim.

6. Mankamaeshwar Temple  (Shiva Statue at Allahabad 108 ft)

Situated in the holy city of Allahabad, right on the banks of the holy River Ganga, this grand statue is often referred to as the Symbol of Allahad—the holy land of Sangam. The statue is located right where the famous and holy Kumbh Mela takes place at every regular interval. However, the most striking feature of this 33 meters high statue is the grand statue of a bull (Nandi) of Lord Shiva overlooking him.

7. Mangal Mahadev (Mauritius) 107ft

Mangal Mahadev is one of the unique statuses of Lord Shiva which is 107 feet tall and stands tall in the Ganga Talao Lake in Mauritius. During your visit to this sacred site, you will inevitably be awestruck by the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer. However, fear not about your doom, at Grand Bassin you will find the Hindu God of destruction smiling and as peaceful as ever.

Although the lord is always seen in the backdrop of Himalayas,  this statue is very unique. It stands tall in the hottest beach destination, Mauritius.

8. Shiva Of The Har-ki-Pauri (Haridwar) 101ft

Situated in the highly sacred place of the Hindus (Haridwar), this statue is as high as 30.5 m. At the banks of Ganges, Shiva blesses devotees and those who are keen on doing Badri yatra, take a glimpse of Shiva and continue their journey to Badri. The huge dimension of Lord Shiva of the Har-ki-Pauri is as high as 90 feet tall situated on the banks of river Ganga.

9. Shivagiri Statue (Bijapur, Karnataka) 85ft

Lord Shiva Statue is an 85 feet tall Shiva Statue that has been installed by the T.K. Patil Banakatti Charitable Trust in Vijayapura (Bijapur) on Sindagi Road. It is slowly making as a pilgrimage location. It was prepared by sculptors from Shimoga for above 13 months plus the civilian design was supplied by Bangalore-situated architects.

10. Nageshwar Statue (Dwarka, Gujarat) 82 feet

Nageshwar Statue is located at Daarukavanam near Dwarka, Gujarat. A huge yet attractive statue of Lord Shiva in the yogic posture is a major attraction Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Nageshvara Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. T-Series Music Company owner Late Gulshan Kumar renovated this temple and was later completed by his family after his death.