35-feet statue of Lord Shiva to be installed at Aredi pitha in Odisha’s Bhadrak dist

Cuttack: For the first time in Odisha, a 35-foot fiber stature of Lord Shiva is to be installed at the famous Aredi pitha in Bhadrak district of Odisha. The meditative Lord Shiva statue will be ceremonially set up at Aredi on the holy occasion of the upcoming Jagara jatra or Shivaratri.

Reportedly, the construction work of the said statue is in the final stage. The huge 35 feet fiber statue is being built by renowned sculptor Laxmidhar Maharana and his team from the Kathagada sahi of Cuttack while the work has been going on for the last five months. More than 50 artisans have been engaged in the work. Led by Maharana, his team is sculpting the gigantic statue.

Apart from the huge statue, Lord Shiva’s weapons and ornaments are also being made. These elements include trident, moon, tiger skin, half moon, rudraksha and Goddess Ganga on the head of Lord Shiva. Work of these articles is complete.

Reportedly, about 90% of the work is complete so far. Now, the dice is being opened following which arrangement will be made to shift the structure to Aredi where it will be installed. Baba Bhola Shankar will be established there.

The statue has been prepared in fiber while many other things have been added to make it strong and long lasting. These materials include hardener, cobalt, resin, pigment and marble dust.

The statue has been prepared in such a way that it can be strong, safe from external hazards and long lasting. Reportedly, it would also be safe against thunder and rain.

The huge statue will be installed on a 10 feet high base at the Aredi pitha. It will be securely housed in a huge iron structure. Further, proposal is there for beautification of the surrounding area where the statue will be installed.

These days transformation work is going on in many famous temples of the State. This process of transformation is also going on in Aredi pitha.

The sculptor of the statue Laxmidhar Maharana, who has earned repute internationally thanks to his enormous works of sculpture hopes that this 35 foot gigantic statue of Lord Shiva will bring the God and devotees together.

Report: Bibhu Prasad Swain, Cuttack