The city of Udaipur in Rajasthan is well known for its famous lakes and palaces. The ‘Statue of Belief’ (also known as ‘Vishwas Swaroopam’) is another landmark added to showcase the state to the world. In collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, the world’s tallest Shiva statue was built by the Miraj Group to attract more tourists from India and overseas.
With a humble beginning in 1987, the Miraj Group has expanded into multiple businesses over the years under the leadership of Madan Paliwal – from pipes and fittings, printing and packaging, and real estate, to film production, hospitality, retail, and entertainment. Their latest venture is the world’s tallest Shiva statue at Nathdwara, Udaipur. The group firmly believes that “if there is passion in the heart, nothing is impossible”. This passion has laid a strong foundation for the group to grow into a vast business empire encompassing various sectors.
The ‘Statue of Belief’ was envisioned by Madan Paliwal, Chairman of the Miraj Group, Udaipur. He conceptualised a giant statue of Lord Shiva built on Ganesh Tekri, a hillock in Nathdwara, 45 km from Udaipur. His vision also included putting Nathdwara on the global tourist map. The concept was further developed by the renowned studio Maturam Art, which designed the 369-ft-high statue, while the structural design was rendered by Skeleton Consultants. The construction contract for the statue and other amenities in the complex was awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji. The Lord Shiva statue, which spans 35 acres, was completed and opened in October 2022. It took almost 10 years to complete the statue and other facilities, with more than R300 crore spent on the project. The Statue of Belief is the tallest Shiva statue in the world and the fourth-tallest statue globally, visible from as far as 20 km away. “I always wanted to make my native place so incredible that its presence stands out on the world map, and with the Statue of Belief, I can see my dream coming true,” says a beaming Paliwal.
The interior of the statue contains an exhibition hall as well as public viewing galleries accessible by lift. The installation includes a statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull, measuring 25 feet tall and 37 feet long. The facilities offered to visitors include ample parking, three herbal gardens, a food court, a laser fountain, handicraft shops, viewing platforms, musical fountains, souvenir shops, and a pond.
The structure consists of an inner core of reinforced cement concrete walls surrounded by a structural steel framework, itself encased in a moulded ultra-high concrete exterior. The surface has been coated with zinc to increase its longevity by 250 years, and finished with copper. The statue is built to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 kph. The site includes viewing galleries at 270 ft and 280 ft, connected by a glass walkway. Visitors can take part in spiritual practices such as Jalabhishek at 351 ft. LED lighting has been installed inside the statue and in the allied buildings to reduce power consumption.
In the short period since the statue’s opening, the number of visitors has exceeded 15 lakhs as of July 2024. The Statue of Belief has welcomed over 15 lakh visitors since its inauguration in 2022, marking a significant milestone. This statue of Lord Shiva has rapidly become a premier spiritual and cultural landmark in India, attracting visitors not only from across the country but also from overseas. Well-known people from political and Bollywood circles have also visited this spiritual site.
“This achievement highlights the deep spiritual and cultural resonance the statue holds for people worldwide. Our country’s strong spiritual roots help us create an enlightening experience for visitors by offering unique and one-of-a-kind experiences. At Miraj Group, we have always believed in giving back to society, and promoting Nathdwara as a global spiritual destination is our way of offering people solace. I am a blessed man,” explains Paliwal with satisfaction.
Adventure and fun activities Apart from the darshan of Lord Shiva, there are multiple activities available for fun and adventure lovers, including Kailasha Snow Park (Rajasthan’s biggest snow park). Adventure seekers can engage in go-karting, bungee jumping (at 185 ft), and zip-lining. The 3D experience (Light and Sound Show) is another added attraction. The museum guides visitors through realms of radiant beauty, spiritual resonance, and cosmic balance, creating a serene experience. Galleries such as the Crystal Terrain, the Kinesis of Belief, and the Aum Bell provide immersive, transformative experiences, while others like Kailash Mansarovar and the Tunnel to Eternity inspire self-discovery and enlightenment, creating a sense of illumination and interconnectedness.
Green future The Miraj Group does not stop here. Its next big venture is a green initiative in and around Udaipur with a one crore tree plantation drive, which started in July 2024. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of tree conservation and to enhance the green cover for maintaining environmental balance. The company has organised 5 crore seeds and plants, such as Neem, Amaltas, Peepal, Umar, and Gulmohar, to be planted in the arid regions between Udaipur city and Nathdwara, covering a distance of 45 km.
Over the past several years, the Miraj Group has undertaken extensive tree plantation efforts. The company has established a dedicated team and comprehensive infrastructure to ensure the successful growth and maintenance of these plantations. Several notable gardens have been part of this green initiative. The Nakshatra Vatika at Gulab Bagh, Udaipur, is a unique garden that combines astrological themes with botany, featuring trees symbolising each zodiac sign. It also includes an acupressure track for walkers. Another significant project is the Tri-Netra Circle Garden in Nathdwara, Maharana Pratap Airport, and Chetak Circle in Udaipur. Additionally, the organisation maintains gardens and plants thousands of trees at public places, schools, and government premises.
“By planting one crore trees, we hope to make our communities greener and healthier. This initiative is about more than just trees; it’s about teaching people to care for our planet. Every tree we plant helps create a better, more balanced world. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure these trees thrive. Our dedicated team and infrastructure are in place to maintain the plantations,” said Paliwal. “We also hope this initiative inspires others to join us in making a positive impact on the environment. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come. Our children and grandchildren deserve to inherit a world where nature flourishes. By taking these steps today, we are ensuring that future generations can enjoy cleaner air, richer biodiversity, and the many benefits of a healthy ecosystem. This is our legacy and our gift to the future,” adds Paliwal