In a momentous celebration that drew thousands, the tallest idol of Lord Ram in North America was inaugurated on the grounds of the Hindu Heritage Center in the town of Mississauga. The grand ceremony witnessed an overwhelming crowd of over 10,000 people who gathered to mark this spiritual milestone with heartfelt devotion and national pride.

A significant representation from Canada’s political leadership graced the event. Federal Cabinet ministers and the leader of the opposition in the House of Commons joined thousands of devotees on Sunday to unveil the towering figure of Lord Ram at the revered temple site in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Minister of Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez, President of the Treasury Board Shafqat Ali, and Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu were among the notable dignitaries attending the occasion.

In a heartfelt gesture that echoed the spiritual sentiment of the gathering, Sidhu greeted the gathering with a “Jai Shri Ram” and said the erection of the largest statue of Ram in North America was “something to be very proud of.” The message resonated with attendees who had come from across regions to witness this unique occasion.

The political presence was further elevated with interim leader of the opposition Conservative Party in the House of Commons Andrew Scheer, accompanied by MPs, provincial ministers, and local politicians, who stood in support of this cultural landmark. Representing the Indian government, Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh added an official Indian presence to this Indo-Canadian collaboration.

The realization of this ambitious statue project marks the completion of a vision that began four years ago. Bringing the statue to the temple fulfilled a project that commenced four years ago, and was made possible with a donation from Indo-Canadian business leader Laj Prasher. The culmination of this effort was not just a physical installation but a symbolic spiritual gift to the wider Hindu diaspora in Canada.

During the ceremony, as chants filled the air, the inauguration of the idol was accompanied with a shower of flower petals, heightening the divine aura and leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

The centre’s founder and head priest Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri said the idol will stand at 51 feet in height, not including the pedestal, which is seven feet high, and a proposed chattri or umbrella, which they expect to add in the future, after securing the requisite permits. The majestic murti was fabricated in Delhi, meticulously crafted from fibreglass supported by a steel superstructure. This design ensures it will last for a century and withstand winds of up to 200 km/hr.

He said that they drew inspiration from the inauguration of the temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh in January 2024. “The installation of this murti is not just a moment of pride. It is a spiritual gift to the community, a reminder that righteousness must always guide our path,” he said. These words not only captured the spirit of the occasion but reminded attendees of the global resonance of Ram’s teachings.

Though the idol came from India, it was assembled by local craftsmen in Canada, reinforcing the spirit of Indo-Canadian unity and cultural synergy. Adding to the sentiment, Kushagr Sharma, principal organiser of the event on Sunday, said, “To witness over 10,000 people come together in devotion and unity for the unveiling of Shri Ram’s 51-foot tall murti was truly remarkable. This event was not just celebration of our faith, but a proud moment for all Canadians who value cultural harmony and spiritual heritage.”

One of the most striking aspects of the idol’s location is its visibility. He pointed out that flights landing at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga fly at a low altitude over the temple during their descent and, soon, among the first sights to greet passengers will be that of the towering Ram idol. This new landmark promises not only to inspire the faithful but also to become a symbol of cultural pride for the city.