Mississauga, August 4 — In a landmark moment for the Hindu diaspora in North America, a 51-foot-tall Murti of Bhagwan Rama was unveiled at the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, marking the tallest such installation of Shri Ram on the continent. Inspired by the architecture and spirit of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, the Murti stands as a symbol of cultural pride and spiritual unity for thousands of devotees across Canada.
Fabricated in Delhi, the Murti is constructed from high-durability fibreglass reinforced by a steel superstructure, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including winds up to 200 km/h. Assembled by local artisans in Canada, the monument is expected to endure for over a century.
The grand inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday, drew over 10,000 devotees and dignitaries, including Canadian federal ministers and political leaders. Among the attendees were Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality; Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board; and Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons also graced the event.
The Murti was ceremonially unveiled with a showering of flower petals and traditional chants. Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, founder of the Hindu Heritage Centre, described the Murti as “a spiritual gift to the community.” He emphasised that the murti is not only a source of pride but also a reminder that dharma and righteousness must remain central to human life.
The vision for the Murti took shape over four years and was brought to fruition through the generous contribution of an Indo-Canadian business leader.
The installation of the Murti is being seen as a significant cultural milestone for the Indian community in North America, reflecting the growing presence and influence of Hindu heritage in global public spaces.
