Gaya: Preparations are under way for the installation of a 108-foot statue of Lord Vishnu at at the centre of Gayaji Dam on the banks of the Falgu river in Gaya, officials associated with the project said.
The proposed structure forms part of the Vishnupad Corridor project, estimated at around Rs. 2,390 crore, which seeks to expand religious infrastructure and promote Gaya as an international spiritual and tourism destination.
Statue to be installed in river area
According to project details, the four-armed statue of Lord Vishnu will be installed in the middle of the Falgu river near Gayaji Dam. The design is reportedly inspired by the Hanuman statue at Jhandewalan in Delhi.
The statue is expected to be constructed using black stone and alloy materials. Lord Vishnu will be depicted holding the traditional symbols of conch, chakra, mace and lotus.
Corridor and pedestrian access planned
As part of the redevelopment work, authorities also plan to construct a pedestrian pathway inside the river area between the Vishnupad Temple and Sita Kund.
The pathway, proposed to be around 20 feet wide, is intended to facilitate easier movement for pilgrims and visitors travelling between the two religious sites.
Focus on religious tourism
Officials said the Vishnupad Corridor project aims to improve visitor facilities, beautify the surrounding area and strengthen Gaya’s position as a major religious tourism centre.
The proposed Vishnu statue, surrounded by water on all sides, is expected to become one of the central attractions of the corridor project once completed.
