"Swamiji, this is Commodore Harsh Bhargava", said Mrs Nina Nanda while introducing Ghumakkad to Chinnajeeyar Swamiji. She added, "He writes a blog titled Ghumakkad which has interesting stories for everyone to read".
Swamiji nodded and asked, "What did you say was the name of the blog?"
Mrs Nanda replied, "Ghumakkad."
Swamiji playfully quipped with a broad smile "Awaara आवारा !"
Hearing this new moniker for Ghumakkad, we were a bit stunned yet laughed since awaara in Hindi roughly means a wanderer who roams freely without a fixed purpose or home. Ghumakkad sure has a home but his travels and writings cover a wide spectrum. Like awaara! Ghumakkad then said, "Thank you Swamiji. This new name now calls for another story by Ghumakkad." To which a beaming Swamiji replied, " No. no. I just said that in a lighter vein!" The picture below says it all. Ghumakkad can not be seen in the picture as he was behind the lens.
And thus Ghumakkad got a new name. Christened by none other than His Holiness Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji, addressed as Chinnajeeyar Swamiji in short. He is the man who conceived and created the Statue of Equality (SOE) on the outskirts of Hyderabad. He tirelessly promotes global peace, Vedic wisdom, non-violence, and mutual respect for all living beings. More about the SOE later.
80th Birthday of a Volunteer
We, some of the friends of Mrs Nanda had been invited to the SOE campus to celebrate her 80th Birthday. Mrs Nanda former Principal of Army Public School Secunderabad is a renowned teacher, scholar and mentor. After the untimely demise of her husband Col Nanda few years ago, she moved to SOE campus and devotes her time to the cause of education. We admire her spirit of community service and giving back to the society. Ghumakkad has a special connection with her. Both come form the Navy. Her father Commodore Sethi also served the Navy with distinction many decades ago. We all wished her continued good health in the years ,to come. Sharing below few pictures of her 80th Birthday in the SOE Campus.
Sri Ramanuja Acharya
According to the website www.statueofequality.org, 'The Statue of Equality was built to honour the life, teachings, and contributions of Sri Bhagavad Ramanuja Acharya (1017-1137 AD), one of the greatest philosophers, saints, and spiritual leaders of India.' He was an icon of equality and social reform more than 1000 years ago. The SOE stands as a tribute to his vision of equality, devotion, and inclusivity. According to Ramanuja Acharya, equality encompasses equality across gender, religions and castes. Some of his simple yet relevant messages are:
- Shed your ego.
- Serve all beings as service to God.
- Serve society which is the universal form of God.
Sri Ramanuja devoted his life bringing people from all walks of life together. See an artist's impression below, courtesy SOE website.
108 Divya Desams
Around the base of the SOE 108 Divya Desams (meaning "Divine Abodes" or "Holy Places") have been constructed. These are scaled down versions of the original holy places from across India. For example the Divya Desams at SOE include Ayodhya, Dwaraka, Thirumala, Kanchipuram and so on. We were not permitted to take our cameras inside the Divya Desams. Sharing few pictures taken from the SOE photographer and their publications.
Statue of Equality
The SOE has been constructed in a sprawling 45 acre campus. The visitors can book darshan online. It involves fair amount of walking inside the campus. Those in need, wheelchairs with assistants are available. There are elevators to climb up to the higher floors .Dress code is to be followed by all and the entry is ticketed. See the layout map below.
The entire premises built in sandstone with exquisite carvings, is simply spectacular. There is plenty of parking for vehicles. From the parking lot, e-carts transport the visitors to the entry gates. All the arrangements are very well managed by a team of volunteers.
Few salient features of the SOE campus are:
- 216 feet tall outdoor statue made of panchloha 'Five metals'
- World's 2nd tallest statue in a seated posture
- 120-kg inner sanctum Golden Ramanuja
- Architectural fusion across Hoyasala, Vijayanagara, Chola, Pallava and Kakatiya architectures
- 108 Divya Desams
- 54 feet high base which has a library and research centre
- JIVA- Jeeyar Integrated Vedic Academy
- JIMS- Jeeyar Institute of Medical Sciences
- JIMS Homeopathy Medical College & Hospital,
- JIVA Ashram and Goshala
- A musical fountain, laser show, and a food court.
We share below few more pictures of visitor-stops taken from SOE publications as cameras and cell phones are not permitted inside. The SOE also has a paid audio tour for self-guided tour of the campus.
At last our cellphones were released. Here is a picture showing the happiness on getting back the 'khazana' खज़ाना (like a treasure)!
The SOE has emerged as a must see stop on the Hyderabad tourist circuit. Did our pictures tickle you for a visit?
SOE In KBG Contest
Ghumakkad had featured the SOE in one of the episodes of the online contest called 'Kaun Banega Ghumakkad' (KBG). A total of 80 episodes of KBG have been designed and conducted so far. You may browse KBG-21, the picture story on SOE by clicking the link below:
Name the location of the Statue and share a picture taken by you - KBG-21 had more than 400 online participants. Winners included one from Rajasthan. The SOE campus was still being developed at that time in 2019 as can be seen in the picture reproduced below.
We close with a picture of Ghumakkad with the Vaishnavite tilak, known as Urdhva Pundra, is a vertical U-shaped mark applied to the forehead to represent the feet of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing surrender and protection. Traditionally made with Gopi Chandan (clay) or sandalwood, it features two vertical lines connected at the bridge of the nose, often with a central Tulsi leaf shape, signifying the devotee as a walking temple. It was applied to my forehead by a volunteer before entering the Ramanuja Temple using a u-shaped ladle like spoon dipped in sandalwood paste.
Thanks for browsing, Stay connected .How do you like Ghumakkad's new name 'Awaara'?
Do leave a comment. Few words are enough to encourage us.
- Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad/ 23rd March 2026
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