The Kaushalya Dham in Chandkhuri, situated approximately 25 kilometers from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is preparing for the installation of a new Lord Ram statue. The upcoming statue will stand at a height of 51 feet, adding to the sanctity of the location, which is revered as the maternal home of Lord Ram. The statue has been crafted by Deepak Vishwakarma, a renowned sculptor from Gwalior, and his team. It is made of sandstone and constructed in three parts for easy transportation and on-site assembly. The total expenses for this project have amounted to between 72 to 74 lakh rupees.
Muralist Deepak Vishwakarma reported that the work had paused due to payment issues. However, the statue is complete and will be delivered to Chhattisgarh within a week.
Chandkhuri’s Kaushalya Mata Temple is unique, being the only temple in the country where Mata Kaushalya is depicted with Lord Ram in her arms. The temple, dating back to the 10th century, is known for its natural beauty.
In 2021, during the tenure of the Congress government, a 51-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram was installed. BJP leaders voiced their concerns about its appearance. Brijmohan Agrawal, the former Religious Affairs Minister in the BJP government, announced that a new statue would be installed, which is now becoming a reality, promising to enhance the ambiance of Kaushalya Dham.