Maharashtra tallest 151ft Lord Hanuman Idol in the making at Koradi
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Nagpur: A 151-ft idol of Lord Hanuman at the revered Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple in Koradi, a pilgrimage destination visited by lakhs each year, is set to emerge as a new spiritual and architectural marvel in the district.
Once completed, it will be the tallest Hanuman idol in the state. Construction is progressing briskly, with 40% to 50% of the structure already completed. If all goes as planned, the idol is expected to be completed by September this year.
The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹11.5 crore, of which ₹2.76 crore has already been utilised, according to officials from the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA), which is overseeing the project.
What makes the idol even more captivating is its unique placement. "The idol is being built in an artificial tank and will serve as a major tourist attraction. The visual impact is expected to be breathtaking. As the idol rises from the edge of the tank, its reflection shimmering in the water below, it promises to offer a spectacle that beautifully blends devotion with design," said a senior NMRDA official.
The idea of constructing the Lord Hanuman idol was conceived by Congress MLA Nitin Raut during his tenure as the state energy minister.
The work was later continued by the revenue minister and BJP MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Mahagenco constructed the tank and the foundation, while a Delhi-based firm specialising in statue and idol construction is building the idol. The contract was awarded in July 2023 with an 18-month completion window. While the original deadline was set for January 2025, the timeline has since been advanced, and completion is now targeted for the end of this year.
The massive idol is part of the ₹214.94 crore redevelopment project (phases 3 and 4) of the historic Koradi temple complex. Of the total funding, the government has released ₹95 crore so far, with another ₹119.94 crore awaited. NMRDA, under commissioner Sanjay Meena, has already completed phases 1 and 2 and continues to drive the current phase with sustained effort.
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