25-ton Buddha statue crafted by Odia artisans installed in Malaysia
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): In a proud moment for Odisha’s traditional art and architecture, a massive 25-ton Buddha statue crafted by Odia sculptors has been installed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The sculpture was created under the guidance of Padma Shri awardee Guru Prabhakar Maharana and his younger brother, National Award–winning sculptor Ratnakar Maharana.
Following the installation, both artists were felicitated in Malaysia for their contribution to global Buddhist art.
The honour was presented by Khenpo Ugyan Wangchuk, President of Yayasan Pema Norbu Vihara.
The statue was carved by a team of eight skilled artisans specializing in Konark-style stone craftsmanship. They worked continuously for nearly four years in the Dhauli foothill region of Odisha to complete the project.
The sculpture was made from approximately 40 tons of Rajasthan sandstone and later transported in containers via Kolkata before being shipped overseas.
According to members of the Malaysian institution, the statue appears so realistic that it gives the impression of a living Buddha seated in meditation. Along with the main figure of Buddha, the sculpture includes detailed carvings of his disciples Avalokiteshvara, Sariputra, Maudgalyayana, as well as figures of a lion, an elephant, and a female devotee.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Prabhakar Maharana said that Odia artistic excellence has been celebrated since ancient times and continues to earn global recognition. He added that the creation of such monumental sculptures in Odisha for international destinations highlights the state’s rich sculptural heritage and has the potential to boost tourism if similar installations are developed within Odisha. The honour, he said, is dedicated to the people of the state.
