SA's tallest bronze statue unveiled

A towering 42-foot bronze statue of Nilkanth Varni has made history at the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg. The statue, unveiled on Sunday, is South Africa’s tallest bronze and stands as a prominent monument on the African continent.

Crafted primarily from copper and brass and weighing in at approximately 20 tons, the statue captures the essence of Nilkanth Varni, an 18th-century yogi and revered spiritual figure, depicted in the yogic posture of Vrikshasana — balancing gracefully on one leg. The ceremonial unveiling was led by His Holiness Swayamprakash Swami, affectionately known as Doctor Swami, a highly respected figure within the BAPS Swaminarayan order who has dedicated his life to spiritual service and leadership since his initiation into monkhood in 1961.

Beyond its impressive scale, the statue holds profound symbolic significance. The balance of the single-legged posture embodies yogic discipline and the mental fortitude needed to remain steadfast amid life’s challenges. According to a BAPS media spokesperson, the statue serves as a reminder of key values such as self-discipline, perseverance, and social service — virtues that are ever-more vital in today’s fragmented society.

This momentous statue also commemorates the extraordinary teenage pilgrimage undertaken by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. At just 11 years old, he journeyed for seven years across more than 12 000 kilometres throughout the Indian subcontinent, demonstrating unfaltering dedication to learning and self-discipline. His experience of standing on one leg in meditation at Muktinath, the sacred site in the Himalayas, resonates deeply through the statue, symbolising his quest for peace and wellbeing for all humanity.

The statue is central to the newly designed Nilkanth courtyard, a serene space intended for communal reflection and renewal, enriched by flowing fountains, landscaped gardens, and artistic sculptures. “The Nilkanth courtyard has been designed as a space for calm reflection and renewal,” noted Hemang Desai, a spokesperson for BAPS. “With the BAPS vegetarian restaurant, Shayona, on-site, the Mandir complex has transformed into a welcoming community space for families and visitors, enhancing the region's tourist attractions.”

The broader BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex serves as a spiritual and cultural hub that promotes social harmony and ethical living through various initiatives, including food relief, environmental projects, community gardens, and tree-planting programmes aimed at fostering social upliftment.

The day of the unveiling commenced with an intimate morning consecration ceremony, which led into a vibrant evening celebration assembly attended by members of the community and invited guests, marking a significant chapter in Johannesburg’s cultural and spiritual landscape.