The serene island nation of Mauritius is home to an incredible spiritual and architectural marvel: the world’s tallest statue of Goddess Maa Durga, a magnificent structure standing at 108 feet (33 meters) tall. The majestic idol, which has recently captivated global attention through a viral video, is situated at the sacred Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), a significant pilgrimage site outside of India.
The monumental statue serves as a powerful symbol of devotion and the vibrant Hindu heritage that thrives in the island nation.
The 108-foot-tall statue depicts the goddess Durga in her traditional form, complete with her divine weapons and riding her lion. The sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship of the monument make it a breathtaking sight for pilgrims and tourists alike.
- Location: The statue is located at Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin), a sacred crater lake in the Savanne district of Mauritius, considered the holiest Hindu place on the island.
- Significance: The number 108 holds profound importance in Hindu mythology, which dictated the statue’s impressive height.
- Neighboring Deity: It stands gracefully alongside an equally towering, 108-foot statue of Bhagwan Shiva (Mangal Mahadev), which has long been a landmark at the site since its inauguration in 2007.
The project, which took approximately six years to complete, was funded entirely by donations from devotees, underscoring the deep faith and community spirit of the Mauritian Hindu population. The statue was unveiled to great fanfare during the Navratri festival, reinforcing its role as a focal point for the celebration of the divine feminine power.
While many might assume the tallest structure dedicated to the Mother Goddess would be in India, Mauritius proudly holds this distinction. The monument is a shining example of the enduring cultural bonds between India and the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.
The viral video, giving a majestic glimpse of the divine idol, has drawn renewed global recognition to the Ganga Talao site, which becomes a hub of spiritual energy during major festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Navratri.
