Ekatma Dham, located at Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, India, radiates the message of oneness through the celebration of Sanatana Dharma and the legacy of Adi Shankaracharya
Vedanta is a philosophical tradition that originated in ancient India and is based on the teachings of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. It is considered the ultimate truth and wisdom of the Vedas. Vedanta propounds the idea of Advaita or non-duality, which is the belief that there is only one ultimate reality, called Brahman, and that all individual souls, or Atman, are ultimately one with this reality. In its purest form, Vedanta teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is to realise the oneness of the individual self with the ultimate reality and to attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Vedanta has had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy and has been interpreted and practiced in various ways throughout history, with Advaita Vedanta being one of the most prominent interpretations.
Adi Shankaracharya's teachings have had a profound impact on Hinduism and continue to be widely studied and followed by seekers of spiritual knowledge. Through his writings, he established Advaita Vedanta as a distinct philosophical system and provided a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the nature of ultimate reality, the self, and the path to liberation. In this sense, Adi Shankaracharya can be considered the main exponent and revivalist of the Vedanta tradition. Adi Shankaracharya travelled throughout India, debating with scholars and spreading his teachings on non-duality and the oneness of the individual self with the ultimate reality. He wrote several important commentaries on the ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Brahma Sutras and the Upanishads, which are considered central to the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the Statue of Oneness during a ceremony titled ‘Sankaravataranam’ at Omkareshwar on September 21, 2023. He was accompanied by a distinguished gathering of spiritual leaders and scholars. The dignitaries received a warm traditional welcome, marked by cultural pageantry and traditional ensembles. During the ceremony, musicians performed hymns by Adi Shankaracharya, accompanied by pujas and Vedic chanting. Additionally, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Advaita Lok museum. The event drew thousands of attendees from various parts of India. Later, while addressing the Brahmotsavam, a spiritual and cultural gathering held at Sidhwarkut, the Chief Minister emphasised the cultural unity brought about by Adi Shankaracharya. He stated, "Bharat has always embraced the eternal vision of an all-pervading consciousness and has gifted the world with the concept of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam. Only those with narrow minds would claim 'this is mine, that is yours.' The enlightened and wise understand that the world is one big family."The Chief Minister also launched the books, 'Ekatma Dham: A Journey of Oneness,' 'Advaita Awakening Youth Retreat: Nurturing Ambassadors of Advaita,' and 'Ekatma Dham: Swapn Se Shilp Tak,' all published by Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas.Other speakers at the event included Madhya Pradesh Culture Minister Usha Thakur, head of Akhand Paramdham Yugpurush Swami Paramanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar and head of the Juna Akhara Swami Avdeshananda Giri and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Suresh Soni.The 108 feet Statue of Oneness is a sole monument of its kind in the world portraying the 12-year-old saint in walking posture — a structural design challenge. It is made of bronze alloy (88 % copper, 8% tin and 4% lead) and built to last over 500 years.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Kerala countryside, this retreat offers a unique opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the transformative power of Vedanta.
Join us for the Advaita Awakening Youth Retreat from December 6 to 15, 2023 at the Chinmaya International Foundation in Veliyanadu, Kerala. This retreat is an opportunity for young adults to deepen their understanding of Vedanta and its practical application in daily life. Led by experienced teachers and scholars, participants will engage in interactive sessions, meditation and spiritual reflection. They will explore the timeless wisdom of Vedanta, gain insights into the nature of the Self, and learn practical tools for inner growth and self-discovery.