Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 4: A towering 20-foot statue of Lord Shiva is taking shape in the Andaman Islands, bringing together traditional symbolism, large-scale sculpting and a design inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape.
The Shiva statue, which rises to around 20 feet in height, forms part of an overall structure measuring approximately 30 feet. The project began in April 2025 and is scheduled for completion in September 2026.
One of the most distinctive features of the sculpture is its colour palette. The entire statue has been finished in different shades of grey, symbolising the sacred ash traditionally associated with Lord Shiva. Even the portions that appear white at first glance have been created using subtle shades of grey, rather than pure white.
The sculpting team said the colour treatment was also chosen to complement the natural surroundings. Tones inspired by the sea and the local stone landscape have been incorporated into the visual concept, allowing the statue to blend with its environment while retaining its own identity.
Built Without Blocks
Unlike conventional large structures that may use concrete blocks, the Shiva statue has been created using cement and sand. The sculpting team said no blocks have been used in the construction.
The material was selected for its strength and ability to support detailed sculpting when the appropriate mixture ratio is maintained. According to the team, a specific cement-and-sand ratio was developed and tested to achieve the required strength and stability.
The statue is hollow from the inside and has been constructed around an internal framework. This structural approach allows the massive sculpture to maintain its strength while avoiding the unnecessary weight of a completely solid structure.
Raghesh Leads the Sculpting Work
The artistic work is being led by Raghesh Sasi, who hails from Kasaragod in Kerala and is a Fine Arts graduate from Alappuzha.
Raghesh brings extensive experience in large-scale and premium artistic projects across India and abroad. His previous work includes projects at an Army Camp in Jabalpur and assignments in Nagpur and Chandrapur.
His international experience includes working in Dubai, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and Global Village, where he has been associated with projects for eight years.
The Andaman project brings together Raghesh and a team of sculptors who have been working on the statue since its commencement in April 2025. The team includes Prajeesh PP, Nidhin E, Nidhish Gopinath, Nandakumar, Aneesh Kunjumon, Srirag and Dibin.
The sculpture is being developed as more than just a large religious installation. Through its ash-inspired grey tones, stone-like textures and colours drawn from the surrounding sea and landscape, the project seeks to establish a visual connection between the statue and the natural character of the islands.
As work moves towards its scheduled completion in September 2026, the 20-foot Shiva statue is expected to emerge as a prominent landmark, combining craftsmanship, symbolism and the distinctive aesthetics of the Andaman landscape.
