1995 Mangal Madhav

Standing tall and overseeing the Birla grounds is the 60 feel tall sculpture of Mangal Madhav. The sculpture is made of granite and placed on a seperately carved pedestal measuring 15 feet. Commissioned by Mr. BK Birla and Mrs. Sarla Birla in 1993, the sculpture was made by Master Sculptor Shree. M. Muthia Sthapati in his workshop in Mahabalipuram.

The 45 feet idol was fashioned after the early Pallava sculptures. The iconography combines aspects of both Krishna as a cowherd, holding a stick with a rope and his flute and Vishnu, with his conch and the Kirita-Mukuta. The belt adorning the slender form also features the Kirtimukha or the face of glory.

The sculpture was brought and installed on the Academy's back lawns on 9th March, 1995.

Here are a few images from our archives of the majestic Mangal Madhav and His journey from Mahabalipuram to the BAAC grounds.