Standing tall: North America’s largest Lord Rama statue in Mississauga unveiled in presence of thousands
By Gautam Viswanathan, Deputy Editor, The Inspired Indian
Mississauga’s skyline has a new spiritual landmark—and it’s impossible to miss. Towering at 51 feet, the newly unveiled Lord Rama statue in Mississauga, at the Hindu Heritage Centre is now the tallest of its kind in North America, a monumental tribute to faith, culture, and community that has captured international attention.
An historic moment for Mississauga
On August 3–4, 2025, thousands of devotees gathered in Streetsville for a once-in-a-lifetime event: the grand unveiling of the towering Lord Rama statue in Mississauga, a revered deity in Hinduism. Streets were closed, chants of Jai Shri Ram filled the air, and more than 10,000 people—from families and faith leaders to federal ministers and dignitaries—witnessed the moment the colossal figure was revealed in all its glory.
“It’s a spiritual gift to the community,” said Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, the temple’s founder and head priest, as flowers rained from above during the inaugural parade. “This statue is a reminder that righteousness should guide our lives every day.”
A feat of faith and engineering
Crafted in Delhi and transported to Canada in pieces, the fibreglass and steel structure of the Lord Rama statue in Mississauga has been built to withstand winds of up to 200 km/h, with a projected lifespan of over 100 years. Local artisans spent months assembling and perfecting the figure, ensuring it would become both a religious icon and a Mississauga landmark.
Soon, travellers flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport will spot the massive figure from the sky—a symbolic welcome to the city’s vibrant multicultural fabric.
A celebration of heritage and unity
Funded by Indo-Canadian philanthropist Laj Prasher, the project has been four years in the making. For many, its completion reflects more than religious devotion—it’s a statement of cultural pride and harmony in one of Canada’s most diverse cities.
Several government officials were present at the statue unveiling, including Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality; Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board; and Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade—who also led the crowd in “Jai Shri Ram” and described the statue as a “source of pride” for Canadians. Also present were Andrew Scheer, interim Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons, Carolyn Parrish, Mayor of Mississauga, and Brad Butt, Area Councillor for Streetsville.
New chapter in Canada’s cultural landscape
The towering Lord Rama statue is more than a religious monument—it’s a landmark of belonging, representing the strength of Canada’s multicultural identity and the shared values of peace, righteousness, and community.
As the sun set on the unveiling day, with chants still resonating and flower petals carpeting the temple grounds, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just the inauguration of a statue—it was the dawn of a new cultural icon, a beacon of faith standing tall for generations to come.