South Africa's tallest Ganesha statue to be unveiled in Ladysmith temple
THE Hindu Thirukootam and Shree Ganaser Temple in Ladysmith is preparing to unveil a towering 17-metre Ganesha murthie (statue) on November 30, believed to be the largest in South Africa and among the tallest worldwide.
This landmark religious monument is expected to transform the town into a significant spiritual tourism destination while celebrating the temple’s 115-year heritage.
The unveiling will also mark the culmination of the Maha Kumba Abishegam Anniversary, which begins on November 27.
The event will include the consecration of all the temple’s statues, a significant milestone in the temple’s 115-year history.
The Shree Ganaser Temple commemorated its anniversary earlier this month on November 6.
The towering statue was inspired by the spiritual vision of Guru Krishnamoorthy, with a full sponsorship from a local businessman and herbalist Tony Pillay.
Created through a labour-intensive process involving tons of steel and mortar, the statue was crafted and painted by specialist artisans from India, who followed strict guidelines based on Sanathan Dharma scriptures.
Temple president Jeanni Beukes expressed deep emotion and gratitude as the project nears completion.
“The idea for the statue came from Guru Krishnamoorthy. It was not supposed to be this huge but God intervened. Local herbalist businessman, Tony Pillay, gave the go ahead for the project, fitting the entire bill as a sponsor.
“It required tons of steel and mortar with local engineers helping. We did face some setbacks with the weather and a shortage of steel in the country. We started a year and half ago but we are finally at the end.”
Beukes highlighted the significance of the handcrafted detailing, noting that specialist sculptors from India meticulously painted the entire statue according to scriptural requirements.
“The statue is 17 metres tall and will stand in front of the temple. I am very humble to be part of this project especially since we just celebrated our 115 anniversary this year. My maternal grandfather was the first priest of the temple, so to see this statue into fruition is beautiful and humbling.”
She added that the statue would be a place of devotion and spiritual connection for generations to come.
“This statue is the fifth largest in the world and the largest in South Africa, and we even have tiles around the statue for devotees to walk around. I am truly emotional with what we created since we did not expect it to get so big, but the impact it has had on the community of Ladysmith is amazing. We hope everyone joins us on the day of the reveal and shares in our joy,” said Beukes.
Ward 20 Councillor Abbas Warasally said that the project highlighted cultural importance.
“The installation of the 17-metre-tall Ganesha Moorthie marks a defining moment for our community. It is not merely a religious icon but a cultural and architectural landmark that will draw pilgrims, spiritual visitors, and tourists from across South Africa and beyond,” said Warasally.
He noted the statue’s potential to enhance the region’s tourism footprint.
“We expect it to place our town firmly on the national tourism map, comparable to other faith-based destinations that inspire both devotion and curiosity. With increased foot traffic and visitor inflows, we anticipate a meaningful boost to small and medium-sized enterprises, from local guesthouses and eateries to craft vendors and transport operators.”
According to Warasally, the project aligned seamlessly with the municipality’s long-term planning objectives.
“Our Integrated Development Plan identifies heritage and spiritual tourism as key growth sectors. The Ganesha murthie, as a permanent landmark, strengthens that vision, combining cultural preservation, faith-based tourism, and community upliftment.”
He emphasised the unity the project has fostered across the local community.
“People of different religions, languages, and backgrounds have worked together to support the temple committee, artisans, and contractors. The monument stands as a shared symbol of pride, reminding us that our strength as a community lies in cooperation, tolerance, and mutual respect.”
Warasally encouraged residents to remain involved and supportive as Ladysmith steps into a new chapter of tourism and cultural significance.
“Residents can participate by joining cultural events, volunteering during festivals, and supporting local businesses that cater to visitors. It fills me with deep pride and humility. To witness such devotion expressed through artistry and community effort is profoundly moving. This milestone is not only a triumph of faith but proof of what our people can achieve when united by purpose and respect. It is a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” he said.