Puri: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a striking 8-foot-tall sand sculpture of Lord Shiva on Puri Beach to celebrate Pratham Shravan Somvar, one of the holiest days dedicated to Mahadev.
The intricately crafted artwork features Lord Shiva in a meditative pose alongside sacred symbols, including the Shiva Linga, Trishul, Damaru, crescent moon, serpent, Rudraksha beads, the River Ganga, and two Kanwariyas carrying holy water. The sculpture also bears the devotional message, “Har Har Mahadev.”
Created with the assistance of students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute, the sculpture honours the spiritual significance of the Shravan month, when devotees across India observe fasts and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Speaking on the occasion, Pattnaik said he prayed for world peace, good health, happiness, and prosperity, expressing hope that the artwork would inspire faith, harmony, and positivity.
An internationally acclaimed artist, Pattnaik has represented India at more than 65 international sand art festivals and championships, using his creations to showcase India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.