Thrissur (Kerala) | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually unveiled a Hanuman statue, dubbed as the largest in Kerala, at Punkunnam Seetharamaswamy Temple in Thrissur district.

The Prime Minister also dedicated a 22-carat gold 'sopanam', temple authorities said. Sopanam refers to the main steps of the presiding deity's enclosure in a temple.

In a release, the temple authorities said Modi unveiled the 55-feet single-stone Hanuman statue and also opened the 18 kg-gold sopanam worth Rs 12 crore.

"Thrissur has long been considered the cultural capital of Kerala, a place where tradition, spirituality, festivals, and arts converge," the release quoted the Prime Minister.

"Today, it gives me great pleasure to dedicate the golden sopanam to Lord Seetharam, Swami Ayyappan and Lord Shiva. As we celebrate this Kumbabishekam, we are reminded that where there is Sri Seetharam, there is also Hanuman, and the magnificent 55 ft Hanuman statue that we unveil today will surely bless the devotees. On this joyous occasion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone, especially Sri T S Kalyanaraman and the Kalyan family," the release said quoting Modi.

District Collector V R Krishna Teja among other dignitaries attended the event.

There was a laser light-and-sound show based on the epic 'Ramayana' after the unveiling of the Hanuman statue and the 22-carat gold sopanam.