A masterpiece story
When art transcends the boundaries of stone — it becomes a message the world remembers.
In the history of Indian craftsmanship, one such extraordinary masterpiece stands out — the “Ekta Vriksh” (Tree of Unity), also known as “Sab Dharm Saman” — All Religions Are Equal. This sculpture is not just a magnificent example of Makrana marble artistry; it is a living document of the visionary philosophy of Shilp Guru Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma ‘Prithvipura Wale’, a crown jewel in the collection of PLPS Art Gallery.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
“The world is one family.”
An ancient principle carved into stone by a master craftsman in an age of division.
Maha Upanishad
Section I
A Vision from 50 Years Ago
Approximately fifty years ago, during a period marked by social and religious polarization, Shilp Guru Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma ‘Prithvipura Wale’ decided to use his chisel and hammer to advocate for peace. After three years of tireless effort, he brought the Ekta Vriksh to life in 1990.
His core concept was profoundly deep: the convergence of six major religions under the shade of a single tree. This sculpture places Lord Rama, Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Jesus Christ, Lord Mahavir Swami, and the symbols of Islam together beneath one Kalpavriksha. It powerfully conveys that while religions are matters of faith — nothing is greater than humanity and nature itself.
Section II
Six Faiths, One Tree
Each figure in the Ekta Vriksh was carved with the reverence a devotee brings to their own tradition — and placed together to share the same shade, the same breath, the same divine stone.
Hinduism
Lord Rama
& Devi Sita
Buddhism
Lord Gautam
Buddha
Sikhism
Guru Nanak
Dev Ji
Christianity
Jesus
Christ
Jainism
Lord Mahavir
Swami
Islam
Mecca &
Madina
Section III
A Proud Tradition — The Adi Gaud Brahmin Murti Samaj
The personality and artistry of Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma ‘Prithvipura Wale’ were not just the result of individual skill — they were a reflection of the great tradition of the Adi Gaud Brahmin Murti Samaj, which has remained vibrant for thousands of years, passed down from generation to generation.
This community is not merely a society; it is a vast, interconnected family. Sculpture is born in every home — some learn the craft from their gurus, others from their fathers. The very essence of hand-craftsmanship is woven into the fabric of this samaj. It has gifted countless legendary artists to the world of Indian art, and Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma is one of its most brilliant gems — a master who elevated this craft to unprecedented heights. For him, this work was not merely a livelihood, but a sacred duty to preserve his culture and heritage.
Section IV
A Miracle of Craftsmanship
The moment one observes this 21-inch statue, the construction technique is nothing short of astounding. Four qualities in particular reveal the mastery involved:
Unimaginable Precision
The 8-inch figures, which today would require modern machinery, were perfected by Pandit ji using only manual tools — his chisel and hammer.
Hollow Structure
The most striking feature: this statue was carved hollow from within. The branches are visible through-and-through — showcasing extraordinary skill.
360-Degree Perspective
To ensure the message of unity reached every viewer, Pandit ji commissioned a special mechanism that rotates the statue 360 degrees — every angle bearing witness.
Six-Petal Carving
While carving Makrana marble with two petas (layers) is standard, the Ekta Vriksh was carved with six petas — a testament to immense technical mastery.
Section V
National & International Honors
The artistic excellence of Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma ‘Prithvipura Wale’ has been recognized by the Government of India on numerous occasions. For the Ekta Vriksh and his overall contributions to craftsmanship, he received:
The highest honour for Indian handicrafts — nominated in 2006, formally received in 2008 for his unparalleled artistic contribution.
For keeping the tradition of Indian handicrafts and stone carving alive and thriving.
Awarded in recognition of his extraordinary talent and lifelong dedication to marble sculpture.
Section VI
A Legacy That Will Continue to Inspire
The Ekta Vriksh is more than just a piece of Makrana marble — it is a testament to an artist’s love and unwavering faith in his motherland and humanity. Even today, when we look at this statue, we feel the vision of the great Adi Gaud Brahmin Murti Samaj that breathed the spirit of love and brotherhood into cold stone.
This creation remains a reminder that art knows no boundaries. When crafted with true devotion and tradition, it continues to guide humanity for generations.
Custom Commissions
Commission a Bespoke Ekta Vriksh
Bring the same message of unity into your temple, institution, or family home. Our fourth-generation artisans carve custom Ekta Vriksh sculptures in Makrana marble — hand-crafted in the same Jaipur workshop where Pandit ji created the original.
Begin a CommissionCommon Questions
About the Ekta Vriksh
What is the Ekta Vriksh?
The Ekta Vriksh (Tree of Unity), also known as Sab Dharm Saman, is a 21-inch marble sculpture depicting six major world religions — Hinduism (Lord Rama), Buddhism, Sikhism (Guru Nanak Dev Ji), Christianity, Jainism (Lord Mahavir Swami), and Islam — converging together under the shade of a single Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree). It was carved by Shilp Guru Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma in 1990.
How long did it take to carve?
Three years of continuous work. Pandit Lallu Prasad Sharma began around 1987 and completed the Ekta Vriksh in 1990. The complexity of six figures carved into a hollowed marble tree with six-petal detailing demanded that duration.
Why is the statue carved hollow?
The hollow structure is one of the sculpture’s greatest technical achievements. Every branch of the marble tree is visible through-and-through, and the interior openings demonstrate a level of chisel control that only master shilpis of the Adi Gaud Brahmin Murti Samaj can achieve on Makrana marble.
Can I commission a custom Ekta Vriksh?
Yes. The fourth generation of Pandit ji’s family at PLPS Art Gallery undertakes bespoke Ekta Vriksh commissions for temples, institutions, family homes, and public installations. Sizes and marble specifications can be customised — typical delivery is 90–180 days depending on scale and complexity.
What awards did the Ekta Vriksh earn?
The Ekta Vriksh, alongside Pandit ji’s lifetime body of work, contributed to his receiving the Shilp Guru Award (2008), the National Award from the Government of India, and the Gold Medal from the Government of India — the three highest recognitions in Indian handicrafts.
Where can I see the original Ekta Vriksh?
The original Ekta Vriksh remains in the collection of PLPS Art Gallery at our Jaipur showroom — B-149, Khazane Walon Ka Rasta. Visitors are welcome to see this masterpiece in person and understand the vision that shaped it.
Visit or Speak With Our Team
Sanctuary
PLPS Art Gallery
B-149, Khazane Walon Ka Rasta
Chandpole Bazar, Jaipur 302001