Madame Tussauds wax museum in London is a remarkable undertaking of the creative spirit of Man which has now spread to a dozen countries over the world. It forms a chain from Amsterdam, Berlin, Las Vegas, New York City, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Washington, D.C., with an additional location scheduled to open in Hollywood in 2009. These Tussauds include historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars, criminals and murderers. “Known as Madame Tussauds museums, they are owned by a leisure company called Merlin Entertainments, following the acquisition of The Tussauds Group in May 2007.” Taking its inspiration from the Tussauds we have now a unique piece of work in a small place in southern Maharashtra, India.

Perhaps the only project in India it is situated at Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math, Kaneri, Tal. Karveer, District Kolhapur. The place is near Kolhapur city on Pune Bangalore Highway. Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math has a history of more than 1000 years, and is a holy place of worship of Lord Mahadeva. There is deep calm in the vicinity around the museum, a hilly place with a good collection of Flora and Fauna.

“The project is a dream village of Mahatma Gandhi,” says its website, “visually and symbolically created through the vision and efforts of present 27th Mathadhipati H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji.”

The main objective of the project is to refresh the history of self sufficient village life in the Maharashtra of some five hundred years ago. “The first phase of the museum spans over 7 Acres of area with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme which Swamiji very keenly arranged each and every scene to make a proper visual story. In the total cluster the village demonstrate a self sufficient machinery within village. Barter economy, Interpersonal healthy happy relationship among villagers is reflected. The Museum projects the entire village as a single family, and as single family members in a joint family. No adulteration, no cut thought practice, no mad Rat Race, No pollution, but Caring, and delightful atmosphere, no bitter feeling, but fertile land, clean water, clean air, quality food, maximum use of natural resources, cattle field, livestock, job satisfaction. All these things are reflecting the beauty, Joy, satisfaction of human race and oneness with nature. It advises us to get back to nature, without disturbing the equilibrium of nature and many other things which are beyond our imagination.”