A monumental 90-foot bronze statue of Lord Hanuman, named the Statue of Union, was unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, marking a historic milestone in America’s cultural and spiritual landscape. This awe-inspiring sculpture is now recognized as the tallest Hanuman murti outside India, the tallest statue in Texas, and the third tallest in the United States, following only the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon statue in Florida (110 feet).
Significance and Vision
The Statue of Union symbolizes “selflessness, devotion, and unity,” reflecting Lord Hanuman’s pivotal role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita. Its creation was inspired by His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Vedic scholar. Swamiji envisioned this project as a spiritual epicenter for North America, aimed at fostering unity among devotees from diverse backgrounds.
A Grand Celebration of Devotion
The culmination of the Prana Prathishta ceremony on August 18 was nothing short of spectacular. The rituals were presided over by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji himself, accompanied by dozens of Vedic priests and scholars who performed ancient rituals in accordance with sacred scriptures.
The ceremony featured visually striking and spiritually moving elements:
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A helicopter showered flowers upon the statue, enveloping the site in a divine cascade of petals.
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Sacred water was sprinkled on the statue to purify and consecrate the murti.
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A 72-foot-long garland was ceremoniously placed around Lord Hanuman’s neck, a gesture of reverence and devotion.
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The atmosphere reverberated with the chanting of Shri Ram and Hanuman mantras, as thousands of devotees joined in, creating a powerful aura of spiritual energy.
The event also featured an electronic show narrating Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana as a symbol of devotion and strength.
Prominent Attendees
The inauguration was graced by notable personalities such as:
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DC Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston.
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Ken Mathew, Mayor of Stafford.
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KP George, Fort Bend County Judge.
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Marquette Greene-Scott, candidate for U.S. Congress from Texas.
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Charlene Ward Johnson, candidate for Texas House of Representatives.
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Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers and Treasurer Bill Rickert3.
Cultural Impact
The statue has become a landmark visible from miles away, serving as a beacon of devotion and strength. It represents Hanuman’s indomitable spirit while inspiring unity among communities. However, it has also sparked controversy among some conservative groups who labeled it “demonic,” citing religious differences. Despite criticism on social media platforms, many supporters emphasized that such expressions are protected under America’s First Amendment rights.
The Statue of Union stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Hanuman and his values of devotion and unity. It not only enriches America’s spiritual landscape but also bridges cultural ties between India and the United States. For devotees visiting Sugar Land’s Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, this towering figure offers a profound sense of inspiration and connection to their heritage