Watch: Lord Hanuman’s 90-foot statue unveiled in Texas, third-tallest in US

A giant statue of Lord Hanuman has been unveiled in Texas, US, after the 'pran pratishtha' or consecration ceremony was held from August 15 to 18. It has been named ‘the statue of union’ by the local Hindu community. The 90-foot bronze statue is now the third tallest statue in the US, after the Statue of Liberty, and the Pegasus and Dragon statue. It’s also the tallest Hanuman statue outside India, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, roughly 35 km from Houston.

According to the official website of the temple, the statue "is about creating a spiritual epicentre where hearts find solace, minds find peace, and souls find a path to transcendence."

People of Indian-origin inaugurated a 90-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, named the "Statue of Union" in Houston, Texas on Sunday (18th August). This majestic statue, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, stands as the third tallest in the United States. pic.twitter.com/7OxtI4OvaX — endeavour_smart (@Gurjar_mihir_) August 20, 2024

The statement added that the project is “the vision of His Holiness Sri Chinnajeeyar swamiji", a renowned Vedic scholar. "Let’s bring the vision of North America’s tallest Hanuman Statue to life, and together, let’s continue to create a world filled with love, peace, and devotion," it further adds. Now, the ‘statue of union’ has replaced the Our Lady of the Rockies statue as the third tallest in the US.

During the consecration ceremony, a helicopter showered flowers upon the statue. A large garland, around 72-foot-long, was also placed around Hanuman’s neck as devotees chanted the name of Bhagwan Ram and Hanuman.

Hanuman is a deity in Hinduism, revered as a divine vanara, and a devoted companion of the deity Lord Ram. Central to the Ramayana, Hanuman is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Ram and is considered a chiranjeevi.

Not just Hindus, Americans have also welcomed the unveiling of the statue, calling it a symbol of religious harmony and tolerance in the country.

“The right to freedom of worship and practice is as inalienable and fundamental to me as an Orthodox Christian as the right to keep and bear arms is to me as a citizen, not a subject. Therefore, just as we Orthodox Christians and all my other Christian friends have the right to erect Churches, massive crosses, worship God and practice our faiths, so do Hindus.If they want to invest in a ninety foot statue, that is their right,” said one American.

“Hinduism is fine! Beautiful philosophy of peace and harmony. Blends well with Christianity,” said a second.

“I’m a HUGE fan of the Vedic gods!!! I chant Sanskrit mantras every day!! This is AMAZING.” a third American said.

(With inputs from agencies)