Texas welcomes 90-foot Hanuman murti, the tallest outside India
PTC News Desk: A 90-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Hanuman, recently unveiled near Houston, marks a significant milestone in America’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Named the “Statue of Union,” this towering figure has become a prominent landmark in Texas, visible from miles away, and is now the third tallest sculpture in the United States.
It holds the distinction of being the tallest Hanuman statue outside India, the tallest in Texas, and only surpassed by the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon statue in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet).
Unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, about 35 kilometers from Houston, the statue was introduced during a grand Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam ceremony held from August 15 to 18. The “Statue of Union” symbolizes “selflessness, devotion, and unity,” honoring Hanuman’s crucial role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita, according to the organizers.
The creation of this awe-inspiring structure was the vision of 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, aiming to bring together devotees from all walks of life.
The festivities commenced on August 15, aligning with India’s Independence Day, and culminated on August 18 with the grand Pran Prathistha ceremony. The rituals, led by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and supported by numerous Vedic priests and scholars, were a powerful display of devotion and spirituality.
The ceremony featured a helicopter showering flowers over the statue, the sprinkling of sacred water, and the placement of a 72-foot-long garland around Hanuman’s neck. Thousands of devotees gathered, chanting the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman in unison, creating a moment of profound unity and devotion.
The statue not only represents Hanuman’s indomitable spirit but also serves as a new landmark in America’s cultural and spiritual history. It embodies the principles of devotion, strength, and unity, inspiring all who come to witness its grandeur.
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