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Houston, Texas: A 90-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Hanuman has been unveiled near Houston, marking a significant addition to the cultural and spiritual landscape of the United States. The statue, named the “Statue of Union,” is now the tallest Hanuman murti outside of India, and the third tallest statue in the U.S., following the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet).
The unveiling took place at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, approximately 35 kilometers from Houston, during the Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam ceremony held from August 15 to 18. The event was a grand celebration, featuring a helicopter showering flowers on the statue, the sprinkling of sacred water, and the placement of a 72-foot-long garland around Hanuman’s neck. Thousands of devotees participated in the ceremony, chanting the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman in unison.
The Statue of Union is described as a symbol of “selflessness, devotion, and unity,” honoring Hanuman’s role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita. This monumental project is the result of the efforts of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee and prominent Vedic scholar, who envisioned the statue as a spiritual landmark for North America.
The festivities began on August 15, aligning with India’s Independence Day, and the core of the celebrations culminated on August 18 with the grand Pran Prathistha ceremony. The rituals, led by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and a host of Vedic priests and scholars, were a testament to devotion and spirituality, underscoring the significance of this new landmark.
