A remarkable 90-foot-tall bronze murti of Lord Hanuman, named the “Statue of Union,” has been unveiled near Houston, Texas, marking a significant addition to the cultural and spiritual landscape of America. This statue, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, is now the tallest Hanuman statue outside of India and the third tallest statue in the United States. It stands as a new symbol of devotion, strength, and unity, visible from miles away.
The “Statue of Union” is surpassed in height only by the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon statue in Florida (110 feet). The statue commemorates Hanuman’s role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita, symbolizing selflessness and devotion.
The unveiling took place during a grand Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam ceremony from August 15 to 18, 2024, led by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Vedic scholar.
The ceremony featured sacred rituals, including a helicopter showering flowers upon the murti and the placing of a 72-foot-long garland around Hanuman’s neck. Thousands of devotees gathered, chanting the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman in unison.
“This awe-inspiring structure is the result of the visionary efforts of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee, and a renowned Vedic scholar, who envisioned the project as a spiritual epicentre for North America,” the organiser said in a statement.
The statue is not just a spiritual beacon but also a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage of the Indian community in the United States. Its presence in Texas underscores the growing influence and integration of Indian spiritual traditions within the broader American cultural tapestry.
