90-foot-tall Hanuman Statue Consecrated Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas
- While many welcomed the third-largest statute in North America, some conservatives expressed their displeasure, with a few claiming that the figure was “demonic.”
A 90-foot-tall statue of Hanuman was consecrated at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, this past weekend. Officially titled the “Statue of Union,” is the the third largest statue of any type in North America, as well as the largest statue in Texas.
The statue was inaugurated by Chinna Jeeyaar Swami, an Indian spiritual leader who envisioned the statue as a symbol of unity and strength. He also inspired the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad, a 216 ft statue which is the second-tallest sitting statue in the world.
The Aug. 18 unveiling of the Hanuman statue marked the culmination of the three-day consecration ceremony which included several rituals. The idol was adorned with a 90-ft garland while a helicopter showered flowers over it amid auspicious tunes and chants by devotees. The festivities concluded with an electronic show that depicted the story of how Hanuman came to be regarded as a symbol of the union of Ram and Sita in the Ramayana.
Consul General of India in Houston DC Manjunath, Stafford Mayor Ken Mathew, Fort Bend County Judge KP George were in attendance at the Aug. 18 inauguration, along with Marquette Greene-Scott, candidate for U.S. Congress from Texas; Charlene Ward Johnson, candidate for Texas House of Representatives; Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Precinct 3; and Fort Bend County Treasurer Bill Rickert, among others.
The statue received mixed reactions on social media. While many welcomed the new addition to the temple, some conservatives expressed their displeasure, with a few claiming that the figure was “demonic.” Right-wing “humor-based news” website Not the Bee published an article on the statute that includes a warning about sparking “the wrath of the One True God by building massive demonic idols everywhere.”
That's incredible! It's amazing to see such a significant cultural landmark right here in Texas. The 90-ft Hanuman statue in #SugarlandTX is not only a tribute to the rich heritage but also a beautiful symbol of devotion. A must-visit for anyone in the area! https://t.co/JmHY8kQ9QL
— Dr Oria, DNP (The Brow Goddess ) (@GlamByOria) August 22, 2024
Some posts made a connection between Hanuman — “Monkey God and MonkeyPox. https://x.com/RipsBeard107/status/1826257168758419500
Amid the criticism, a user named Hunter made a point. “the First Amendment protects both the religious liberty and free expression rights of all Americans, which absolutely includes Hindus,” the post read. “Hanuman is an important deity for Hindus, especially Vaishnavas, and there is NOTHING wrong with this statue.”