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90-Foot Tall Hanuman Statue Unveiled In Houston, Texas; US Media & American Netizens Exhibit Hindumisia With ‘Monkey God’, ‘Demon God’ Jibes

August 29, 2024
The Commune

A gigantic 90-foot panchaloha statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the Statue of Union, has been unveiled near Houston in Texas, marking a significant spiritual landmark in the United States. This murti is not only one of the tallest statues in the world but also stands as the tallest Hanuman statue outside India, the tallest statue in Texas, and the third tallest in the United States, following the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet).

Unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, approximately 35 km from Houston, the Statue of Union was dedicated during the Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam from 15 August to 18 August 2024. The organisers stated that the statue symbolizes “selflessness, devotion, and unity. ” They also highlighted that the murti’s name reflects Lord Hanuman’s vital role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita.

The visionary behind this awe-inspiring project is His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Vedic scholar. According to a statement released by the organizers and reported by PTI, he envisioned this statue as a spiritual epicentre for North America.

The celebrations commenced on 15 August 2024, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and culminated on 18 August 2024 with the grand Pran Prathistha ceremony. Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and a large group of Vedic priests and scholars led the rituals, which were a profound display of devotion and spirituality.

The ceremony featured a helicopter showering flowers upon the statue, sprinkling sacred water, and placing a 72-foot-long garland around Lord Hanuman’s neck as thousands of devotees chanted the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman in unison.

How US Media Reported The Event

There were reports of church groups protesting at the venue.

This was seemingly aided and abetted by the media in the country which reported extremely disrespectfully.

Here are some screenshots of news reports from media houses in the United States – they either called it demonic, demon god or half-monkey half human statue. 

Newsweek
AF Post
American Renaissance

Boxden

End Time Headlines
Life Site

US – A So-Called Secular But Rather Intolerant Country

The movements for the separation of church and state in the United States have shaped modern secularism, with the United States being the first nation in history to establish an explicitly secular government. The United States is said to be a secular country in its truest sense however the Christian population there, while preaching tolerance, practicing intolerance, and disrespecting other faiths.

Here are some reactions from American netizens who seem to be Christian fundamentalists.

 

A ‘right-wing humour-based news” website called Not the Bee published an article on the statue, cautioning against provoking “the wrath of the One True God by building massive demonic idols everywhere.”

Not The Bee

Additionally, some conservative X users made racist remarks, drawing comparisons between the statue and George Floyd, a Black man who was a victim of police violence. They wrote, “Gigantic 90ft George Floyd statue unveiled in Houston, Texas. The massive dark chocolate-coated statue, officially named ‘Saint Floyd of Fentanyl’, was unveiled by BLM and the Harris Walz campaign. It is now the 3rd largest statue in the United States.”

Sharing an Indian Express article, a netizen wrote, “Monkey Pox and now the Monkey God – Perfect timing considering the times that we are in. “

Yet another netizen found the timing uncanny. They wrote, “Anyone else find it odd the timing of the unveiling of the statue in Texas of the Hindu god Hanuman which just happens to be half monkey and half human This occurred just a few days after the WHO declared “monkeypox” a global health emergency Talk about a coincidence“

Can Hindus Do The Reverse?

Imagine a scenario wherein Hindus protest the opening of a church here in our country. Imagine headlines describing Jesus as a bearded dead body hanging on a cross. Well, that would wreak havoc across the world, and given the power of the Church, such things would not even make the news. India is home to over 28000 churches and a lot more chapels. In India, churches are built on public land and this Hanuman statue was built on private land. 

Just the sight of a Hindu deity makes them go bonkers, the Hanuman Chalisa rightly says, “Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabeer Jab Naam Sunave“. Here’s hoping Lord Hanuman will protect the Hindus in the US from external forces.

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