The Statue of Union, a 90-foot-tall bronze murti of the god Hanuman, was unveiled in Texas near Houston. It is the third tallest statue in the US and symbolises “a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America.”

The statue has several unique features: it is the tallest Hanuman statue outside India and the tallest statue in Texas. Overall, in the United States, it is just shorter than the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and Pegasus and Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet).

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Hanuman statue was held from August 15 to 18.

Prana Pratishtha took place today in Houston, Texas for this 90 feet tall Hanuman Murthi

It is now the third tallest statue in the United States pic.twitter.com/N7sNZaikBF

— Journalist V (@OnTheNewsBeat) 19 August 2024

The statue was unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, about 35 kilometers from Houston. It symbolizes “selflessness, devotion and unity” and its name honors Hanuman’s crucial role in the reunion of Lord Ram and Sita, organizers said, news agency PTI reported.

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“Structure is the result of the efforts of Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji”

Organizers said the structure was the product of the “visionary efforts” of Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, a Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned Vedic scholar, who envisioned the project as a spiritual epicenter for North America.

The celebrations began on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and culminated on August 18. The rituals, led by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and a large group of Vedic priests and scholars, have been described as a profound display of devotion and spirituality.

The ceremony included a shower of flowers from a helicopter over the murti, sprinkling of holy water and placing a 22-metre-long garland around the neck of Lord Hanuman while thousands of devotees chanted the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman in unison.