Texas gets Indian mythological icon, as 90ft Hanuman Murti becomes third tallest sculpture in US

A 90ft tall bronze murti (idol) of Lord Hanuman, unveiled near Houston, symbolising “a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America,” has become the latest landmark in Texas, visible from miles away.

The “Statue of Union”, as it has been named, is the tallest Hanuman Murti outside India; the tallest in Texas; and the third tallest statue in the United States, surpassed only by the Statue of Liberty in New York (151 feet) and the Pegasus and Dragon in Hallandale Beach, Florida (110 feet), said the organisers.

The Hanuman Murti was unveiled at Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, about 35-odd km from Houston, during a grand Prana Prathishta Mahotsavam ceremony from August 15 to 18.

The statue symbolised “selflessness, devotion, and unity,” the organisers said, adding that the murti was so named to “honour Hanuman’s pivotal role in reuniting Lord Ram and Sita”.

“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,” said the organisers in a statement.

The festivities commenced on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, and the core of the celebrations unfolded on August 18, with the grand Pran Prathistha ceremony.

A helicopter showered flowers upon the Hanuman Murti and a 72ft long garland was placed around Hanuman’s neck. Thousands of devotees chanted the names of “Shri Ram” and “Hanuman” in unison.

The statue stood tall not only as a symbol of Hanuman’s indomitable spirit, but also as a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America, embodying the principles of devotion, strength, and unity for all who would come to witness its grandeur, said the organisers’ statement.