The statue, called the ‘Statue of Union,’ is located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. (Photo: X/Balaganpathi)
Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan has sparked outrage after opposing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in the US. The statue, called the ‘Statue of Union,’ is located at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas.
Duncan shared a video of the statue on X and wrote, "Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation."
He also quoted the Bible in another post, saying, "'You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.' Exodus 20:3-4."
He added, "'They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.' Romans 1:25."
Duncan’s remarks faced strong criticism online. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) called them “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” HAF also filed a formal complaint with the Texas Republican Party.
The group tweeted, "Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination-displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate-not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause?"
Several netizens reminded Duncan about religious freedom in the US. One user wrote, “Just because you're not Hindu, doesn't make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there's obvious influences on Christianity...so it would be wise to honor and research the 'religion' that predates and influences yours.”
Another said, “We are a nation full of people who hold different religious beliefs. It’s called freedom of religion. If the followers of a religion are not harming or oppressing others then their religion is protected under our US constitution.”
The Statue of Union is North America’s tallest Hanuman statue at 90 feet. It was unveiled on August 18, 2024, at Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land.
The statue represents strength, devotion, and service. It was envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji. The name “Statue of Union” highlights Hanuman’s role in uniting Lord Ram with Sita.
The statue serves as a spiritual hub. It aims to spread hope, peace, and devotion for generations to come.
