Construction of 108-foot Hanuman statue underway in Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj. The construction of a 108-foot tall Hanuman statue is currently underway at Hanumangadhi, located in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-2.

According to Sub-Metropolitan engineer Suraj Sharma, the project is estimated to cost Rs 140.463 million. The initial agreement with the construction company was signed on 2079 Chaitra 3. While the original deadline was 2081 Chaitra 2, it has now been extended to 2083 Ashoj 30.

Lead artisan Dilbir Sunar Century stated that 90 percent of the Hanuman temple construction is complete, with plans to hand over the statue within the next month and a half.

Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista explained that the statue is being built to connect Nepalgunj with Ayodhya, India, symbolizing the bond between Lord Ram and Hanuman following the construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. Mayor Bista believes this initiative will significantly boost religious tourism in Nepalgunj, stating, "It is expected to further strengthen the religious and cultural significance of the city."

Hanumangadhi priest Mahanta Umesh Giri expressed his joy over the infrastructure development at this sacred site, noting that in the Treta Yuga, Hanuman was a devoted follower of Lord Ram who helped eradicate injustice. "Hanumanji performed miracles to destroy injustice in that era, which is why his significance continues to grow today," he said.

Mahanta Giri added that the glory of Hanumangadhi has increased as it is a place where five crore Gayatri Mantras were chanted following the arrival of sages. Bishwa Raj Tiwari, secretary of the Hanumangadhi Temple Operation and Management Committee, noted that the growing prominence of Hanumangadhi is contributing to religious tourism. Following the completion of the foundation and platform by the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, work on the statue itself is progressing rapidly. The site hosts annual celebrations during Hanuman Jayanti.