Huge statue of Hanuman to be installed in Haridwar

Palimar, Karnataka, May 10 (UNI) A 32-foot monolithic statue of Lord Hanuman will be installed at the pilgrim town of Haridwar on June 1, Sri Vidyadheesha Thirtha Swamiji of the Udupi Palimar Mutt has announced.

Addressing mediapersons at the Mutt where 'Aradhana Mahotsav' of his guru Sri Vidyamanya Thirtha Swamiji and Nrusimha Jayanthi celebrations were being held, he said yesterday that with the installation of the statue, he was fulfilling the greatest desire of his guru. The statue, sculpted at Devanahalli, near Bangalore in the South Indian style had been transported to Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga to give final touches before the installation.

The pontiff said during the three-day installation ceremony, 125 bhajan troupes, including 35 from Hyderabad, would sing only Kannada bhajans from Haridasa literature. Several pontiffs from the Ashta Mutts (eight mutts of Udupi) would also participate in the programme.

On the occasion, the 'Poornahuti' of 'Sahasrakoti Sri Rama Namalekhana Yajna' would also be held. He is also planning to take up ten projects in Haridwar such as 'Sadhna Dhaama', a spiritual advancement centre, 'Dhanvanthri Dhaama', a hospital, 'Go Dhaana', a cow care centre, a Gurukula and a mass dining hall, he added.

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