Brampton temple heightens vigilance over Hanuman statue complaint

_{A 55-foot-tall statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman is being built at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton}

A temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, is increasing security measures following complaints and prejudiced attacks on social media in connection with the construction of a massive statue of Lord Hanuman on its premises. The 55-foot-tall statue is being built at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton and is scheduled for unveiling in April next year to coincide with Hanuman Jayanti. Although the statue is 95% complete, some work on the pedestal remains, according to a temple priest.

Phool Kumar Sharma, the temple priest, mentioned that security measures, including night surveillance, are in place due to complaints and negative comments on social media regarding the construction of the statue. He noted that people have expressed their discontent through both official channels and social media platforms.

Sharma clarified that the statue's funding comes entirely from donations within the temple premises and adheres to municipal norms. He expressed concern about the attacks on social media, characterizing them as an assault on the temple's religious beliefs.

The statue is being crafted by renowned Rajasthan sculptor Naresh Kumawat, known for his expertise in sculpting Hindu deities. Kumawat has created over 200 statues in 80 countries.

Social media posts criticizing the statue's construction started surfacing earlier in the week, with some comments expressing anti-immigration sentiments and derogatory remarks about the Hindu community. The controversy caught the attention of Ottawa-based commentator Rupa Subramanya, who faced dehumanizing and bigoted messages for defending the temple's right to build the statue.

The backlash is reflective of broader trends, including growing anti-immigration sentiment in Canada and escalating Hinduphobia. Brampton has been a focal point for pro-Khalistan activities, with incidents such as posters targeting Indian diplomats, protests against consular camps, and vandalism of religious sites.

The statue controversy adds to the ongoing debates about cultural and religious expression in Canada, with contrasting opinions about immigration and tolerance. It underscores the challenges faced by religious communities in asserting their rights while navigating an environment of increasing xenophobia and cultural tensions.