A temple located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada, is increasing its vigilance in response to both complaints and discriminatory attacks on social media. These concerns stem from the ongoing construction of a large statue of Lord Hanuman on the temple premises.

The Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton is currently in the process of constructing a 55-foot-tall statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman. The unveiling is scheduled for April next year, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti. The temple priest reports that the statue is now 95% complete, with only some finishing work remaining on the pedestal.

A priest at the temple Phool Kuar Sharma stated that security measures have been implemented at their temple, including nighttime surveillance. He mentioned that complaints have been lodged with the administration, and there has been criticism on social media from individuals expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing construction of the statue.

He also clarified that the statue's funding is exclusively sourced from donations within the temple premises and asserted that the project is in full compliance with municipal regulations, refuting any violation of norms.

Sharma expressed concern on social media, stating, "The remarks being made constitute an attack on our religion, and that is unjust." The statue, crafted by Rajasthan sculptor Naresh Kumawat, renowned for his proficiency in sculpting Hindu deities, has seen the creation of over 200 statues spanning 80 countries. This week saw the initiation of social media attacks condemning the statue's construction, with one account suggesting that this serves as "another reminder that we need an immediate halt on all immigration into Canada."

A social media comment stated, "Canada is a white Christian country. You can leave. Zero immigration and repatriation asap." Ottawa-based commentator Rupa Subramanya, who criticized an initial post for its Hinduphobic content, highlighted the dehumanizing and racist messages she received on X.

The statue controversy coincides with rising anti-immigration sentiment and increasing Hinduphobia in Canada. Brampton has seen pro-Khalistan activities, including posters targeting Indian diplomats in July, protests by pro-Khalistani elements in November, and the vandalism of the Ram Mandir in Mississauga in February with anti-India slogans.

Image source Hindustan Times