Hinduphobia is deeply seeped into a large section of Western society even though they claim to be ‘liberals.’ This was evident in the manner in which Hinduphobic attacks were launched online by Canadians over the construction of a Hanuman murti. Following these attacks, the Hindu Sabha Mandir, which is constructing the murti, has increased its security.
Bhagwan Hanuman vigraha in Brampton
The 55-foot murti is being constructed in the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Canada’s Brampton. The mandir will unveil the vigraha next April on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. The temple priest confirmed that the construction of a Sri Hanuman vigraha in the temple located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Canada is nearly complete, with only minor work left on the pedestal. In response to complaints and discriminatory remarks on social media regarding the statue, the temple is increasing its security measures after Hinduphobic online attacks.
Renowned sculptor Naresh Kumawat, known for his expertise in sculpting Hindu deities, is overseeing the creation of the Sri Hanuman murti. Naresh, who has erected over 200 statues in over 80 countries, is working on the Brampton project.
Addressing the concerns, the temple priest, Phool Kumar Sharma, assured security measures, including night surveillance, are in place. Sharma mentioned there have been complaints to authorities and social media outrage from individuals dissatisfied with the murti’s installation. However, he clarified that donations fund the vigraha constructed on the temple grounds and do not violate municipal regulations.
Notably, there has been a recent rise in pro-Khalistan activity in Brampton. In July, posters titled “War Zone” threatening Bharatiya diplomats in Canada appeared outside the Bharat Mata Mandir in the same area.
Canadian Hinduphobes unmasked
Significantly, a segment of Canadian internet users has launched Hinduphobic attacks on the Hindu community in response to the construction of the murti. Many have posted derogatory comments targeting Hindu Canadians and the Hindu deities.
Hinduphobic and derogatory terms such as ‘eyesore’ and ‘demonic’ were used for Sri Hanuman. These people keep accusing Bharat of ‘mistreating’ so-called Muslim minorities.
Harrison Faulkner expressed, “Canada in 2023. Toronto: John A. Macdonald statue at Queen’s Park in a wooden box for over two years. Brampton: A brand new 55-foot-tall statue of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey commander of the monkey army.” Another Hinduphobe remarked on perceived changes in Canada, stating that people are unhappy with the transformation and the erasure of traditional Canadian culture.
Another Canadian Hinduphobe, in a now-deleted post, asserted, “A 55-foot Hindu statue is going up in Brampton, Ontario…which is another reminder that we need an immediate halt on all immigration into Canada.” Ironically, the individual suggested that a mere murti of Bhagwan Hanuman on private property has the power to ‘erase’ traditional Canadian culture. These are the same people who want Bharat to be open to evangelical missionaries.
It is paradoxical that Canadians, who often pride themselves on being the most tolerant and advocates of religious freedom and free speech, are offended by the construction of a Hindu deity’s vigraha on private land in full compliance with local laws. The recent online attacks reveal a deep-seated Hinduphobia.
When Hindus call out their Hinduphobia, they simply attempt to digress from the issue. Furthermore, they hide their Hinduphobia by making baseless accusations, such as they aren’t allowed to question Hindus.
Hindus were surprised at the amount a harmless murti attracted while Bharat has been extremely tolerant. Data shows that Canada has a Christian population of over 19.3 million, constituting over half of the Canadian population. Interestingly, despite being a Hindu-majority country, Bharat is home to more Christians than Canada, with a Christian population of over 28 million, according to 2011 census data, making them the third-largest religious community in the country. Despite its Hindu majority, Bharat has consistently demonstrated tolerance towards religious institutions, places of worship, and statues.
When Hindu temples face attacks from Khalistani terrorists, those who claim to be tolerant Canadians often remain silent. However, they react vehemently to a 55-foot statue of a Hindu god, alleging that Hindu religious symbolism is being imposed in a Christian-majority Canada. In recent months, Khalistani terrorists have targeted Hindu temples in various parts of Canada, vandalizing them and defacing walls with anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu graffiti. Yet, Canadian authorities have not taken substantial action. The question arises as to how one immigrant community, whose places of worship are consistently subjected to hatred and attacks by extremist factions, can be perceived as a threat to “Canadian culture,” which it does not seek to undermine or destroy.
(Featured Image Source: OpIndia)
