The Secretary of State’s office has denied a request from the Universal Society of Hinduism to erect a privately funded statue of the Hindu god Hanuman, Universal Society of Hinduism President Rajan Zed said in a statement today.  

The request followed the Arkansas General Assembly’s approval of a law that allows the creation of a 10 Commandments monument on state Capitol grounds. His Holiness Sen. Jason Rapert (R-Conway) sponsored the legislation, natch. 

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A “Satanist” group has also said it would bring a statue of the deity Baphomet to serve as a counterpoint to Rapert’s Christian statue. 

Zed, the Hindu leader, said he might take his request to Gov. Asa Hutchinson. 

From the release:

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Zed pointed out that Arkansas had now substantial number of Hindu residents and students who would love to see a statue of Lord Hanuman, who was greatly revered and worshipped and known for incredible strength and was perfect grammarian. If permitted, we planned to make it big and weather-proof, Zed added.

Rajan Zed indicated that besides honoring the Arkansas Hindus, this statue would raise awareness of Arkansans about Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought.