by Aswini Kumar Darjee
Bhubaneswar- In the heart of bustling cities where strangers pass as neighbors and time races like a storm, one quiet revolution is taking place—an emotional, spiritual, and mythological awakening. In a world increasingly defined by cemented walls and gated communities, a longing for deeper connection has begun to bloom through an unexpected source: the installation of Hanuman idols in home and apartment societies. This is more than just a religious tradition—it is a return to something sacred, ancient, and profoundly human.
Lord Hanuman, the divine vanara warrior of Ramayana, is not merely a deity in Hindu mythology. He is the timeless embodiment of courage, loyalty, and divine strength. In every fibre of his being echoes the lesson of unwavering devotion to righteousness, and it is this very spirit that residents of urban societies are now embracing.
One such example is the Bishnupriya Apartment in Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar, where on July 4th—a Monday—a beautifully adorned Hanuman idol was ceremoniously installed. What made this event truly special was the leading role played by the women of the society, including residents like society Secretary P.K. Mohanty, Vice President Suresh Mohapatra, Pradyot Bisoi, Mrs Nibedita Nanda, Mrs Bijayalaxmi Jena and Mrs Madhumita Pattnaik, along with Society volunteer Tushar Kanta Pany. They did not just participate—they organized, decorated, and spiritually charged the event with collective devotion and grace.
“We wanted this space to feel not just secure, but sacred. Hanuman ji is the protector of homes and hearts. His presence fills us with strength,” shared Bijayalaxmi Jena, her voice glowing with quiet conviction. For her and many others, the idol is more than an object of worship—it is a silent companion in an often noisy and chaotic world.
To Madhumita Pattnaik, the installation was a way of reclaiming the lost sense of unity. “Every festival here is celebrated together—be it Diwali or Holi—but this was different. People from every community living in the apartment joined hands. There was harmony, not just in ritual but in spirit.”
Indeed, Bishnupriya Apartment has long been known for its sense of shared living, where all communities participate joyfully in traditional Hindu festivals. But the installation of Lord Hanuman’s idol elevated that bond to a spiritual high. Children were seen lighting lamps, elderly residents sat in peaceful prayer, and evenings turned melodious with collective chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Tushar Kanta Pany, one of the key volunteers behind the event, added, “In today’s digital age, people are craving something real—something pure. This idol is not just stone; it’s strength. It gives us the feeling that we are being watched over.”
Behind each such installation lies a deep emotional yearning. People believe that where Hanuman dwells, fear vanishes, and evil finds no place. His presence is seen as a shield against unseen forces—be it negative energies or modern-day anxieties. In an age where digital noise drowns inner peace, these idols have become islands of calm and clarity, radiating a divine stillness that comforts the soul.
To children, these idols are not just statues—they are lessons in virtue. Lord Hanuman teaches about bravery with humility, strength with compassion, and devotion without ego. These timeless values often elude modern education, but are effortlessly passed down through mythology in such sacred spaces.
Much of this spiritual resurgence at Bishnupriya Apartment would not have been possible without the quiet dedication and unwavering support of Society Secretary P. K. Mohanty (Dilu) , whose vision for a harmonious community laid the foundation for such a divine initiative.
In societies far from large temples, these small shrines offer accessible sanctuaries. Everyone—from the elderly to the overworked youth—finds in them a quiet place to fold hands, close eyes, and feel protected. The diya’s light not only illuminates the idol’s face but also the hearts of those around it.
In every such idol, a myth is reborn, a hope rekindled. Bishnupriya Apartment is just one example—but it speaks for a growing number of urban souls seeking peace, meaning, and sacred connection. Where Lord Hanuman resides, hearts feel stronger, and homes feel whole.
