NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Moncure, N.C., November 3, 2025: A Hindu nonprofit organization has acquired more than 130 acres of land in Moncure, North Carolina, to build a sprawling temple complex that will feature what it describes as the world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan, the Tamil “warrior god.”
According to information published by the Carolina Murugan Temple (CMT), the registered nonprofit behind the project, the land—located near the Deep River in Chatham County—will serve as the site for a temple complex that includes a Murugan statue, a Tamil cultural museum, a language library, and walking trails. The site is listed at 100 Murugan Circle, Moncure, NC 27559.
Moncure is a small, unincorporated community located about 30 miles southwest of Raleigh, the state capital; 20 miles south of Chapel Hill; and 15 miles southeast of Pittsboro, the Chatham County seat.
The organization’s website outlines its vision to create a “landmark to bring unique spiritual, cultural, and language experience representing World Tamils.” CMT says the project is being developed in phases, with construction and fundraising efforts currently underway.
While some social media posts and articles have claimed that the statue will be taller than the Statue of Liberty, the organization has not confirmed exact dimensions. It only refers to the structure as the “world’s tallest Murugan statue.”
Lord Murugan—also known as Kartikeya or Skanda—is one of the most widely worshipped deities among Tamil Hindus in India, Sri Lanka, and across the diaspora. Temples dedicated to him often serve as community hubs that preserve Tamil culture and traditions abroad.
Further details are available on the organization’s official website, carolinamurugantemple.org.
Images courtesy: Murugan Temple.
1 comment
I know ma y folks are upset about this, but they have the same right to do this as anyone else does. My questions are though why a Warrior god and why not use the statue money to help people instead? Wouldn’t that be the best testament to the cause instead of building a large idol?