Obama carries Lord Hanuman idol for luck

Nevada: The news that United States President Barack Obama carries around a tiny Hindu Lord Hanuman statue in his pocket as a lucky charm has created headlines across the world.

This was disclosed by the US President during a youtube interview.

"If I feel tired, or I feel discouraged sometimes, I can kind of reach into my pocket and say yeah, that's something I can overcome, because somebody gave me the privilege to work on these issues that are going to effect them," Obama said.

From rosary beads to silver and tiny Buddha statue to a silver poker chip, Obama disclosed some small articles that he carries in his pocket as a lucky charm.

"I carry these around all the time. I'm not that superstitious, so it's not like I think I necessarily have to have them on me at all times," he said.

He carries them to remember his experiences with various people he met during his life.

Obama spent his initial childhood days in Indonesia. Notably, Hinduism was popular in the country. Carrying a Hanuman statue might be an influence of that.

Obama's attachment to Hinduism was welcomed by religious leaders across USA. Reportedly, Hindu scholars have expressed eagerness to help the US President if he wants to explore Hinduism further. .

Lord Hanuman is greatly revered and is worshipped very popularly among Hindus in numerous temples.

Hinduism, with moksh(liberation) as its ultimate goal, is the oldest and the third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.

It might be mentioned that there are about three million Hindus in the USA.(Inputs from agencies)