Tiny Hanuman Chalisa priced at Rs 1 lakh

Agencies

Lucknow: A 'Hanuman Chalisa' book measuring just one square centimetre is up for sale for Rs 1 lakh at the ongoing fair in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi district.

The tiny book, which contains verses in praise of Lord Hanuman, has been made by 57-year-old Raj Kumar Verma. The book, showcased at the industrial handicraft fair in Varanasi, is complete with hand-made illustrations too.

"It took me nearly seven months to complete the 'Hanuman Chalisa'," Verma said.

The book, which can be read through a magnifying glass, also contains 22 pictures of Lord Hanuman in various forms.

"Like the text, I have drawn the pictures with my hands," he said. "At any stage, I have not taken the help of machines while making the chalisa.'

Verma is quite sure that the 'Hanuman Chalisa' will attract a buyer despite its steep price.

'The book may not get a buyer during the fair, but I'm quite sure an ardent Hanuman devotee will approach me some day and buy this book,' he said.

Also on display at Verma's stall is a map of India prepared with 880 grains of rice that is priced at Rs.15,000.

'When you view the map through a magnifying glass, you will notice 'Vande Mataram' painted in four Indian languages,' Verma added.