| SAPTHAGIRI - February 2003 | ||
| Previous | Contents |
"Jakhane Bengali Sakhane Kalibari", this popular adage is rich in connotation, grown richer by mute acceptance and richest due to visualisation of the psyche of Bengalis, with regard to their religious attitude. It simply rather emphatically means where there is a Bengali, three is a temple for mother Kali. Bengali and Kali mandir are inseparable. This indispensable combination seems akin to Siva and Sakti Sammelan. Further, this cohabitation bears semblance to mother-child bond that neither desires isolation nor thinks of independent existence.
This universal truth is applicable to every Hindu living in any hemisphere-eastern or western. Go any where for instance nearer either to south pole or north pole even. Hindus, in particular, long for constant communion with their maker, and yearn to feast their panchendrias with the glory of their almighty Providence manifested in multifarious forms, colours, dimensions and beauteous decorations. Certainly, it differs in this aspect from some other religions that have set apart a particular day in a week for either congregational or individual worship. Round the clock darsan of the sacred components of the Bhagavannilayas, though not enjoined by the scriptures, true devotees aspire for a 24hours and 365 day communion with that All-time Highest omnipotent God. Hence ritualistic worship from dawn to dusk - is advocated for greater merit, easier benefit and surer emancipation. Some temples have laid down specific rules for prayer services that begin with the rising of sun and end with ekanta seva. In between the period, the presiding deity receives worship with rituals times ranging from three to eight-trikala puja and ashtasamaya aaraadhana. Offering worship with rituals twice a day is quite common and universal. No temple worth the description claims exception to this. These are termed nithyapujas -daily pujas, but naimitika pujas occasional pujas spreading over several days are celebrated with unusual pomp and splendour when the whole campus throbs with such hectic activities that the temple precinets overflow with pious devotees visiting with great religious fervour from far and near.
The efficacy of worship in the temple has manifold blessings. As the worshipful deity is installed to the recitation of Vedic, chants with yantra tantra and mantra, the whole environs get sanctified and instil devotion unknown to the visitors. There are instances of non- believers too joining the the community bhajans. Above all, the vibrations emanating from the sacred and consecrated spots bring in a tolal change in the mental make-up of the casual visitors, as a mater of fact and niake them visit more often than not. .That frequency tnetamorphoses the base inlo divine. Moreover, the sheer joy of singing, despite total ignorance of the .import of songs ushers in reverence, which in course of time eliminates successfully scepticism and its sinister allies. Additionally, the sculptural adornments invariably enkindle aeslhetic impulses dormant in them. Ejaculations lead to anxious enquiries regarding the origin and import of representations purposefully invested by the master sculptors. Enlightenment ends in cementing faith in the invisible and ineffable power of the supreme providence. Architectural marvels and superb craftsmanship of the mahasilpis thus awaken and establish rapport between the Maker and the made. All this happens within the four walls of the daiva sannidhis. The spacious courtyards studded with niches, mandapas. mini-shrines, etc., enshrined with several vigrahas enrich spiritual core and pave way for deeper study.
The temples in the days of yore served the community in several ways. They were the seats of panchayats, educational institutions, congregational activities, auditoriums for cultural activities and stadiums for physical exercise etc. In fine, they were the nerve centres of integration and assimilation of the finest sentiments deserving implementation and emulation. Hence they were passed for cradles of culture and citadels of every adorable dharma. Being the focal points of every activity, they succeeded in bringing fusion among the divergent faiths and belligerent sects. These sacred mandirs-bhagavannilayas ultimately turned out bright beacon lights for guiding mankind by purging off the abominable instincts, slowly dragging them into abyss.
This priceless wisdom was realised by the immigrant Americans when their half baked and immature progeny, swept off unwarily by the external glitter and dazzling exterior was falling prey to alien culture, diametrically opposed to the oriental culture in content, merit and weight. No doubt, proximity, constant association and habitation among anything foreign necessitates absorption of trends and life styles to some extent. Unripe intellects start aping everything novel unaware of its results. Imitation in certain matters is quite expedient, but it should not be absolute mimicking. Particularly in the affairs of culture and religion.
Sure, every religion has its own ideals and goals. They are not independent and absolute. They are originated and conditioned by certain external forces, like climatic conditions and environmental forces. So they differ from one another. Some amount of incongruity they embody. Due to impact of ungovernable forces they are just as they are, and so should not be underrated or looked down upon by making comparisons with any other on any count. Further, those inborn traits are inherited and defy any attempt at alteration. Hence wisdom reaches imbibing the best out of anything alien to one's own culture or temperament. Condemnation viewing them from the angle of depression only mirrors one's imperfection that lands him into fool's paradise. Comparative study, no doubt equips one with vast knowledge, but wisdom preaches him to evaluate every thing not through coloured glases, but with a discerning eye. Then only correct picture emerging directs an error-free action for the good of all.
No doubt, the oriental culture differs from the occidental in basic things, like worship, matrimony, mental faculties, but each has its own merits. And demerits too. When cohabitation is forced upon, certain amount of give and take is inevitable. It has limitations, and crossing them benefits none. Incongruity, obscenity, indignity etc. then surface and mar the blissful existence, if dared, of both imitator and the imitated. Earth and earthy type of people care not seduction by the momentary thrills. But, serious minded and true lovers of tradition abhor instantaneously and keep aloof from their scorching effects. And try to shield the erring from ruination. For retrieval, they embark upon gigantic projects to establish the glory of eternal values through shrines that alone are found to be the right remedy to curing ills and evils, awaiting to gulf down the righteousness.
This is the situation confronted by the NRIs when settled down in America by force of circumstances. The problems they faced began growing to enormous proportions and threatened their dignified living. When they watched their children slowly sinking in to the quagmire of dubious trends and false appearances due to aping thoughtlessly the Western ways, particularly sexual relations leading to snapping of all the yugas old marital bonds, they were petrified and understood that their moorings were cut asunder. The world renowned and ever-worshipful oriental values were deliberately held up to ridicule and ruthlessly trampled down. The relationship between man and woman deemed second to none but to itself in sacredness and divinity, when nullified, better say butchered on the anvil of western culture. They felt that revival from the grass roots was the only right solution to bring the ship wreacked to the shore. It can be done only by that greatest miracle maker Bhagavan, who although invisible, steers the blasted ship, sitting in His abode and relieves the distressed on hearing the heart - rending appeals. That infinite faith emerging at the right time set the wheels of right action in motion by the far sighted spiritualists belonging to several cadres, aided and abetted by Indianised Americans, who gave spur by voluntarily accepting prominent posts and loosening the strings of their bulky purses.
Among the devout and duty - minded humanists, who shouldered the responsibility of founding the Hindu Temple Society, the name of Dr. C.V. Narasimhan, the under Secretary General of United Nations Organisations deserves first mention. Along with like minds, such as R. Kumaraswamy. A Alagappan, N. Gopalakrishnan, S.N. Bhatra, F.Clarke etc, Dr. Narasimhan succeeded in constituting a Trust Board for consummation of that commendable object. Under the able and efficient guidance of the Chairman Sri E.C.G. Rigg, an eminent sociologist and distinguished theist, the Trust enlisted services of many zealous religionists and when it gathered momentum it decided to build Hindu Temples at least in five prominent places in America, the first being in New York. And for Vinayaka, as he is the first among celestials to receive worship even from the august Trio. And it was named Maha Vallabha Ganapati Mandir. The Board on due consideration gave priority to the selection of symbol. The Satya Saibaba's insignia that won universal approbation was accepted with one voice, as it enshrines in it cosmopolitan character with due attention to the lofty Hindu ideals of tolerance, catholicity, Satya and Seva, laying stress on the totality and unity, forming the core of every religion.
Next came the question of finance. Realising the power of Balaji's akshayapatra, the inexhaustible and ever-growing treasury, the Trust solicited and was met with instantaneous assistance ungrudgingly too. With a view to establish strong links with India, the Trust concluded at its General Body meeting to dismantle and reassemble one dilapidated temple in Andhra Pradesh for several auspicious reasons. Andhra Pradesh government extended its long and warm hand by agreeing with the proposal. In consequence, it directed the administrative machinery to lend full and unqualified assistance to all their demands sans delay. So from Governor to the chaprasi including the Chief Minister, HRCE Commissioner and Collector rendered invaluable service from bringing of the temple tower down to the loading up all the parts of the ancient ruined temple in steamer. On reaching the spot of construction, eminent sculptors and architects were entrusted with the task of reassembling according to silpa sastras, in particular. That onerous mahatkarya that began in the year 1970 reached its consummation by 1977. As the structure started rising its head, donations, bank loans raced as it were to reach the trust. When Ganesh, the remover of obstacles chose to abide in the heart of New York, the world's premier city, would impediments of any kind dare entering the field.
Under the aegis of Sri Pandarimalaiswamy the distinguished spiritual luminary of Tamil Nadu, the installation ceremony of Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapathi icon was completed with kumbhabhishekam on 4-7-1977. With due fanfare under elaborate agamic rituals to the recitation of Vedic chants at it, that grand occasion was availed by the theists of both east and west. An unenviable addition to religion ! And that is the first and foremost Hindu Temple among as many as thirty temples dedicated to almost all the august divinities like Siva, Durga, Vinayaka, Murugan, Venkateswara, Lakshmi, Vishnu, Meenakshi, Rajarajeswari, Bharatvani, Ayyappa, Swaminarayan, Hare Krishna, Mahishasura mardani etc. built by migrated Indians through humanitarian Trusts and societies founded from time to time in major cities, rather where the Hindus constituted a majority and wielding considerable influence.
The commendable and unforgettable religious fervour and inexhaustible thirst for propagation of eternal values not only brought several divergent and distinct sects under the HIndu umbrella, but gratified and opened the eyes of the Americans with the ever cooling, nectarine karunadra drishti of Bharatiya aaraadhya daivams and the demonstration of their miraculous sports. The contributions made by the philanthropists and spiritual organisations through donations and gifts recreated the grand spectacle of the glory of Hinduism and succeeded in converting countless Americans into Indians and immigrant Indians into Indian Indians. And it is an achievement of no mean distinction meriting to boast and broadcast with the reasonable pride of the spiritual minded Indians in an alien land at it. It must be admitted that a greater part of merit must go to broad minded Americans too for allowing the Bharat Jyothi burn respplendent in their own land sans rancour and ill-will or intolerance and insolent bigotry. Result : exemplary sauhardha and emulating sadbhava are hovering over every place where the Hindu divinities are presiding over and displaying their pomp and splendour. Let us now visit and pray to Mahavallabha Ganapati at New York temple, who leaving his original ancient Indian abode sailed across several continents to settle down in America and then make a detour to reach as many as 25 temples scattered over the broad bosom of America. Lo! he is now the Americanised Mahaganapati and changed rather acclimatized himself to be in tune and spirit with new environments and conditions.
This holy shrine is built according to silpa sastra in Andhra Naik style enshrining in itself five principal shrines dedicated to the most worshipful deities, such as the Saivate deities, like Siva, the Lord of destruction. Parvathi the Kriasakti aspect of Omkaraswarupini Adiparasakti, Shanmuga, the field - marshal of the celestial army with his two spouses Devasena and Valli, Venkateswara, the Lord of Seven Hills, Mahalakshmi the Goddess of wealth, Durga, one of the prestigious forms of Yogamaya, Dakshinamurthi, the gnana aspect of Maheswar. Rama, the personification of Dharma, along with his spouse Sita, the chastity incarnate, Lakshmana, the inseparable brother and Hanuma, the synonym for Prabhubhakti, Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Srimahavishnu with Radha His inalienable companion. Satyabhama and Rukmini devi, the divine partners of Krishna Bhagavan, Brahma, the creator with Saraswati, the patron deity of knowledge, Narada the Triloka sanchari with his tambura, Ayyappa, the third son of Siva, Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Srimannarayana, Ranganatha, the recumbent form of Vaikuntanath, Gayatri, the goddness of Srisakti, Nagendra, the serpent king, Nataraja the king of cosmic dance, with Sivakami, his spouse besides saints, like Raghavendraswamy, Arunagiri nathar, Manikyavachakar, Agastya, the formidable maharishi with his wife Lopamudra. Kodiyarmata, a popular goddess along with Navagrahas, the nine planets wielding overwhelming influence on Jataka chakra.
Every adorable supreme power is accommodated to cater to the theistic predictions of the devotees. These adorable deities are installed in proper mini-shrines and niches and they are superbly sculpted by master sculptors. In addition to these archamurtis in black granite, utsavamurtis made in panchaloha are also placed in due places. Moreover, the walls are adorned with the best Indian art in several motifs. The pillars too bear beautiful figures of gods and goddesses in several postures and decorations that raise the hands of the devotees when sighted. Kudos to the Trust for its cosmopolitan out - look and highly mellowed wisdom for enabling every type of pious bhakta to adore his Ishtadaivam in the manner he is accustomed to. The Mahavallabhaganapathi, the chief deity in this august mandir, in addition to removing the hurdles of any type in every enterprise is mercifully showering boons on ardent prayers timely and abundantly over and above the expectation as evidenced by the overgrowing number of Americans, whose new born faith in the Lord is taking them to the mount Kailas for demonstrating his supremacy recognised and adored even by the Trimurthis. Above all, this shrine is a glowing example among the ancient temples of India even, where such a unique assemblage of gods of all sects, like, Saivate, Vaishnavate, Sakteya, Ganapatya, Saura and Kaumara etc., are receiving worship with utmost religious fervour daily and occasionally. Indeed, the ambition, rather the lofty aspiration of the founders is crowned with ever green laurels. The Trust, not satisfied with this New York mandir built in other places as planned in the beginning, now moves to Sri Siva Vishnu temples situated in Lanham, Maryland about 18 KM of Washingtom DC.
Like the Mahavallabha Ganapathi temple, this famous shrine of Siva and Vishnu, the supreme deities presiding over protection and dissolution is the benefaction of the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple Trust constituted by the Hindu community like their counter parts in New York. It was in 1976 the ennobling aspiration of building a temple in Washington was sprouted in the minds of a few devotees and at once the SSVT - Siva Vishnu Temple Trust was formed towards the consummation of the lofty ideal.
The grandiose project set for its goal the unification of diverse sects and traditions of the migrated Hindus, provide opportunities for fostering Hindu culture among the immigrants, their children and their children's children. What a unique ambition ! How remarkable is its origin! How dignified is the sentiment. Doesn't this seem outstep the Hindu temple society founded in New York earlier ? Deciding to achieve catholicity far surpassing the temples extant, it proposed to build 17 sannidhis in one prakara installed with almost all the venerable divinities. Soon the SSVT drew up plans with the blessings of the Sankaracharyas, the eminent pitadhipatis of Advaitha mata and enlisted the services of Dr. Ganapathi Stapati, the world renowned architect. Step by step, the whole environs were found studded with shrines of awe-some architectural pieces and sculptural decorations. When the Rajagopuram surmounting the grand mahadwaram and Dwajasthambham took their final shape, consecration ceremony of the deities was celebrated in 1990 and was witnessed by thousands of pious bhaktas. In 1990 the first kumbhabhishkam was held amidst Vedaghosha and mangalavadyas with unparalleled religous fervour. With that the SSVT stopped not its efforts, nor felt complaisant. Discerning the growing aspirations of the public, it built splendid mandirs for Sri Venkateswara and Ayyappa. Necessity for constructing community hall for conducting concerts, weddings, discourses and occasional festival surfaced next. The SSVT rose up to the occasion and built spacious halls with modern facilities towards the same goal.
Among the seventeen sannidhis, the mandir enshrining Sivalinga has certain special characteristics calling forth reverent attention and veneration. The sacred Sivalinga receiving worship is the true representation of Sri Ramanathaswamy of Rameswaram and was brought from the sacred river Narmada. Hence double merit - two flowers with a single pick. Devotees recall the scene of Bhagawan Sri Rama's installing and worshipping the original idol after dushtasamhara. Moreover, the river Narmada is reputed to annihilate sins with the mere act of smarana, whereas a dip in Ganga and a sip of Yamunajala bring similar effect. Imagine its sanctity and potency.
In the Vishnu shrine, the visitors can have darsan of Sri Mahavishnu in his recumbent posture filling their memory with the grand spectacle of Ananta Padmanabhaswamy of Tiruvananthapuraam. This sight is a feast to the eyes. Later the SSVT added another imposing icon of Sri Venkateswara as he is the Ishtadaivam of the majority of migrated Indians. Along with these installed in independent shrines, the majestic icon of Durga standing on Mahishasura and Sarada, the goddess of learning bearing semblance to Sarada of Sringari and Parvathi, called here Parvatavardhini as in Rameswaram temple are consecrated. Thus the Trimurtinis are worshipped here enabling the devotees renumber their original Indian forms. Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devasena occupies the space in the middle of the temple directly in front of the main entrance. The Navagraha pratimas are duly installed to offering special pujas too. Another important shrine is the Ayyappa mandir built on the model of Sabarimalai with 18 holy steps. In addition, deities like Kanni Mulaganapathi, Nataraja, Maligaipurathu Amman as found in Sabarimalai are accommodated in suitable shrines.
Coming to Vaishnavate deities receiving ritualistic worship with unequalled devotional fervour, one is Sri Krishna, whose icon is fashioned after Udipi Krishna. Another diety Bhudevi known as Andal merits menton. Sri Lakshmi or Sri Devi, the goddess of wealth is enshrined in a superbly built mandir and is the cynosure of every visitor's attraction and adoration. Lord Srirama with Sita and Lakshman is installed in another majestic shrine and the statues resemble the august icons of Bhadrachalam temple. Thus this Siva - Vishnu mandir with seventeen sannidhis is fulfilling the ardent spiritual needs of the immigrant Indians, besides gradually drawing the Americans into their fold. As it grew in importance later, many innovations and left out needs are fully and magnanimously attended to by devotees with the whole hearted cooperation of the local people. Nityanaimithica Prayer services are being carried on by the able and efficient priests of great learning.
The origin of Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, is quite fascinating, although the founders drew inspiration from the Temple Trusts formed elsewhere in nineteen seventies and built imposing temples at several metropolitan cities like New York, Lanham etc. The immigrant Hindus felt the necessity to constructing a temple for Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and progress; for most or them left their mother land only for material prosperity. In March 1978, when a few like - minded people assembled in a club, a proposal to build a temple for Sri Lakshmi came up all on a sudden, sans premeditation. Perhaps due to the auspiciousness of the time, every one gathered agreed and contributed $ 101 to pursue the goal assidiously. Forthwith a formal constitution was drafted and a Trust formed. All unanimously approved the opinion that this abode of Lakshmi should be a place of worship for all Indians settled down or visiting USA on any purpose.
The Mahalakshmi Pooja marking the inaugural function was celebrated on 28-10-1978 in Columbus Hall in Melrose. Massachusetts heralded a grand vision of superb Lakshmi Mandir, as the exuberant spiritualists who attended on the occasion offered donations and pledges even before essential formalities finalised. The securing of non-profit status to the Trust served as a green signal followed by acquiring 12 acres of land. Soon Ganapathy stapathy from Tamil nadu arrived on invitation and the construction work began. Expert architects entered the field for clearing operations. The Trust then applied for loan to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for emergent expenditure and it was granted instantaneously when the Kalkunte Engineering Corporation completed the preliminary work. Ganapathy Homam was performed. Later building of mahaman-dapam and alankara mandapam on the first floor was entrusted to Parakh construction company. And on 6-9-1986; the opening ceremony was celebrated on a grand scale under the direction of the renowned Janakiram sastrigal of Rajarajeswari Peetham. Gradually with the commissioning of work to Indian artisans gopuram, vimanam, mini-mandapams adorned with exquisite sculptures rose upto the wonderment of foreigners and Trust Board members. Spacious halls for conducting several social functions, like weddings, namakaranams, upanayanams, kalakshepams, music concerts, spiritual discourses etc. were built for the convenience of all sections of people.
The granite idols of almost all the adorable deities of the Hindu pantheon are enshrined in the artistically made mini-shrines, mandapas, niches beckoning ardent attention of the visitors, as they go round the inner prakara. Of the many, special mention must be made of Ganapathi with his mount mushikam, Mahalakshmi, Balaji, Garuda Dwarapalakas for the unparalleled artistry of sculptors. Along with these, the masterly designed utsavamurtis like Sridevi, Bhudevi, Nataraja, Muruga with Valli and Devasana, Sivakami, greet of every theist and tourist and receive their veneration. Some of the icons made according to silpa sastras, duly imported from India and kept in the garbhagriha lift the souls of the bhaktas and transport them to ethereal world for a while. Have not the dreams of the founders and aspirations of the donors were fulfilled for this fine job done for lokakalyan ? The Trust Board has thus made yeoman service first to Indians settled down in America and next to Sanatana Dharma as a matter of fact.
It is specialised in celebrating all Hindu festivals in the traditional manner on the dates fixed and as such one finds the temple calendar overflowing with special functions during the vardhantis and jayanthis of saints like Thyagaraja, Surdas, Meera, Dikshitar etc. Needless to say the temple has become the focal point of every activity and has become the citadel of Hindu culture and the nerve centre of integration and confluence of races. Is it not then a matter of great pride to the immigrants to boast of their glorious career, who with a meagre contribution achieved monumental success in the realm of religion and more so in an alien land. Hats off to the benefactors, who made the devotees enjoy the spectacles of pomp and splendour accompanying every religious function.
The Mother Mahalakshmi's icon in standing posture installed in the sanctum sanctorum gleams into the sight of the visiting devotees as soon as they enter the inner hall. The eyeful decoration with gold ornaments and multicoloured garlands heighten the glorious chaturbhuja form of the mother holding fully blossomed lotus flowers in upper hands and releasing gold coins from the lower right hand while left lower hand showing Abhaya madra. The Sahasrapatra lotus on which she is setting her sacred feet is buffeted on left with an elephant with lifted trunk holding a garland and comely white swans to the left close to the excellently sculpted makaratoraman. This captivating spectacle of her beauty makes the viewers rivet their attention long to enjoy the aparoopa sobha of the mother timelessly and endlessly. Wouldn't true devotion sprouting then purge the sins and anoint them with nectarine bliss for alround progress ?
This is another notable benefaction dedicated to the immigrant Indians by the Hindu Temple society conceived and founded by Dr. C.V. Narasimhan, the Under Secretary General UNO as far back as in 1970. This Venkateswara shrine occupies a pride of place in the United States. Of course, elsewhere in the affluent America many potent spiritual seeds had sprouted and grown into gigantic trees by the ardent efforts of immigrants, but this in particularl is bearing such fragrant multi-colored flowers that have been hypnotising the beholders at first sight itself. For, here abides Bhagawan Srinivasa, deemed as the archavatara of Srimahavishnu, whose inexhaustible treasure can bring Kubera down, seeking financial assistance, a sure index of the irresistible hold, he has over the purses of the liberated and relieved persons. As he has been answering every call of any distressed, no matter where he lives or when supplicated, His devotees crossing millions of millions are dwelling everywhere on the globe and looking up to him as the only saviour. Should not such omnicompassionate Providence be accorded eternal adoration ? In consequence, ardent Venkateswara bhaktas built a grandiose mandir in places more than one in America. Among them at least three - one at Pittsburgh; two, at Bridgedwater and three, at Lanham deserve space and elaboration. It means not that the rest are in any way deserve to be dispensed with.
The Pittsburg Venkateswara Shrine is built in a picturesque spot over the Penn Hills, a little far off, east of the world famous industrial town. Pittsburg is resonant round the clock with din and bustle emanating from a wide variety of industries, manufacturing for global market. But the intensity of heat and noise of the factories have been virtually hushed into silence by the litarees emerging from Balaji mandir. It is the glory of this shrine and that accounts for its pride of place. This priceless spiritual asset proved to be a safe refuge for the lost and distressed people. It has become a pilgrim centre both for pious theists and tourists. According to records, this temple came into existence with the munificent financial assistance of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in additon to liberal donations by a devout band of 500 devotees.
The Hindu Temple Society's ennobling aspiration and Hindu immigrants pious ambition enabled Lord Venkateswara settled down permanently crossing seas, only to remove the sorrow and distress of devotees.
Built in the typical Dravidan architectural style, the temple possesses all the essential parts, like mahadwar, surmounting a tall tower, vast courtyards, Dwaja-sthambham, Pradakshina Marg, Mandapas, Garbhagriha etc. In addition, keeping in view the local visitors, it incorporated certain modern styles for the comfort of all visitors. In the superbly built mandapas and niches, artistically sculpted idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvathi, Andal, Krishna, Nataraja, Ashtadikpalakas, Navagrahas, Ganesh etc. are installed with due ceremonies. To honour the modern trend, as it were, white marble is lavishly used that has heightened the appeal and has enhanced its grandeur. The towers, garbhagriha, mandapas bear striking resemblance to the Bhadrachala Srirama temple, mirroring the Trust's intense piety coupled with commendable patriotism. The principal deity's icon being a prototype of Tirumala Balaji in size, shape, splendour, decoration etc. His divyamangalaswarup flashes across the minds of the viewers as they stand in front of Him. This emotional satisfaction elevates them to higher levels of devotion. It is a sight unforgettable and experience ever cherishable. In His presence, all feel like staying in Tirumala itself. Hasn't this brought out enviable credit to the Trust and office bearers ?
Among the creditable achievements the temple claims, appointment of priests must be given unqualified praise. The priests well versed in Vedic lore and drawn from India conduct the prayer services, daily and occasional, according to agama sastra. Their inexplicable craze to participating in the choral recitation and singing the Sanskrit slokas is a sight to be seen. It has thus achieved spectacular success more than the Founders thought of. So, it stands as a prized possession of Hindu community.
It is called by another popular name of Malibu Temple, for the main reason that it is located on the beautiful hills of Malibu in the Santa Monica mountain. It is materialized by the pious wishes of Hindus settled down in south California through the Hindu Temple Society formed mainly to propagate Hindu Dharma. The founders living in the metropolitan Los Angeles resolved to build a mandir for Lord Venkteswara in 1977, inspired by the high ideals of their counterparts, and the service they rendered to devout Hindus. In the beginning itself, they laid down specific rules that it should be a non-profit religious institution and a valued legacy to their children. As such, no member of the corporation is entitled for any benefit from the property acquired through donations and gifts. Every effort and expenditure should be diverted for religious purpose only.
These exalted and sublime ideals started blooming with acquisition of 4.5 acres of land and entrusting the sculptural work to be carried out by the sculptors of eminence from India under the able and efficient guidance of the far - famed architect S.M. Muthiah stapathi of Tamil Nadu, whose craftsmanship adorned many places of worship both in India and America. This Hindu temple society has thousand members serving on a voluntary basis. And its day-to-day affairs are managed by a Board of Directors, all striving to uphold Hindu Darma and bringing into its fold the west-faced Indian youth and stray commercial magnets. Towards this praiseworthy goal, a wide variety of cultural activities, like religious discourses, music concerts, dance dramas, Kalakshepams, etc. are conducted periodically besides the daily ritualistic prayer services and occasional celebrations lasting for days with unequalled enthusiasm, the lusty participation even by the aliens is a star attraction. The Trust is running a monthly Newsletter envisaging their programmes and achievements.
The main deity of worship is Lord Venkateswara installed in an imposing mandir within a sturdy prakara. The five tired tower surmounting the broad mahadwara is imposing it. In the broad courtyard, there are several mini-shines for adorable deities, like Mother Padmavathi, Krishna, Rama, Andal, Siva in addition to Venkateswara which is quite majestic and adorned with sculptural decorations. Indian architectural style coupled with Western technology strikes the eye at every step and chasten the sin - prone hearts and materialistic minds. The decoration of Balaji on the model of original at Tirumala is very impressive. The visitors unconsciously utter Bhagawan's name Govinda, indicating their thrilling experience during the archana and harati rituals. They heartily express their gratitude to the Founders and Office bearers for enabling them to enjoy unforgettable spiritual expereience on their visit.
This stupendous temple like others has come into existence by the indefatigable efforts of staunch religionists, who, inspired by their migrated fraternity planned and built if in New jersey for the benefit of their progeny first and foremost. Like other similar shrines, it encompasses in its spacious prakara several niches, mini-shrines and mandapas, and enshrining with every worshipful deity in a befitting manner with Vedaghosa and vadya goshti. The towers and vimanas built in South Indian architectural style is showering ethereal bliss over every devotee on visitation and soulful adoration.
Among the three temples built exclusively for Murugan, renowned as the Commander-in-chief of the Deavas. The shrine at Lanham is very famous. He is a very popular deity in Tamil Nadu. This Murugan temple of North America occupies pride of place and is visited by large numbers, due to the fact that almost all the Saivate deities are installed in mini-shrines along with the principal deity Murugan in a superbly built garbhagriha. First among the subshrines is Varasiddi Vinayaka, the personification of Pranava. In another, Sundareswar, the Lord of Madurai is worshipped in his formless form Linga. In the third Mother Meenakshi, the inseparable spouse of Maheswar, is enshrined. As he protects her votaries with her fish-like eyes, her name is quite appropriate and moreover she symbolises Sakti. Palani
Andavar, the recluse preaching renunciation is accommodated in another shrine. Murugan with his enchanting spouses Valli, symbolising Ichcha Sakti and Devayani, personification of Kriyasakti is installed in the garbha gruha with Vel in his land signifying Jnanasakti that dispels ignorance. The Navagraha mandap is exquisitely built and the nine planets are installed for adoration by one and all visiting the shrine. This temple like its counterparts was built by the Temple Trust to spread the glory and grandeur of God.
There are as many as 30 shrines built by ardent devotees in various us cities. As the source material is scanty only their names are listed down. Hence the author expresses his inability to give elaborate account as in of a few temples dealt with in the beginning. The list beginning with Rajarajeswari Pitham, Rochester, adds one by one, like the Hindu temple of Greater Chicago, Lemout, Illionos; Meenakkshi Devasthanam, Pearland, Texas, Harekrishna Dham, Huston, rajadhani mandir, Washington DC, Hindu Temple in Metropolitan, Washington, Durga Temple, Spring field. Hindu temple, Cassellburry, Florida, Devi Mandir Napa, CA; Hindu Temple, South - Bay, Sunny vale; Siva-Vishnu Temple, Lovermroe, CA; Subrahmanyam - Ayyappa Temple, Val Marin, Que Canada, Bharatiya temple Troy, Michingan; Viswa Hindu Parishad temple, Ontario, BC, Canada; Vishnu mandir, Ontario, Canada; Sanmarga Temple, Hawai; Hindu temple of grater Chicago, Chicago II, Hindu samaj temple, Wappingers Fall NY, etc. Haven't these newly-built Bhagavannilayas recreated temple India in America ? So, where there is a Hindu, there is a mandir for Bhagavan, his maker. His piety is both adminirable and exemplary.
| FLORAL PRAYER |
|---|
| Let us visualize the body to a beautiful flowering plant. |
| Spine is the stalk from which these flowers are sprouted |
| Big flower is the mind; the next one is the heart. |
| And the remaining vital parts are small flowers. |
| Let all the flowers be blossomed with worship, nourished and refurbished with the coolness of good thoughts and righteous actions so that it will grow and flourish giving fragrance and happiness to all. |
| Otherwise, with the heat-waves of evil thoughts and emotions and immoral actions, it slowly droops, tarnishes and become pernicious and finally perishes in the midway of life leaving misery at the end without achieving its objective. |
| So, let us always be peaceful, faithful, truthful, merciful and delightful and share love and happiness to one and all extending selfless service in discharging the duty with dedication and devotion. |
| Then only, ultimately all these flowers reach the Lotus feet of the Lord and adorn around Him as beautiful and colourful garland and become worthy of worship. |
| This is how, we can offer Floral Prayer to Him who rejoices and bestows everlasting bliss and happiness to us. |
| Let us therefore start our spiritual journey in this direction to reach our divine goal. |
| Previous | Contents |