Maple Grove, Minnesota is the site of the largest Hindu Temple in North America.
It's not what one would expect to find in the middle of a cornfield on the outskirts of Maple Grove. But here in the ex-urban fringe, at the end of a dead end road, a huge Hindu temple rises over the fields. The Hindu Mandir of Minnesota is the new spiritual center for the Hindu population of the Twin C..ities, state of Minnesota and the nearby 6 states. The doors of the temple are open to anybody regardless of the faith one practices. Scores of Hindus as well as non-Hindus are seen visiting this unique place of worship everyday.
There are nearly 40,000 residents of Indian descent living in the Twin Cities area. And this temple was recently built.
On Vijaya Dashami, October 4, 2003, the ground breaking ceremony was held at the site of the new Mandir in Maple Grove. Many devotees attended, as the Society formally began the building of the new 43,000 square foot Mandir with Leo Daly Inc. as Architects and Rochon Corporation as the Building Contractors.
Almost three years later, from June 29, 2006 through July 2, 2006, the first Kumbhabhisheka was performed at the Hindu Mandir. After the initial ceremonies of Dhanyanivas (Emersion of the statues in rice and other grains), and Jalanivas (emersion in water),, the grand Mahotsava of Kumbhabhisheka and Pranapratishtha was concluded through multitudes of sacred rituals over four days.
The main entrance of this beautiful Hindu temple faces east, and consists of two sets of massive, hand made brass-covered copper doors when opened allow the light of a summer sunrise to shine on the face of the central deity during special festivals and celebrations. In front on the east are one large man made lake with several large watershed areas adjutant to it. A fresh water stream runs through the temple property on the north side. The temple is situated at the highest elevation on the property with gradual incline towards the east and north side as suggested in our age old and time tested Vastu Shastra.
The tour is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 and the cost is $10. You need to make reservations by Monday, May 9th, by calling the Crow River Senior Center at 763-497-8900 and rides will be carpooled from the Center.
What an amazing opportunity to explosre the temple and the Hindu faith.
Comments(0)