Skip to main content

US : Hindu temple inaugurated near Hollywood



Washington (USA) : One of the biggest Hindu temples in the US, built at a whopping cost of $100 million (Rs.543-Cr) near the Hollywood city in Los Angeles has become a major draw for its grandeur and environment-friendly design, since its inauguration.

The 68th Swaminarayan temple of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has been built using 35,000 pieces of meticulously hand carved Italian Carrara marble and Indian Pink Sandstone, temple officials said.

BAPS said that it is first earthquake-proof Mandir in the world and is expected to last for 1,000 years.

"The Mandir is a beautiful testament to the hard work of your congregation who has spent several years to build this place of worship," Chino Hill Mayor Peter Rogers said.

"The Mandir and Cultural Center will indeed be a place that Chino Hills can be proud of for so many, many generations," he said, at the temple's inauguration on December 23.

Using cutting edge technology to protect it from earthquakes, the temple encompasses five pinnacles, two large domes, four balconies, 122 pillars and 129 archways.

The 6,600 hand-carved motifs depict a mosaic of tales of inspiration, devotion and dedication, along with historical figures from Hinduism, temple officials said.

"Artisans created the carvings in India with great love, skill and patience before the pieces were shipped to Chino Hills," a BAPS statement said.

The Mandir is situated on a 20-acre site, complete with 91 foot lotus-shaped reflection pond, a Cultural Centre, gymnasium and classrooms.

It is designed to "calm the mind and open it," said Ronak Patel, a volunteer of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

"The upper structure of the complex is protected from earthquake damage by separating it from the base with a series of 40 base-isolator units," it said.

"The Mandir also uses a solar power system to generate electricity and reduce adverse effects on the environment. The Mandir combines the best of traditional stone art and architecture and the best of modern technology," said Divyesh Patel, a member of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Source : TOI

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Maharana Pratap : Valour and Unbreakable determination personified

Maharana Pratap ( Source of image: rajputras.blogspot.in ) Contents Introduction of Maharana Pratap Childhood of Maharana Pratap Maharana Pratap's Coronation Unbreakable oath to free 'Motherland' by Maharana Pratap Battle of Haldiighat: Supreme fighter 'Maharana Pratap.' Severe destiny of Maharana Pratap Devotion of Bhamashah towards Maharana Pratap Last Wish of Maharana Pratap Introduction of Maharana Pratap   Maharana Pratap is a name worth remembering to begin one’s day with. His name is engraved with gold among the list of valiant kings who protected the Nation, Dharma, Culture and Freedom of this country by sacrificing his life! This is a holy remembrance of his valor! Who does not know the name of the great king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap Singh? In the history of India, this name has always proved to be motivating for qualities like valor, bravery, sacrifice and martyrdom. Many brave warriors like Bappa Rawal, Rana Hamir, Ra

5 Ways How Modi Enhances Women Entrepreneurship in Gujarat

Bangalore: Nurtured with evergreen simplicity, the women of Gujarat have flourished with decades of hard work and dedication. Lijjat Papad  (a handmade thin, crisp circular shaped Indian food, served as an accompaniment in Indian meals) is a unique example of which a small group of women have given their time to make a worthy organization of trust and productivity. Narendra Modi the Chief Minister of Gujarat recently spoke at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), citing examples of entrepreneurial roles played by women. In his talk, he has expressed deep appreciation for the great wonders women have made since years together. Let us take a look at power of entrepreneurship according to Modi that has existed in the History of Gujarat as listed out by Economic Times. #5 Handicrafts The state of Gujarat is blessed with rich traditional handicrafts. Right from needle works to tie and dye (Bandhini), Gujarat celebrates a wide variety of famous handicr

The concept of 33 koti devata in Hinduism!

The concept of 33 koti devata in Hinduism: The Vedas refer to not 33 crore Devatas but 33 types (Koti in Sanskrit) of Devatas. They are explained in Shatpath Brahman and many other scriptures very clearly. "Yasya Trayastrinshad Devaa Ange Sarve Samaahitaa, Skamma Tam Bruhi Katamah Swideva Sah”. ~(Atharva Veda 10-7-13) Which means: with God’s influence, these thirty-three (supporting devta) sustain the world. In Brhadaranyaka Upanishad while discussing Brahman, Yajnavalkya is asked how many gods are there. He says that there are three hundred and three and three thousand and three gods. When the question is repeated? He says, thirty three. When the question is again repeated he says, six. Finally, after several repetitions he says ONE. (Chapter I, hymn 9, verse 1) The number 33 comes from the number of Vedic gods explained by Yajnavalkya in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad – the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, Indra and Prajapati. (Chapter I, hymn 9, verse 2