Hindu Leader, Township Clash Over Temple

August 22, 2007

Author: NYIER ABDOU

Source: The Star-Ledger

http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-5/118775557298690.xml&coll=2

READINGTON TWP. | Township planning officials have questioned testimony by a Hindu spiritual leader seeking to build Hunterdon County's first Hindu temple, saying his statements were evasive and stretch credibility.

At a public hearing last Thursday, board of adjustment members squared off with Hindu leader Yogendra Bhatt, questioning claims that the proposed CharDham Hindu Temple, on Coddington Road, would accommodate only 150 followers -- and not one person more.

Board members cited online articles saying Bhatt spoke at gatherings of up to 1,000 people, suggesting his teachings appeal to a wider audience than he claimed.