Hindu Society Temple 'A Dream Come True'

March 14, 2007

Author: DAN SCANLAN

Source: Florida Times-Union

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/031407/ner_hindu.shtml

Right now it's workers who occupy the new building on Greenland Road, welding door frames, plugging in air-conditioners and preparing to lay carpet on the shiny concrete floor in the spacious sanctuary.

But beginning Wednesday, March 21, hundreds of members of the Hindu Society of Northeast Florida will celebrate their new temple with a Samprokshana and Vigraha Pranaprathistapana Mahotsavam (installation ceremony and consecration of the new temple) at 4968 Greenland Road. And on Sunday, March 25, they begin worship there.

Four years after members bought the 10-acre property near Greenland Pines Elementary School, the new temple’s inaugural chairwoman, Saraswaphi Venkatasubban, is very happy to see it almost completed.

"We have been waiting for this for a long time. It is a dream come true for the community," she said.

The five-day event includes rituals and culture, and food for all five days, she added.

"It is such a glorious and memorable moment for all of us and the children, the future caretakers of our community. And I am very proud. This is a great achievement."