Source: Dayton Daily News
[daytondailynews.com/lifestyle/ohio-churches-religion-faith/hindu-temple-celebrates-24th-anniversary-123244.html]
Gopi Dewan remembers the days when eight Hindu families met in one another’s homes and dreamed of having their own temple someday.
That dream was realized 24 years ago when the first Hindu Temple in the state of Ohio was dedicated in Beavercreek and Gopi’s husband, Amrit Dewan, became the first president.
Over the years, the Temple’s membership has grown to include 900 families. The Dewans were among the hundreds marking their Temple’s 24th anniversary the weekend of May 15-17.
The celebration began on Friday evening with kalasa sthapana, a ceremony that involves pouring water into 108 seashells and copper containers. It continued on Saturday with an all-day music festival featuring songs from great composers of Southern India.
On Sunday, following fire worship and the chanting of mantras, a long procession of devotees circled the outside of the Temple, water-filled vessels in hand. The water was then poured by the priests on the statue of Lord Venkatesvara, a ceremony known as abhishek.