Opening of New Hindu Temple in South Florida Brings 1,000 Worshippers

December 12, 2005

Source: Sun Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-chindu12dec12,0,7881837.story?coll=sfla-news-broward

On December 12, 2005 the Sun Sentinel reported, "Worshippers walked barefoot toward the temple. Religious leaders chanted mantras in the sun. Sacred flowers floated in the air... For local Hindus, Sunday marked a historical event as people of all ages watched nine sculptured images of gods receive prana, or spiritual energy, at the new South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches. The sacred ritual was one of several rites performed in celebration of the new 10,000-square-foot center on Griffin Road. Rajendra Gupta, one of the temple's founding members, said organizers spent nearly a decade raising almost $5 million to build the ornate temple, which was partly designed by shilpies, or stone craftsmen, from India. The temple will be open daily for Hindus to perform pujas, or worship rituals. 'This is one of the greatest days,' said Gupta. The 5-acre property will serve as a place of worship for South Florida's 70,000 Hindus, he said... About 1,000 Hindus attended the event dressed in traditional garb."