In tune with the spirit of Hinduism
PREMA NANDAKUMAR
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Consecrated in 1977, the Ganapati temple in New York stands for the very best in India's Vedic culture.
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India's temple culture has been spreading gradually in the United States over the past fifty years. There is a basic, almost ecumenical approach to the visualisation of a consecrated corner for the community by the Indians living here, in tune with the approach of Hinduism from time immemorial. I have always found it a heartening experience to visit the temples built by non-resident Indians with a great aspiration so that the coming generations will be no strangers to the Vedic civilisation of India.
The New York area, for instance, is studded with several temples. Among the most flourishing is the Ganapati temple on Bowne Street in Flushing.
Way back in 1970, a few devotees came together to form the Hindu Temple Society of North America with inspiration drawn from the message of Sri Satya Sai Baba. The logo of the Society thus drew from the spiritual leader's insignia and has a lamp surrounded by the symbols of world religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Soon, a temple was in the making and the Mahavallabha Ganapati Devasthanam was consecrated on July 4, 1977. Since then, the temple has grown in form and activities and is today a centre for the very best in India's Vedic culture.
As one goes past the Flagstaff, there are appropriate rooms for shedding coats and shoes. The premises are enviably clean despite a constant movement of devotees. The main hall of worship has at the centre a sanctum where the huge granite idol of Vinayaka with gleaming silver armour presides over the religious activities. He is decorated with silver yajnopaveetham and a garland of rudraksha beads.
Crowded look
Quite a few niches have been consecrated around this sanctum which gives the sannidhi a crowded look. Among the deities are Venkateswara, Mahalakshmi, Siva and Kartikeya. There are also alcoves for lovely panchaloha idols of Rama, Krishna, Ayyappa and other deities.
Apart from the huge panels of Nataraja, Gitopadesa, Ananthapadmanabha and Dakshinamoorthy on the walls, our attention is drawn particularly to the figurines of Agasthya and Lopamudra. Apparently, the sage is considered the patron saint of the temple. Of the rest, the intriguing icon is that of Khodiar Matha. The priest was not able to place this idol which had a lance. "She seems to be a form of Shakti venerated in North India," he said.
An air of sincere devotion permeates the air even as a family is having the "anna praasana" ceremony conducted for a little child at the Mahalakshmi niche. Tirumanjanam is being conducted for Venkateswara as about twenty devotees sit watching in deep reverence. An ISKCON member is quietly chanting the Mahamantra in another place. Archana is being conducted constantly for the main deity. I was told that cultural programmes, music, stotra classes and lectures are a regular affair in the auditorium built at the lower level of the temple.
Apparently, this auditorium has proved to be of tremendous help to the local community for conducting ceremonies and festivals including weddings.
A new auditorium has now come up with a seating capacity of 700 along with a kitchen and dining hall to prepare and serve feasts. Speaking of food, I must not forget the tremendously popular Ganesha canteen! Wholesome South Indian food can be purchased here and weekends bring a riot of children and elders in search of oothappam, masal dosai, mixture and mysore pak. The temple canteen also takes catering orders. Lest one should mistake the canteen to be a mere business proposition, it may be pointed out that during Ganesh Chathurthi 25,000 prasadam packets are distributed free. One can also purchase mementos and books here.
The ambitious vision by the trustees for the future includes a five-levelled Rajagopuram with a vestibule raising sixteen pillars to depict the forms of Shodasa Ganapati, an expansion of the present main temple hall (an immediate necessity) and a speciality library of books on Vedanta. Having traversed so far with success at every stage, we can be sure that the vision will be realised.
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