Fourth Hindu Temple Launched In Wisconsin After ‘Purification’ Ceremony
A fourth Hindu temple in Wisconsin (USA) has reportedly recently been established after over five hours of “shuddhikaran” (purification) ceremony in a former marketing firm in Kaukauna.
Known as Hindu Temple of North East Wisconsin, this ceremony included Ganapathipuja, Mandaparadham, Rudrabhisekam-Alankaram-Sivaastottaram- Nerajanam-Mantrapuspam-Pradakhanam, Homa, Agnisamskaram, Ganapathihoma, Vastuhomam, Navagraha Avahana Devatahomam, Rudrahomam, Maha Sudarsana Lakhmihoam, Jayadiprayaschittahomam, Mahapurnahuthi, Agnipradakhanam, Maha Arathi Mandapavudwsanam, etc.
Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders to launch this much-needed Hindu temple complex.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.
This new temple on four acres of land has planned 17 major events for 2012 and is holding Hindi and Bharatnatyam classes. Temple Vision includes: “provide an identity for the Hindu community”. Its “Objective” includes providing religious, social, and cultural activities; foster the teachings of Hindu scriptures and the Vedas; conducting yoga and spiritual educational programs; provide location for satsangs, poojas, festivals, and related religious activities; and to provide goodwill and friendship amongst all people. Before this temple, area Hindus reportedly used to travel to Chicago (200 miles) and Pewaukee (100 miles) for worship services or had home shrines. It is said to be the result of about four years of fundraising efforts and now the project leaders reportedly want to build a “real” temple. Ram Turlapati and Rashmi Patel are Chair and Vice-Chair respectively of Temple Board while Rakesh Kaushika and Nila Vaishnav are President and Vice President respectively of Temple Executive Committee.
Other Hindu temples in Wisconsin include: Hindu Temple of Wisconsin in Pewaukee, The Hindu Temple of Madison in Sun Prairie and Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Wisconsin in Fitchburg.
Incorporated in 1885, Kaukauna, also known as “The Friendly City”, has its 17 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eugene J. Rosin and Lee Meyerhofer are Mayor and Common Council President respectively of this city, which was mainly served by Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches. Notable people associated with Kaukauna include, football player Norbert Hayes, poker player Steve Badger and talk-show host Mark Belling.