Michigan Tri-Cities to have Hindu temple

Nevada (US), Dec 14 (ANI): A Hindu temple, named Tri-City Hindu Temple (TCHT), has been planned for Kochville Township in Michigan (USA).

Reports suggest that construction on this 10-12 thousand square feet temple, costing around 3 million dollars, is likely to begin this summer and the goal is to have the temple functioning in 2013. A 20-acre plot has been acquired for this purpose where Bhoomi Pooja (Ground Worship and Sanctification Ceremony) was held in the recent past when priests invoked the blessings of Goddess Earth as per Vedic traditions.

TCHT will reportedly be built in traditional style of architecture with sculptures created by artisans from India and will include a large tower and solar panels. Besides sanctuary for worship, this temple complex will also host various community activities, including free healthcare programs. In the past, Hindus living in the area had to travel to Flint for worship.

Its mission includes: to establish, build and operate a traditional style Hindu temple... to maintain and promote interreligious harmony, tolerance, goodwill and understanding; etc. Dr. P. Karunakaran is the Chairperson of the Temple Board of Trustees while Dr. Gopi Nallani is Vice Chairperson. Out of total 17 Trustees, 15 are doctors.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and Michigan Tri-Cities community to realize this wonderful 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.

Organized in 1855, Kochville Township in Saginaw County, where "residents pride themselves in the township's character-rural yet convenient", houses Saginaw Valley State, Davenport and Northwood universities. Jim Loiacano is Township Supervisor. Tri-Cities is the region surrounding the cities of Bay City, Midland, and Saginaw.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. (ANI)