Four-Day Celebration Begins at Hindu Temple of MN
People will flock to Maple Grove this weekend for Mahakumbhabhishekam, a four day celebration to renew, rejuvenate and recommit to the Hindu Temple of Minnesota. The celebration marks 12 years since the temple opened.
“According to scriptures, every 12 years or so we have to renew, rejuvenate, and recommit our efforts to the Temple,” explained Raj Balasubramanian, chairman of the Hindu Society of MN. “Over the years, people think that those who leave India, they will forget the culture. But that’s not so. They come here and they want to really practice what they’ve been taught over the years. It’s very heartwarming and fulfilling to see.”
The Hindu Temple of Minnesota is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America. Balasubramanian says the temple will have between five to seven thousand people visit over the weekend. Organizers planned off-site parking and set up an overflow tent in the parking lot.
“It’s almost been a labor of love for all of the volunteers here who have been diligently planning all aspects of it,” says Vallabha Tantry, president of the Hindu Society of MN. “It’s been a milestone year for all Hindus and Indians in the Twin Cities.”
Besides visitors coming from all over the Midwest, more than a dozen priests came to help with religious events. Musicians came from Canada and several items had to be ordered in advance.
“All of these things started a year ago,” explained Sri Ronus Murali Bhattar, chief priest. “We had to plan and get all the things from India because some things we cannot get here.”
Bhattar calls the celebration a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for the community.
To learn more about the celebration, click here.
To learn more about the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, click here.
