Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal in Illinois (USA), which held three-day unique grand-opening ceremony ending April 20, will reportedly open its doors to the public in June next.

Grand-opening ceremonies reportedly included poojas, homams, aarathis, jaladhivasm rakshabandhans, mantra chanting, lectures, 108 kalasa abhishekam, etc. The Mission of this Temple; idea of which was floated around 36 years ago; includes “to meet the religious, spiritual and cultural needs of the Hindu community” and it will facilitate “worship, education, social services and seva”.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of Temple leaders and area community to realize this 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 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.

Besides sanctuary with 11 deities, this Temple will also have several classrooms, library, stage for cultural performances and lectures and a dining hall; reports suggest. Area Hindus, numbering around 7,000, had to travel to Peoria or Chicago for temple worship in the past. Rammohan Mundlapudi, Suresh Krishna, Sridhar Kantamneni and Chetan Desai are President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Bloomington, founded in 1831 and claimed to be “located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation", is known for Beer Nuts, oldest continuously performed Passion Play in USA and Shakespeare Festival. Tari Renner and David Hales are Mayor and City Manager respectively.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.