CHICAGO: Shree Jalaram Mandir of Hoffman is going thru a major renovation and expansion in 2014 and 2015. The project consists of a complete renovation of the existing building as well as expansion.
Bhoomi Poojan was done a few weeks ago. Sheelanyas Ceremony was held at the Mandir on Saturday, October 4 from 2 PM onwards. Over 500 devotees were present during this auspicious occasion. The expansion work of the Mandir and installation of deities began with ‘Sheelanyas Pooja’
The new temple will also have three new entrances with new canopies. The new prayer hall will be double the existing size. The lower level will be used for temple programs as well community events. A new stage and with updated AV system is also in the plans. Phase two of the project will include “Indianization” of the building, with traditional domes and shikhars.
Pooja was performed by priests Keyur Sevak and Hasmukhbhai. They provided explanation of purpose and reason behind each ritual in a nutshell. Acharya Rajendra Prasadji blessed the congregation and he described the significance of this occasion, the importance of creating such temples, and the benefit attained by creating such centers for the preservation of Hindu morals, culture and principles.
He explained the importance of Nidhi Kumbh and appealed to everyone to donate $250 towards the Mandir and he received 30. The first floor and basement will be completely renovated to meet the demands of the growing organization. New LED light fixtures, fire sprinkler system, complete new HAVC system will be implemented into the existing building. The expansion will be approximately 12,000 square feet.
It will be a dream come true for many devotees of Jalaram Bapa as expansion of Jalaram Mandir is scheduled to take place within 15 to 18 months as Idols have already arrived and a spacious community center will be built with the assistance of Sachi Contractors Inc. who have considerable experience in constructing temples.
Regular activities at the temple include Bhajans, Sunderkand Path every Saturday, Abhishek on Mondays and on Ekadashi, group Satyanarayan Katha, Jalaram Jayanti, lectures of saints from India and celebrations of all religious events.
The temple arranges annual health camp, provides free flu shots, arranges blood donation. It provides monthly clinic Seva, which will include doctor’s consultation, laboratory tests and providing free generic medicines on an ongoing basis.
Educationally, the activities include Math classes, Bharat Natyam, yoga classes, music teaching, India Culture (Indian History), Gujarati classes and religious classes.
Yogesh Thakkar
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