HOUSTON, TX: Construction of the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) of Sri Guruvayurappan (Sri Krishna) Temple in Houston was formally launched after elaborate two-day ceremonies and ancient rituals.
The Temple organizers plan to build this grand temple based on the architectural and ritual features of Guruvayur Devaswom of Kerala, India. When completed, it will be the first of its kind Guruvayurappan temple in the western world. The second phase will include a community center. It conducted Shadhadhara Prathishta, a ritual milestone, in 2011 and buried a time capsule. Phase three will bring more accomplishments.
The Kerala Hindu Society, a non-profit organization established in 1983 but with history dating back to 1979, had acquired 4.8 acres for this project and architect Kanippayyur Krishnan Nampoothiripad was associated with it. Dr. C.V.Sathees, Sasidharan Nair, Sri Prasad M Kuberan Nambuthiri and Brahmasree Kariyannur Divakaran Nambuthiri are President, Board of Trustees Chairman, Priest and Thantri respectively.
The artisans placed the first granite component at the center of the basement at the auspicious muhurtham symbolizing a formal launch of the sanctum sanctorum construction.
Intricate granite components to be used in the construction of this temple with unique architectural features were carved in the quarries in Kerala. Maha Mrityunjaya Homam, various shudhis, Deeparadhana, Ganapathi Homam, Kalasaabhishekam, Paduka sthapanam, vilakku pooja, etc., were part of the ceremonies.
Currently the Temple, which opens at six am every day, follows stringent Tantric worship traditions, offers various religious services including Nirmala puja and Vahana Pooja (vehicle worship) and organizes Malayalam and religious classes.
Guruvayur Devaswom, abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan at Bhoolokavaikundam, about 29 kilometers from Thrissur (Kerala), is a well known pilgrimage site in India, where the presiding deity is Mahavishnu. According to the legend, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. Guruvayur is a form of Krishna. Another $6 million Guruvayurappan Temple was also announced in Brampton (Ontario, Canada).
“Our goal is to recreate the Sri Guruvayurappan Temple of Guruvayur when the project is completed both in the architectural features and in the ritualistic traditions. The construction is expected to complete within the next two years. The proposed plan of construction is under the supervision and guidance of Sri Kanippayyur Krishnan Nampoothiripad (Famous Kerala temple architect) and Sri Karianur Divakaran Nampoothiri (Thanthri),” according to Kerala Hindu society, a tax exempt organization registered in Texas.
Incorporated in 1837, Houston, which houses NASA Johnson Space Center, is the fourth-largest city of USA. Annise D. Parker is the Mayor.
Angela Lee
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