Saskatoon Hindu Temple mulls $1.2 million expansion

Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Saskatoon (Canada) is launching expansion project estimated at $1.2 million with a “Shilanyas Ceremony” on July 30.

Expansion will reportedly include a large multi-purpose hall, an equal size basement with dining area, etc., thus doubling the existing capacity. It is expected to be completed in two years.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, applauded efforts of temple leaders and area community for realizing this much needed expansion project.

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 expanded temple would help 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.

Formally inaugurated on March 31, 1985, this Temple, in addition to providing worship services, also hosts wedding ceremonies, special prayer meetings, memorials, musical events, yoga and language classes, spiritual discourses, meditation sessions, workshops and seminars, youth activities, visiting scholars, multi faith and charitable activities, various festivals, etc. Subash Biswal, Monisha Shukla, Hemant Anand and Nagabhushana Naidu are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the Temple, which is managed by Hindu Society of Saskatchewan.