San Francisco, Mar 13, 2017: The historic and extremely expensive renovation process of the magnificent Old Temple in San Francisco, which is claimed to be the "first Hindu temple in the Western World", is almost complete.
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Old Temple, originally known as Hindu Temple is said to be built within four months. It is a part of the Vedanta Society of Northern California (VSNC), launched by Swami Vivekananda, a highly respected Hindu Monk 1900.
This Temple, sometimes referred as "sermon in the form of a building" and "dedicated to the cause of humanity", miraculously survived the San Francisco earthquake and fire of April 1906.
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During the renovation process which was launched in 2014, the historic character of the temple was claimed to be uncompromised while bringing it up to current standards. The complete renovation included upgrading from foundation to rooftop regarding seismic upgrades, deepening of foundation, plumbing, wiring, fire-sprinkler system, energy efficiency, roofing, etc. It is planned to be open to the public and ready to use sometime in the spring. It was recently re-consecrated with ritual worship by monks and nuns from India, Canada and USA.
Located on Webster Street in San Francisco, this Old Temple was designed by Swami Trigunatitananda with architect Joseph A. Leonard, blending elements of East and West. Its style is influenced by old-fashioned Bengal temples, Shiva temples at Dakshineswar, Benares temples, etc. The building represents a striking profile of towers, domes, and pinnacles; and its various towers "are intended to symbolize the harmony of all religions and the pointed arches and domes the upward aspiration of the spiritual seeker".
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Rajan Zed, a distinguished Hindu statesman commended efforts of the Society leaders and area community towards executing the thorough and elaborate renovation of this magnificent and important Hindu temple.
President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, requested the Hindu community in USA, about 3 million strong, to work towards preserving the historical Hindu temples and passing on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations, reported the Asian American Press.
VSNC is affiliated to worldwide spiritual movement Ramakrishna Mission headquartered in Belur Math on the outskirts of Kolkata (India). Besides Old Temple and New Temple in San Francisco; it also maintains Vedanta Retreat in Olema (Marin County, California) founded in 1946 and which occupies over 2000 coastal acres, 160-acres Shanti Ashrama Retreat in Santa Clara County (California) launched in 1900, monastery and convent. Swami Tattwamayananda is Minister-In Charge of VSNC.
Vedanta was introduced to America by Swami Vivekananda at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Since then, the order has more than 180 centres worldwide which includes, California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Rhode Island, New York and Washington.
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Ideology of Ramakrishna Mission, founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda and named after his teacher/inspiration Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) and whose current president is Swami Atmasthananda, consists of the eternal principles of Vedanta; while its basic principles include: "God realization is the ultimate goal of life, potential divinity of the soul, harmony of religions," etc. Its motto is: Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha (For one's own salvation and for the welfare of the world). It claims to aim at the harmony of religions, harmony of the East and the West, harmony of the ancient and the modern, spiritual fulfillment, all-round development of human faculties, social equality, and peace for all humanity; without any distinctions of creed, caste, race or nationality.
Prepared by Nikita Saraf, Twitter: @niki_saraf