March 07 2016, 10.54 AM IST || Pocket News Alert
A new Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Burnaby (British Columbia, Canada), which claims itself as “largest Hindu temple in North America” when complete, is currently under construction.
This 31,000 square feet Temple, which claims to blend traditional and contemporary values, is said to be about 75% complete. Its prayer hall will accommodate 800 devotees; dining room with stage will seat 800; and it will also have an auditorium/wedding-hall, multipurpose kirtan-katha room, five classrooms, boardroom, etc. Besides worship services, it will also host various festivals, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, educational and cultural activities, senior services, meetings, etc., reports suggest.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended efforts of temple leaders and area community for realizing this wonderful 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 new 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.
The current Hindu Temple Burnaby is said to be the oldest temple of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. It reportedly opens 365-days a year and holds aarti every morning and evening. It offers various astrology services, including fortune telling, “Love Compatibility”, etc. It has created a matrimonial section "to find a suitable match" with $10 donation. It runs a Ganesh Hindi School.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.
