Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple holds grand Bhoomi Pooja ceremony for 25 ft idol of Hanuman

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The Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple & Cultural Center based in Monroe, NJ, marked a  milestone May 14, 2023, with the Bhoomi Pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) for the highly anticipated 25 ft Hanuman Temple.

A massive gathering of devotees, community members, and  guests attended the event “symbolizing the unity and devotion of the community,” the Temple said in a press release.

Among those present was the Consul General of India, New York Randhir Jaiswal.

The 11.2-acre site, which will house an Authentic Hindu Temple & Cultural Center, aims to cater to the spiritual needs of the community while cultivating a divine atmosphere, the Temple said in its press release. With the inclusion of the Samuhika Parivara Devatha Samuham, the temple will provide a comprehensive spiritual experience for devotees of various deities, it added.

According to Sri Sai Balaji Temple, it is one of the first granite Hindu temples in the USA designed to last multiple generations. The built-up area spanning over 65,000 square feet will encompass a 20,000+ square feet Cultural/Community Center, equipped with modern amenities, including smart classrooms for cultural and spiritual education.

The project is being executed in multiple phases. The recently completed Phase 1, the Sai Jnana Mandir, features a prayer hall, spacious classrooms, and a fully functional commercial kitchen. This phase has already received a Prana Pratishta.

Phase 2A of the project showcases an impressive 25 feet Hanuman idol in a glass enclosure. “This iconic idol will serve as a centerpiece of devotion and a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion to Lord Hanuman,” organizers said.

Phase 2B of the project will encompass the construction of a Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum), a Cultural Center / Kalyana Mandapam (marriage hall), and a cafeteria. “These additions will further enhance the temple’s offerings and provide a space for cultural celebrations, spiritual gatherings, and community events,” the press release said.

More than 10,000 donors and devotees have come forward to contribute to the project, the Temple said. The Chairman of Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple Suryanarayana Maddula, thanked the more than  2000 devotees who attended the event, contributing to its success. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to serving the temple and its devotees.

For more information visit https://omsrisaibalajitemple.org or call +1 (732) 392-6794.