A Hindu temple is reportedly opening in a former Church in Westbrook (Maine, USA). This building, said to be built in 1840, which was formerly Universalist Church of Westbrook, has reportedly been bought by a Hindu group, but a date is yet to be fixed for temple opening.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and area community to realize this Hindu temple.
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 focus 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.
Sandeep R. Gandra is one of the temple project leaders.
Presumpscot River flows through female-majority city of Westbrook, which was incorporated in 1814. Colleen Hilton and Lynda Adams are Mayor and City Clerk respectively. Prominent people associated with Westbrook include cartoonist Kevin Eastman, Civil War General James Deering Fessenden, wrestler Scott Garland, entertainer Rudy Vallee, and baseball players George Gore and John Cumberland.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.