Minneapolis/Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, the Hindu Society of Minnesota in USA will inaugurate Shree Gundicha Temple inside the premises of Hindu Temple in the city.
The inauguration, scheduled on on June 13 (Sunday) 10.30 am American time coincides with the culmination of the 15th anniversary celebration of the Hindu Society of Minnesota, stated a release by the non-profit organisation.
Senator Amy Klobuchar and Mayor of Maple Grove Mark Steffenson are slated to inaugurate the majestic temple having magnificent stone carvings and other architectural attractions.
The main Shree Gundicha temple at Puri is a major attraction during the Rath Yatra as it is the temporary home of Lord Jagannath for nne-days.
The Minnesota temple is believed to be the first Shree Gundicha Temple on foreign shores. The deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan are worshipped here and Rath yatra is organised annually.
The Hindu Temple was built on 80 acre at Maple Grove city in Minnesota in 2006.
The Governing body of the coveted institution is now headed by renowned scientist Dr. Sitakantha Dash (Chairman ) and Pooja Bastodkar (president).
Other prominent personalities involved in the improvement of the temple include Dr Krishna Saxena, Dr Sashikant Sane, Byron Byraiah, Mahendra Nath and Punjabhai Patel.
A dream project of Dr Dash, the Gundicha temple has been constructed with the major contribution from his family.
The 15th anniversary celebration of the temple will be attended by Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz as chief guest on June 12. A Souvenir containing historical facts of HSMN will be released by the Governor.
The chairman will honour all the project heads. Kanak Dutt will be presented this year’s Outstanding Service Award.
