The Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) celebrated a historic milestone on Sunday, April 2, when it inaugurated a new temple tower, or shikhara, at its main campus in Cary. The shikhara, which stands 72 feet tall and is adorned with intricate carvings and statues of Hindu deities, is the first of its kind in the Triangle and one of the largest in the country.
“Think of [it] as a threshold or a portal between the mundane world and divinity. When you come through the gateway you are leaving all your worries, all other things related to the ordinary life, and transcending yourself to the divine world.”
The shikhara is a symbol of the rapid growth and diversity of the Hindu community in the Triangle, which has increased from a few hundred families in the 1970s to as many as 50,000 today. According to the Pew Research Center, Hindus make up about 1.2% of the population in North Carolina, higher than the national average of 0.7%.
The HSNC, which was founded in 1976 and is the oldest Hindu organization in the state, serves as a hub for cultural, educational and spiritual activities for Hindus of various backgrounds and traditions. The temple complex houses several shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses, as well as a community hall, a library, a yoga center and a cafeteria.
The shikhara project, which cost about $3 million and took four years to complete, was initiated by the late Dr. Jagdish Chander Sharma, a founding member and former president of the HSNC. Sharma envisioned the shikhara as a way to enhance the beauty and sanctity of the temple, as well as to showcase the rich heritage and artistry of Hinduism.
The shikhara was designed by Sthapati Brigu Sankar from Chennai, India, who followed the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra, or Hindu architecture. The shikhara was constructed with granite stones imported from India and assembled by skilled artisans who worked on site for months. The shikhara features four tiers of sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology, such as creation, preservation and destruction.
The inauguration ceremony, or kumbhabhishekam, was attended by hundreds of devotees who participated in various rituals and prayers to consecrate the shikhara. The ceremony was also attended by several dignitaries, including Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht Jr., who praised the HSNC for its contributions to the community.
The shikhara is expected to attract more visitors and tourists to the temple, as well as to inspire more awareness and appreciation of Hindu culture and values. The HSNC plans to organize guided tours and educational programs for schools and other groups who are interested in learning more about Hinduism and its diverse expressions.
North Carolina Governor, Democrat Roy Cooper, is happy with the turn his state has taken, having declared last October Hindu Heritage Month in the state.
For more, see ABC11.com.