SUNNYVALE, CA: Shiv Durga Temple was started on 6th December 2012 in Santa Clara under the guidance of Acharya Pandit Krishna Pandey. Led by the community and religious leader, the temple has now moved to 1170 Kern Avenue, Sunnyvale.
The opening ceremony was attended by over 1000 devotees. Pandit hails from a family of priests from Northern India. He is the third generation priest in his family dynasty.
He is an Acharya in Vedic Religion and Astrology from Sanskrit University, Varanasi, India. Pandit Pandey was awarded the Bharat Gaurav Award for his meritorious religious and social services.
Panditji also served as a priest for the world famous temple of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, India, where on an average more than 100,000 devotees pay their tribute every month. He was also a disciple of Late Ashok Singhal, VHP.
He came to United States in 1999 to give his religious and spiritual services and started Shiv Durga temple in 2012. This temple is dedicated to Late Ashok Singhal and Sangeeth Marthand Pandit Jasraj Ji and Tripti Mukherjee. The temple has now been moved to a bigger location with ample parking facilities.
The Pran Pratishta ceremony was started on Saturday July 23, with Ganapathi poojan, havan, bhajan, keertan, cultural performances and concert. A special concert was arranged to mark the new beginning by Thomas Niggi, Germany and Madan Oak.
The main purpose of the temple is to spread Hindu culture and traditions. “We are a young generation of Indians that have immigrated and we all have very young kids,” Manasa, a devotee said. “The desire to be able to raise your kids in knowledge and awareness of their roots is a common thread across the community.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Mayors, council members, Consul General Venkatesan Ashok and other eminent Bay area community leaders. Pandey Ji thanked hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their time and helped with the move.
India Post News Service
