For immediate release
Maine Hindu Temple converted from Church to open in April
A former Church in Westbrook (Maine, USA), which was purchased in December last by a Hindu group, will reportedly
formally open as Maine Hindu Temple in early April.
But worship and chanting services have already started in this Temple, which calls itself "a place of worship and
spiritual enlightenment", and Jaya Ekadshi Vrat was celebrated here on February 21, reports suggest.
Various improvements are reportedly planned for this former Universalist Church of Westbrook building said to be built
in 1840; including replacing the roof, changing the heat source, building a stage and refurbishing the basement for
classes and social gatherings. Temple plans to launch Hinduism classes after the official 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.
Temple activities listed on its website include prayer sessions, worship, classes on Hindu scriptures, meditation,
bhajan, yoga, readings, discussions, celebration of cultural events, children summer camps, etc. Temple project leaders
include Deven Bhatt and Sandeep R. Gandra.
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.
ends