Hindu Temple Society of North America: Difference between revisions

Hindu Temple Society of North America
Hindu Temple Society of North America
Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam
	Exterior of the Hindu Temple Society of North America
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
Deity	Ganesha
Location
Location	45-57 Bowne St, Queens, NY 11355; U.S.
State	New York
Country	United States
	Shown within New York City
Geographic coordinates	40°45′09.9″N 73°49′00.6″W / 40.752750°N 73.816833°W
Website
	nyganeshtemple.org

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The Hindu Temple Society of North America is a nonprofit organization that manages the Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple in Flushing, Queens, in New York City.^[1] It is known as the Ganesha Temple after its main deity, Ganesha,^[1] and is the second-oldest Hindu temple in the United States built by Indian immigrants.^[2]^[3] Uma Mysorekar has served as the society's president since 1994.^[1]

Deities

The central deity of the temple is Ganesha.^[1] The sacred images of Venkateswara, Lakshmi, Shiva, Parvati, Durga, Saraswati, Hanuman, Kumbha Chandikeshwara,Dhvani Chandikeshwara, Dakshinamurthy, Gayatri, Shanmukha, Valli, Devasena, Kamakshi, Navagraha, Nagendra Swamy, Navagraha, Raghavendra Swamy, Rama Parivar, Radha-Krishna, Khodiyar Mata, Ayyappan, Agastriyar, and Lopa Mudra, Satyanarayan and Rama Devi, Chandrasekaraswamy and Anandavalli, Atma Linga, Nataraja, Trishula astradeva, Ankusha Astradeva, Sivakami and Manikkavachakar, Swarna Bairavar, Sudarsana and Narasimha, Dhanvantari and Garuda, and Sridevi and Bhumi have also been consecrated within the temple.^[4]

History

According to the Department of City Planning, the number of Indians situated in New York City grew from an estimated 6,000 people to 94,000 people, between 1970 and 1990.^[5] The increasing number of Indians emigrating to the United States came as a result of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.^[5]

Before the Hindu Temple Society of North America was established in 1970, Alagappa Alagappan, one of its founders, hosted meetings for members in his living room.^[5] The organization acquired the land of a former Russian Orthodox Church and designed a traditional Hindu temple in its place.^[6] The construction was completed in 1977 and the consecration ceremony was performed on July 4, 1977.^[1]^[6] The design of the temple's exterior was inspired by the face of traditional Hindu temples found in South India.^[1]

In October 1998, the temple inaugurated the Ganesha Patasala to be used for youth activities.^[7] The patasala offers classes to youths in subjects like mathematics, linguistics, religion, bhajanams, and dance.^[7]

The temple was reconsecrated in 2009.^[8]

Leadership

Dr. Uma Mysorekar began her involvement with the temple services in the mid-1980s and has served as the president since 1994.^[1]^[9] Mysorekar graduated with a medical degree from Bombay University and practiced as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist.^[1]^[10]

Mysorekar has been awarded the Kannada Rajyotsava Award from Karnataka, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Governor's Award of Excellence, and a "token of esteem" by the City Lore's People's Hall of Fame.^[1]^[11]^[12] She was also chosen by Barack Obama's presidential inaugural committee to join several other religious leaders in the national prayer service, on the day of his inauguration.^[13]

Architecture

The temple is constructed using granite. It is entered through a gopuram gateway. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, while other shrines house idols of Lord Balaji, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Hanuman, and Sri Nagendra Swamy. The temple includes a dhvaja sthambha (column) and a rajagopuram (lofty tower). Temple architect Sthapathi Muthiah supervised the reconstruction.

Temple canteen

Underneath the ground level, the temple houses a vegetarian restaurant called the Temple Canteen.^[14] The Temple Canteen was established in 1993.^[14] The canteen feeds 4,000 people a week, with as many as 10,000 during the Deepavali (Diwali) holiday.^[15]

Dispute

At the Hindu Temple Society of North America, a dispute arose in 2003 regarding the leadership of the temple.^[16] Six plaintiffs expressed that the temple was being run too autocratically, and wanted the opportunity to vote for a board of trustees.^[16] The temple trustees believed that the plaintiffs questioned the leadership because they wanted to gain control of the temple, themselves.^[16] Ultimately, judge Joseph Golia ruled that a referee would facilitate an election for a new board of trustees.^[17] After the first election, the board of trustees that served the temple previously were re-elected.^[18]

Miracles

In September 1995, the Ganesha drinking milk miracle was observed at the temple. It was reported that "People held the spoon filled with milk under the trunk, by the mouth, and the milk would be taken up".^[19]

Nearby temples in Flushing

Asamai Hindu Temple, 45-32 Bowne Street: Representing the ancient Afghan Hindu community, honoring Asamai, the city goddess of Kabul
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 44-38 Bowne Street: The first Swaminarayan sect temple in North America (inaugurated in 1974).
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, 46-16 Robinson Street: dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, inaugurated April 2010^[20]
Jain Center of America 43-11 Ithaca Street: Shri Mahavir Swami in the Shwetambar tradition, Upashrayain the Sthanakvasi tradition, Sri Adinath in the Digambar tradition and Shrimad Rajchandra Meditation Hall.
John Bowne House, 37-01 Bowne Street, the house of the Bowne family which contributed to religious freedom in USA in the 17th century.
Om Sai Mandir, 45-11 Smart Street Om Sai Mandir.

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Min, Pyong (2010). Preserving Ethnicity through Religion in America. New York University Press. ISBN 9780814759585.
^ "The Temple Builders". pluralism.org.
^ Davidson, Linda Kay (2002). Pilgrimage [2 Volumes]: From the Ganges to Graceland, An Encyclopedia. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 235–236.
^ "Devatas". Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
^ ^a ^b ^c Martin, Douglas (November 2014). "Alagappa Alagappan, 88, Dies; Founded Hindu Temples Across U.S." The New York Times. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
^ ^a ^b Gupte, Pranay (1977-06-04). "Hindu Temple, 'Just Like India,' Opens in Queens". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
^ ^a ^b Thomases, Drew. "Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community" (PDF). hamilton.edu.
^ "Reconsecration, With Bells, Saffron and Elephant (Published 2009)". 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
^ Deepti Hajela (2021-12-13). "In Hinduism, women creating spaces for their own leadership". WDIV. Associated Press. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ "Dr. Uma Mysorekar – AAPIQLI". Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ "Karnataka Government". karnataka.gov.in. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ "The Ellis Island Awards". Rediff. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ Service, Indo-Asian News. "Hindu Priest in Obama's Inauguration Prayer [incl. Ingrid Mattson]". Campus Watch. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ ^a ^b Sammons, Lisa (2022-02-17). "A Secret Door Will Take You To An Underground Restaurant In New York That's Beneath A Hindu Temple". OnlyInYourState. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
^ Shivani Vora (October 28, 2016). "In Line for Blessings and Sweets at Hindu Temple Canteen". The New York Times. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c Worth, Robert F. (2003-12-05). "A Hindu Temple of Discord; Amid Priests and Chants, a Bitter Campaign for Leadership". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
^ Brownlow, Ron. "Cook Withdraws From Lawsuit Against Flushing Hindu Temple". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
^ York, George Joseph in New. "NY trust wins right to manage Flushing temple". Rediff. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
^ Singleton, Don (September 24, 1995). "Miracle has a Milky Way". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
^ Temple Inauguration, SAI SMRITI, Volume 1, Issue 1, April—June 2011, http://dwarakamaishirdi.org/uploads/april%20issue.pdf

External links

Official Hindu Temple Society of North America website

[:2-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Min, Pyong (2010). Preserving Ethnicity through Religion in America. New York University Press. ISBN 9780814759585.

[builders-2] "The Temple Builders". pluralism.org.

[davidson-3] Davidson, Linda Kay (2002). Pilgrimage [2 Volumes]: From the Ganges to Graceland, An Encyclopedia. Bloomsbury Academic. pp. 235–236.

[4] "Devatas". Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

[:3-5] Martin, Douglas (November 2014). "Alagappa Alagappan, 88, Dies; Founded Hindu Temples Across U.S." The New York Times. Retrieved 9 July 2018.

[:4-6] Gupte, Pranay (1977-06-04). "Hindu Temple, 'Just Like India,' Opens in Queens". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-23.

[:5-7] Thomases, Drew. "Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community" (PDF). hamilton.edu.

[8] "Reconsecration, With Bells, Saffron and Elephant (Published 2009)". 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2023-08-16.

[:1-9] Deepti Hajela (2021-12-13). "In Hinduism, women creating spaces for their own leadership". WDIV. Associated Press. Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[10] "Dr. Uma Mysorekar – AAPIQLI". Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[11] "Karnataka Government". karnataka.gov.in. Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[12] "The Ellis Island Awards". Rediff. Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[13] Service, Indo-Asian News. "Hindu Priest in Obama's Inauguration Prayer [incl. Ingrid Mattson]". Campus Watch. Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[:6-14] Sammons, Lisa (2022-02-17). "A Secret Door Will Take You To An Underground Restaurant In New York That's Beneath A Hindu Temple". OnlyInYourState. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

[FlushingHinduTempleCanteen-15] Shivani Vora (October 28, 2016). "In Line for Blessings and Sweets at Hindu Temple Canteen". The New York Times. Retrieved October 29, 2016.

[:0-16] Worth, Robert F. (2003-12-05). "A Hindu Temple of Discord; Amid Priests and Chants, a Bitter Campaign for Leadership". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-03-22.

[17] Brownlow, Ron. "Cook Withdraws From Lawsuit Against Flushing Hindu Temple". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

[18] York, George Joseph in New. "NY trust wins right to manage Flushing temple". Rediff. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

[19] Singleton, Don (September 24, 1995). "Miracle has a Milky Way". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2022-03-30.

[20] Temple Inauguration, SAI SMRITI, Volume 1, Issue 1, April—June 2011, http://dwarakamaishirdi.org/uploads/april%20issue.pdf

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@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
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 <!-- WEBSITE -->
-| website               = https://nyganeshtemple.org/
+| website               = {{URL|https://nyganeshtemple.org/}}
 <!-- BELOW -->
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 }}
-The '''Hindu Temple Society of North America''' is a nonprofit organization that manages the '''Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam''' temple in [[Flushing, Queens|Flushing]], [[Queens]], in [[New York City]].<ref name=":2" /> It is known as the '''Ganesha Temple''' after its main deity, [[Ganesha]].<ref name=":2" /> In 1977, it opened the second Hindu temple in the United States built by Indian immigrants.<ref name="builders">{{Cite web|url=https://pluralism.org/the-temple-builders|title=The Temple Builders|website=pluralism.org}}</ref><ref name = "davidson">{{cite book|last=Davidson|first=Linda Kay|date=2002|title=Pilgrimage [2 Volumes]: From the Ganges to Graceland, An Encyclopedia|url={{Google books|YVYkrNhPMQkC|page=PA235|plainurl=yes}}|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|pages=235–236}}</ref> Uma Mysorekar has served as its president since 1994.<ref name=":2" />
+The '''Hindu Temple Society of North America''' is a nonprofit organization that manages the '''Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam''' temple in [[Flushing, Queens|Flushing]], [[Queens]], in [[New York City]].<ref name=":2" /> It is known as the '''Ganesha Temple''' after its main deity, [[Ganesha]],<ref name=":2" /> and is the second-oldest Hindu temple in the United States built by Indian immigrants.<ref name="builders">{{Cite web|url=https://pluralism.org/the-temple-builders|title=The Temple Builders|website=pluralism.org}}</ref><ref name = "davidson">{{cite book|last=Davidson|first=Linda Kay|date=2002|title=Pilgrimage [2 Volumes]: From the Ganges to Graceland, An Encyclopedia|url={{Google books|YVYkrNhPMQkC|page=PA235|plainurl=yes}}|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|pages=235–236}}</ref> Uma Mysorekar has served as the society's president since 1994.<ref name=":2" />
 == Deities ==
@@ Line 91: / Line 91: @@
 Before the Hindu Temple Society of North America was established in 1970, [[Alagappa Alagappan]], one of its founders, hosted meetings for members in his living room.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Douglas |date=November 2014 |title=Alagappa Alagappan, 88, Dies; Founded Hindu Temples Across U.S. |newspaper=The New York Times |publisher= |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/02/nyregion/alagappa-alagappan-88-dies-founded-temples.html |accessdate=9 July 2018}}</ref> The organization acquired the land of a former [[Russian Orthodox Church]] and designed a traditional Hindu temple in its place.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Gupte |first=Pranay |date=1977-06-04 |title=Hindu Temple, 'Just Like India,' Opens in Queens |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/06/04/archives/hindu-temple-just-like-india-opens-in-queens.html |access-date=2022-03-23 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The construction was completed in 1977 and the consecration ceremony was performed on July 4, 1977.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> The design of the temple's exterior was inspired by the face of traditional Hindu temples found in South India.<ref name=":2" />
-In October 1998, the temple inaugurated the Ganesha Patasala to be used for youth activities.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Thomases |first=Drew |title=Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community |url=https://my.hamilton.edu/documents/levitt-center/Following%20the%20Swami%20_insights_.pdf |website=hamilton.edu}}</ref> The patasala offers classes to youths in subjects like mathematics, [[linguistics]], religion, [[bhajan|bhajanam]]s, and dance.<ref name=":5" />
+In October 1998, the temple inaugurated the Ganesha Patasala to be used for youth activities.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Thomases |first=Drew |title=Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community |url=https://my.hamilton.edu/documents/levitt-center/Following%20the%20Swami%20_insights_.pdf |website=hamilton.edu}}</ref> The patasala offers classes to youths in subjects like mathematics, [[linguistics]], religion, [[bhajan]]ams, and dance.<ref name=":5" />
 The temple was reconsecrated in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-07-14 |title=Reconsecration, With Bells, Saffron and Elephant (Published 2009) |language=en |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/14/nyregion/14temple.html |access-date=2023-08-16}}</ref>
 === Leadership ===
-Dr. Uma Mysorekar began her involvement with the temple services in the mid-1980s and has served as the president since 1994.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Min |first=Pyong |title=Preserving Ethnicity through Religion in America |publisher=New York University Press |year=2010 |isbn=9780814759585}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Deepti Hajela, Associated |date=2021-12-13 |title=In Hinduism, women creating spaces for their own leadership |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/world/2021/12/13/in-hinduism-women-creating-spaces-for-their-own-leadership/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=WDIV |language=en}}</ref> Mysorekar graduated with a [[M.B.B.S.|medical degree]] from [[Bombay University]] and practiced as an [[Obstetrician/gynecologist|Obstetrician/Gynecologist]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Uma Mysorekar – AAPIQLI |url=https://aapiqli.org/dr-uma-mysorekar/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |language=en-US}}</ref>
+Dr. Uma Mysorekar began her involvement with the temple services in the mid-1980s and has served as the president since 1994.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Min |first=Pyong |title=Preserving Ethnicity through Religion in America |publisher=New York University Press |year=2010 |isbn=9780814759585}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=Deepti Hajela|agency=Associated Press |date=2021-12-13 |title=In Hinduism, women creating spaces for their own leadership |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/world/2021/12/13/in-hinduism-women-creating-spaces-for-their-own-leadership/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=WDIV |language=en}}</ref> Mysorekar graduated with a [[M.B.B.S.|medical degree]] from [[Bombay University]] and practiced as an [[Obstetrician/gynecologist|Obstetrician/Gynecologist]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Uma Mysorekar – AAPIQLI |url=https://aapiqli.org/dr-uma-mysorekar/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 Mysorekar has been awarded the Kannada Rajyotsava Award from Karnataka, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Governor's Award of Excellence, and a "token of esteem" by the City Lore's People's Hall of Fame.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Karnataka Government |url=https://karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State+Awards/Rajyotsava+Awards/en |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=karnataka.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ellis Island Awards |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-ellis-island-medal-of-honor/20090512.htm |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref> She was also chosen by [[Barack Obama]]'s presidential inaugural committee to join several other religious leaders in the national prayer service, on the day of his inauguration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Indo-Asian News |title=Hindu Priest in Obama's Inauguration Prayer [incl. Ingrid Mattson] |url=https://www.meforum.org/campus-watch/14414/hindu-priest-in-obama-inauguration-prayer-incl |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Campus Watch |language=en}}</ref>
@@ Line 108: / Line 108: @@
 == Dispute ==
-At the Hindu Temple Society of North America, a dispute arose in 2003 regarding the leadership of the temple.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Worth |first=Robert F. |date=2003-12-05 |title=A Hindu Temple of Discord; Amid Priests and Chants, a Bitter Campaign for Leadership |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/nyregion/hindu-temple-discord-amid-priests-chants-bitter-campaign-for-leadership.html |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Six [[Plaintiff|plaintiffs]] expressed that the temple was being run too autocratically, and wanted the opportunity to vote for a board of trustees.<ref name=":0" /> The temple trustees believed that the plaintiffs questioned the leadership because they wanted to gain control of the temple, themselves.<ref name=":0" /> Ultimately, judge Joseph Golia ruled that a referee would facilitate an election for a new board of trustees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brownlow |first=Ron |title=Cook Withdraws From Lawsuit Against Flushing Hindu Temple |url=https://www.qchron.com/news/western/cook-withdraws-from-lawsuit-against-flushing-hindu-temple/article_c0d4e673-c175-5185-a10b-00ccf542e1d7.html |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Queens Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> After the first election, the board of trustees that served the temple previously were re-elected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=York |first=George Joseph in New |title=NY trust wins right to manage Flushing temple |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/temple/20060312.htm |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref>
+At the Hindu Temple Society of North America, a dispute arose in 2003 regarding the leadership of the temple.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Worth |first=Robert F. |date=2003-12-05 |title=A Hindu Temple of Discord; Amid Priests and Chants, a Bitter Campaign for Leadership |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/05/nyregion/hindu-temple-discord-amid-priests-chants-bitter-campaign-for-leadership.html |access-date=2022-03-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Six [[plaintiff]]s expressed that the temple was being run too autocratically, and wanted the opportunity to vote for a board of trustees.<ref name=":0" /> The temple trustees believed that the plaintiffs questioned the leadership because they wanted to gain control of the temple, themselves.<ref name=":0" /> Ultimately, judge Joseph Golia ruled that a referee would facilitate an election for a new board of trustees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brownlow |first=Ron |title=Cook Withdraws From Lawsuit Against Flushing Hindu Temple |url=https://www.qchron.com/news/western/cook-withdraws-from-lawsuit-against-flushing-hindu-temple/article_c0d4e673-c175-5185-a10b-00ccf542e1d7.html |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Queens Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> After the first election, the board of trustees that served the temple previously were re-elected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=York |first=George Joseph in New |title=NY trust wins right to manage Flushing temple |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/temple/20060312.htm |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref>
 ==Miracles==
@@ Line 137: / Line 137: @@
 ==External links==
 {{portal bar|Hinduism|India|New York City|New York (state)|United States|North America}}
-{{commonscat|Hindu Temple Society of North America}}
+{{commons category|Hindu Temple Society of North America}}
 * [http://www.nyganeshtemple.org Official Hindu Temple Society of North America website]
 [[Category:1977 establishments in New York City]]