Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swami Temple, Memphis, Tennessee, US

Anyone could witness the religious enthusiasm, the vigour and fervour with which the consecratory ceremonies took place from 14th of June to 20th of June 2005 at Memphis, Tennessee in USA. In the village of Eads sixteen years ago, a few acres of land were bought by Dr. Duggirala Prasad and his wife Dr. Vijaya and other committee members including Dr. Raghavalu, Dr. Ramanathan and other interested people. It was tough going for all of them to visualize a temple of this stature what we see today. There were obstructions, difficulties, and hurdles of all sorts to over come to realize a Hindu zeal. Because of difficult economic situation, the members were pushed to go on a determined fundraising drive. Dr. Vijaya’s commitment was great. The efforts were not futile and what we can see today is something unbelieveable.

It was a question of “Hindu Identity” for Dr. Duggirala and others and giving spiritual depth to the followers of the community. The “India Cultural Center and Hindu Temple was registered many years ago. At the leadership of Dr. Duggirala, works began from 1996 onwards. Land was cleared and facilities were erected.

Reflecting upon the need for all communities to come, the central diety for the temple would be “Lord Prasanna Venkateswara” with other “Parivara Devathas” being established. On the right of Venkateswara, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Andala on the left, Rama Parivaram in the nearby left shrine, Radhakrishna on the right, Lord Muruga Subramanya, Lord Shiva, Nataraja, Godess Parvati, Garuda, Anjaneya in the front entrance were established. Lord Ganesh is prominently to the far right of Lord Venkateswara.

The perspective must be turned now to consecratory ceremonies to be done on this occasion. Learned priests and scholars came from various Hindu temples across the United States. The Hindu temple of New York sent their Chief Priest, The Temples at Malibu, Los Angeles (California), Chicago (Illinois) and the Datta temple at Baton Rouge (Louisiana) sent their Priests to the occasion. There was ample religious freedom and will to perform all the homas, adhivasas, for all the deities, and elaborate religious arrangements in the adjacent hall which is also newly constructed. It was a clear demonstration of will of all devotees, volunteers, workers, staff and more than all, the GRACE of HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI GANAPATI SACHCHIDANANDA SWAMIJI OF AVADHOOTA DATTA PEETHAM, MYSORE, INDIA. Sri Swamiji had come to Memphis in 2001 to see the place and gave many directions for the construction of the temple. The committee heeded to the instructions of Sri Swamiji. Swamiji stood firmly behind Dr. Duggirala and Vijaya. The committee mobilized enough funding and the project took off.

Attention was paid to the meticulousness in “Temple Architecture” and subtleties of caricature and carving the temple properly. The well known Indian Temple Architect and “Stapati” MUTTAIAH STAPATI” directed the temple works and proper Prakaras were done. By pointing out the sensitivities that are attached to temple works, all actions were seriously taken up according to suggestions of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. All this has now produced a wonderful, appealing temple structure consecrated by Sri GANAPATI SACHCHIDANANDA SWAMIJI HIMSELF. Sri Swamiji arrived in Memphis from Canada on the 14th and got into the detailed survey and held several meetings on the premises. Defending the need for a temple of this dimension, Sri Swamiji said _ “ It is Historical and most needed at this time of History”. We have to keep spiritualizing our existence on this planet. We have see and experience the Truth that sustains our faith. “There is unprecedented leap in faith in God and seekers are more and more in this part of the world. This temple complex will fulfill this task”- he said. “Devotion, faith and sustained spiritual activities will make this temple further beautiful and alive”- he said. The humid highland of Eads has become sacred and important today. The committee of the temple has worked very hard and dedicated themselves to this project. This “Kumbhabhishekam of Lord Prasanna Venkateswara” is a “crowning ceremony” and it is a wonderful sight. The ultimate handiwork of Lord Almighty who rules this universe, we are small atoms. It is our duty to create natural spiritual environment and do selfless service to Him. We hereby fulfill the creative urge of Memphis devotees.” Dr. Duggirala praised the high vision of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji and his divine life and mission in life. “From the plateau of Mysore in South India to the West Coast and from North to South he is moving and traveling to bring Dharmic values to people and we need to follow his footprints. Younger generations have to take heed of his advice and work towards Dharmic values.”

ICCT AND HINDU TEMPLE stands for UNITY in spiritual perspectives. “ Unity” is the slogan of this consecration amongst Hindus and various communities. Sri Swamiji said the “Hindu temple of Memphis has a critical role to play in the lives of people around this place and USA in general.” “Comforting suggestions and divine guidance will come from the heart of this Prasanna Venkata temple”said Sri Swamiji. ‘Your faith and firm conviction’ will grow and this will be passed on to the younger generation. Economic growth and spiritual growth should go on parallelly. You should not suffer from intellectual poverty” said Sri Swamiji.