Sri Swamiji in USA, Ground Breaking ceremony, KSHT Temple, Frisco, Texas, 8 Jul 2013
Ground Breaking ceremony of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple construction, Frisco, Texas, USA, 8 July 2013
The historic Day, Sri Swamiji's devotees and Hanuman devotees were waiting for, came on 7th July 2013. This was the day, Sri Swamiji would perform "ground breaking" ceremony for temple construction in Frisco (Dallas) Texas.
At 9 AM, Sri Swamiji arrived in the present Hanuman Cultural Center. Sri Swamiji was welcomed by Trustees of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. Sri Swamiji performed Purnahuti of Hanuman Homa and Vastu Homa. Hundreds of devotees watching the Purnahuti chanted Hanuman Mantra. A brick was placed along with the Homa Kalasha. Sri Swamiji sanctified the brick and carried it inside the Mandir. Sri Swamiji offered Puja to Karya Siddhi Hanuman. Many Puja materials which would be used for ground breaking ceremony were kept in front of the Hanuman Murti.
Sri Swamiji sought permission from Lord Hanuman for the "ground breaking" ceremony and the procession started. Mangala Dravyas like turmeric, Kunkuma, Sindhur, bricks, Nava Dhanyas (nine types of grains), were carried. Sri Swamiji walked carrying a wooden Shanku. Shanku is a long wooden stick that would be placed in the pit. People chanted Hanuman Mantras, priests chanted sacred Veda hymns, bells tolled, Jagata played, Khanjira drummed, conch blown. The festive procession traveled from the Mandir to the designated ground breaking spot. A large tent was put on the place. Hundreds of devotees assembled in an even larger tent opposite to it. Sri Swamiji first went to the Kalasha Puja place and offered Arati to the Puja materials. A large pit was dug in the central spot in the tent. This is the exact spot where "Karya Siddhi Hanuman Shrine" would come up after the temple would be built. Sri Swamiji sat in a chair opposite the pit facing east direction. Then, Sri. Tim, architect of the temple offered the temple plans to Sri Swamiji. After going through the floor plans and elevation photos, Sri Swamiji gave them to the general contractor of AUI construction representative, Mr. Tony. The Mayor of Frisco, Mr. Maher Maso poured earth to the pit and offered Akshata. He then spoke to Sri Swamiji about the glorious service the temple is offering to the community of Frisco. Sri Swamiji instructed Sri. Sudhakara Sastry, the chief priest of the temple to commence the Pujas. He performed Archana to the Kalashas, Nava Dhanyas and climbed in to the pit. Sri Swamiji at 10.01 AM gave the wooden Shanku to be placed in the center of the pit. After the Shanku was placed at the auspicious time, the place thundered with cries - Karya Siddhi Hanuman ki - JAI. Sri Swamiji then placed a brick next to Shanku and poured sacred Homa Kalasha water on the brick and Shanku. Turmeric and Kunkuma was applied, Nava Dhanyas poured and the earth was put on the Shanku and bricks. Sri Swamiji also put in the pit, a little earth and a small stone from the tall Hanuman Murti at Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore. Sri Swamiji said we should seek pardon of mother earth - Bhu Devi - for hurting her during construction. Representatives of different Ashrama organizations, Satsang groups, temple supporters came and offered a brick in the pit. Shri. Sadguru Babaji from Om Tat Sat Yoga - had sent blessed earth. Thereafter, Sri Swamiji moved to the main tent. At the entrance of the tent was a large pile of bricks. Sri Swamiji unveiled the brick lot and proceeded to the stage. Dr. Rao, Chairman of Datta Yoga Center, in his welcome remarks dealt with the amazing features of temple architecture and its significance. Sri Swamiji in His short discourse spoke about the Dharmic debt each person owes to the community and how helping to build a temple is beneficial. The Mayor, contractor and others were honored with a plaque. A cake was cut to celebrate the event and young violinists played "happy birthday" tune. After Sri Swamiji returned to Guru Nilayam, Devotees went in a queue and offered Puja to the ground breaking pit. Annadanam was arranged to everyone. Hundreds of devotees and temple visitors participated in the event and felt greatly blessed and immensely happy that the "Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple" construction would soon commence. The construction time is estimated to be 18 months. More details can be seen at www.dallashanuman.org
