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Shiv Mandir at Northeast Atlanta |
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Hinduism being one of the most ancient religions of the world that had
it’s origin and is still predominant in India has for the past few decades,
spread its’ roots all over the world. Mostly in the form of the typical
Indian structure constructed massively overflowing with worshipping devotees
along with activities such as lectures, education, discussions, yoga, and
meditation. The Shiv Mandir of Atlanta is one such place where worship and
activities go together.
While to many of us Global Mall is a place of entertainment and great food,
it stands as a place of worship and peace to most others. The Shiv Mandir of
Atlanta is located at the far end of Global Mall in suite 735, Norcross.
Although established amidst the busy central hub of Indian businesses and
entertainment, it holds a calm and serene atmosphere. It also serves a great
purpose of teaching the Hindu Sanatan Dharma to the children that helps in
preserving our Indian cultural beliefs.
The need of having a place of worship with routine religious activities was
greatly felt by a group of families who lived in the northeastern part of
metro Atlanta. So they decided to have a place of worship with lord Shiva as
the main deity. While exploring the mode of setting up a Shiv Mandir, they
initially started off with having a weekly satsung. The satsung usually
began with a Ganesh puja followed by bhajans and prashad. Simultaneously
they had about 6-7 meetings, planning on their vision, and objectives.
In the year 2002, the first Maha Shivratri was celebrated at the Impact
Center in the Global Mall. An unbelievable 408 participants filled the hall
and performed the puja. Very impressed and encouraged by the response the
discussions got more serious into action. Mr. Shiv Aggarwal was generous to
offer a suite at the Global Mall to have the weekly satsungs. Soon the
committee was formed and the members were decided. Mr. Ramji Pathak was
elected as the president of Shiv Mandir of Atlanta for the year 2002
followed by Mr. Dinesh Purohit who took over the responsibility for the year
2003 and now, this year, Mr. Alok Gupta has undertaken the role.
The interior planning was made and the mandap was built with the financial
aid received from late Mr. Gangadar Chowdri. He had also aided in building a
temple at Chicago while he lived there. Mr. Ajit Das designed the mandap and
along with the other committee members’ help, painted the structure of the
mandap. This was followed by the installation of the main deities Lord Shiva
in a meditating posture and wife Parvathi holding little Ganesha on her lap.
Dr. Sujatha Reddy a physician who also works towards the welfare of the
Indian Community here in Atlanta donated the idols of Goddess Durga, and
Lord Balaji. There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha and a Shiv Lingam for
which the regular abhishekams and pujas are done.
The establishment of this mandir at this northeastern location of Atlanta
sure brought many regular devotees. Among those who visited this mandir, the
seniors who were visiting their sons and daughters from India, were the most
excited. They custom made clothes and jewelry for the idols of the gods and
goddess and sent them over as soon as they returned to India. Some of
the committee members would periodically dress and change the decorations of
the idols
Unlike some temples, this Mandir emphasizes on offering pujas and
celebrations of the festivals on the day it falls and not to postpone it to
the weekends according to our conveniences and routine. The mandir conducts
monthly group pujas at no fees from the devotees. Shri Satyanarayan Katha is
performed on the full moon day of every month between 11am and 1pm. The
first Saturday of every month the Sundarkand Paath is read during the
morning hours 11 am and 1 pm. Shiv Abhikesham is a routine ritual on all
Monday evenings between 6pm and 8pm and Hanuman Chalisa Paath is read every
Tuesday evening at 6pm. Group bhajans are conducted on every Sunday morning.
The Priest,
Acharya P Ved Joshi takes care of the daily routine rituals and
ceremonial occasions. Acharya Ved Joshi had been serving the Mataji Temple
at New Jersey before moving to Atlanta. He is a graduate in Shastri, Indian
Classical vocal music and a postgraduate in Astrology. He has expertise in
Vedas, Puranas, Sanskars, and is also a Diploma in Journalism and has
training in performing many Maha Yagnas in Haridwar and Rishikesh in India.
During the weekends especially on Saturday afternoons the suite is buzzing
with the children attending the religious class of the “ShivSakthi
Balagokulam.” Mr. Dinesh Chanchalani is the lead teacher helping the
children learn about the gods, festivals, slokhas, and bhajans in a fun and
playful manner. The children also get to do occasions related craft
activities. Religious stories are read out to them through which they learn
and understand the importance and significance of the Hindu festivals and
gods. Heritage camps are also conducted once a while which the kids enjoy
the most.
The benefits of Yoga are well understood and practiced here in the United
States by many Americans but are still quite a distant practice to some of
the Indian origin. But the Shiv Mandir of Atlanta with help of Mr. Surender
Mutyala and Mr. Chaitanya Joshi gives this opportunity offering yoga classes
every Sunday morning. Practicing Yoga helps to bring in awareness, strength,
and harmony in both the mind and body.
Being a non-profit organization and a motive to serve the community Mr. Alok
Gupta and his team are working towards building a better facility and
convenience thus moving a step forward in reaching God through service. The
committee is in the process of acquiring 10-15 acres of land in northeast
Atlanta to expand and build a new Mandir with a community center and new
installations to perform religious & social ceremonies. Thereafter construct
a park and a playground with large parking area. More details on the project
are listed on their website at www.shivmandiratlanta.org.
The committee welcomes any kind of contribution and help towards making
their vision come true. After all, our donations are utilized and returned
back to us in creating a place that reminds us of “home”.
| Directions: Take I-85 to Jimmy Carter Blvd exit and go West Make a right onto Goshen Springs Rd Global Mall is the building on Right |
www.shivmandiratlanta.org info@shivmandiratlanta.or Ph: 770-932-6638 |
