The large and diverse Indian community in Atlanta is catered to by many professionals and specialty establishments. Even though they are settled thousands of miles away, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians bring their penchant and need for religious activities  performed with the same fervor and customs as they have done it in their homeland for ages.

There are number of Hindu temples around Atlanta. One such popular temple is the Shiva Mandir, unobtrusively tucked away inside the unique Global Mall - an indoor shopping center with shops, restaurants, fine arts classes etc. in Norcross. The presiding priest at the Shiva Mandir is Pandit Acharya Ved P. Joshi. Pandit's young look belies a very accomplished and learned person behind. A brief chat with Panditji revealed a humble man charged with a passion for propagating the culture, values and spirituality among the Indian community.

Pandit Joshi hails from Pithorgarh, Kumaon in India. Though he was born in a Brahmin family, as a youth he was not trained in Sanskrit. But later he acquired a passion for learning about the Hindu heritage and religious rites. His parents were mainly instrumental in inspiring him to learn the ancient traditions and texts. Panditji acquired the prestigious Shastri degree in 1993 from the national Sanskrit Institute in Delhi. Not settling with this accomplishment, he went on acquired the Acharya degree from the prestigious Sampoornanand Sanskrit Vidyalaya. Pandit's thirst for knowledge was not yet quenched. He further pursued his studies and got the Sahitya Ratna from Prayag. Amazingly, after all this Panditji was also able to acquire an MA degree in Hindi Journalism from Gurukul Kangari.

Our erudite scholar found an opportunity to apply his in depth knowledge of Sanskrit and scriptures. He became the head of Applied Vedic Astrology in the holy city of Hardwar. He managed to maintain a strict disciplined routine even as he was engaged in the scholarly profession. Panditji maintained an austere life style, and never failed to take a daily morning dip in the gushing waters of the holy Ganges while he was in Hardwar.

In 1999, Pandit Joshi was selected as a member of a delegation proposed by the Indian Government for the World Peace Conference in New Jersey, USA. A number of New Jersey based Indians were trying to set up a Durga Mandir. The sponsors were impressed by Panditji's credentials and track record and he was persuaded to help the New Jersey community to set up the Durga Mandir. Panditji got married in 2000. Mrs. Joshi is also well educated, with an MA degree in Economics. Their son was born in 2001.

In 2002, the Atlanta Indian community was setting up a Shiva Mandir. Pandit Joshi came in contact with Mr. Pathak in Atlanta and upon Mr. Pathak's insistence, agreed to spearhead the Shiva Mandir activities in Atlanta. Ever since then, the Atlanta Indian community has been fortunate to have Pandit Joshi as a resident here. Pandit Joshi currently lives in Lawrenceville with his family. Panditji enjoys living in Atlanta. He enjoys the people, the temple and the climate of Atlanta immensely.

Asked about his views on USA: He likes the organized and methodical manner in which people go about their day to day activities. People are disciplined and conscientious. One thing he has not come to terms with is people's pre-occupation with relentless pursuit of money and material comfort. He feels that people ought to devote more time with family, cultural and religious activities to fulfill a wholesome life. Even though many Hindus visit the temple and perform Pooja activities, they do so at a superficial level. Panditji has a burning desire to impart his vast knowledge and educate the community in the significance and meaning of the various rites and ceremonies that is performed on these occasions.

Panditji is constantly on the lookout for inspiring people to form groups that can delve deeper into exploring the Hindu way of living (Sanatana Dharma). He is willing to facilitate, lead and guide any one who may be interested in exploring the vast ocean of the knowledge of Sanatana Dharma. The Shiva Mandir or any location can become a nucleus for such a pursuit. We have no doubt that Panditji will be able to realize his dreams soon.

Panditji is well equipped with the arsenal for inspiring people to follow the right path. Panditji in addition to being a learned scholar is a very good orator and an extremely good singer too. We at AtlantaDunia had the good fortune of attending a pooja function presided by Panditji. His dedicated and thorough pooja performance, followed by a melodious bhajan and finally an informal satsang (group discussion) captivated us all.


He can be reached at 770 921 6889.
Web Link : http://www.shivmandiratlanta.org