Hindu Temple of Dayton
| Hindu Temple of Dayton | |
|---|---|
 The temple in 2018 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Venkateshwara |
| Location | |
| Location | Beavercreek |
| State | Ohio |
| Country | United States |
  Location in Ohio | |
| Geographic coordinates | 39°45′56″N 84°02′51″W / 39.765587°N 84.047518°W |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1985 |
| Elevation | 260 m (853 ft) |
| Website | |
| daytontemple | |
| Part of a series on |
| Hinduism |
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The Hindu Temple of Dayton is a Hindu temple in Beavercreek, Ohio. It opened in 1984, making it the oldest Hindu temple in the Dayton metropolitan area. It has shrines for the deities Venkateshwara, Rama and Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, Ganesha, and Radha Krishna.[citation needed]
History
The Hindu Community Organization of Dayton[1] began the effort to build the temple in 1977. Dr. Soma Avva led a group of local Hindu doctors to purchase land in suburban Beavercreek and donated it to the organization. Avva raised funds from the Hindu community to finance the construction of the temple, its gopurams (towers), and the installation of its deities.[2][3][4]
The construction was opposed by some area residents. After the organization took Beavercreek city officials to court, the city issued zoning and building permits for the temple. After a year of construction at a cost of $500,000, the temple opened to the public in 1984. During its first year, it was visited by approximately 2,000 Hindu families from surrounding areas. The temple was completed and consecrated in August 1985.[2][3][4]
In 1993, the temple renovated its shrines and reconsecrated the deities and domes to celebrate its eighth anniversary.[5]
In 2009, construction was initiated to expand for a puja hall next to the temple. The hall serves as a multipurpose area for celebrations, classes, and cultural activities. Starting in 2011, the temple underwent two years of major renovations.[6] During these renovations, shrines of Bhagawan Chandramauli, Tripura Sundari, Bhudevi, Lakshmi and Navagraha were added. In May 2013, the renovation was completed, and a six-day festival was organized to inaugurate the expansion.[6]
Deities
The temple's main deity is Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu, the god of preservation, reality, kāla (time), karma, restoration, and moksha (liberation). The statue was carved by Indian artisans out of black granite from the Himalayas. Other deities include Krishna and Rama, also forms of Vishnu. The statues are housed in marble-lined alcoves.[3]
Administration
The temple is administered by the non-profit Hindu Community Organization, Inc.[1] It has an executive committee, board of directors, and board of trustees.[7] It publishes the bi-monthly newsletter Mandir Vani, which discusses the organization, services, news, and religious information.[8] The temple raises money through donations, fundraisers, and services. After serving four years on the board, Dr. Sunita Agarwal was elected president of the temple in 2023.[9]
Services and community
Several hundred people visit the temple on a weekly basis.[6] Two priests perform services based on Hindu principles.[7] As with most Hindu temples, fees can be charged for special prayers and services. There are also scheduled events and services held throughout the week.[7] Every Sunday, the god Venkateshwara is given a sacred bath, while Shiva is bathed on Mondays.[10]
In addition, the Dayton Hindu Temple serves as a community center. There is a weekly table tennis game, anniversary celebrations, summer camps for children, lectures, and yoga classes.[10]
References
- ^ a b "HINDU COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION INC" (database). Non-profit database. Guide Star.Org. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- ^ a b "Hindu temple complete". Columbus Dispatch. August 27, 1985.
- ^ a b c "Hindu temple is rising in suburbs of Dayton". Houston Chronicle. April 13, 1986.
- ^ a b "OHIO'S HINDU TEMPLE: A DOCTOR'S ACT OF FAITH". Dayton Daily News. April 21, 1990.
- ^ "DAYTON HINDUS TO CELEBRATE - 8TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONIES TO MARK RENOVATION OF TEMPLE". Dayton Daily News. May 8, 1993.
- ^ a b c McCabe, Ginny (8 May 2013). "Beavercreek Hindu temple holds weekend events". Dayton Daily News. Dayton, Ohio. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- ^ a b c "Hindu Temple of Dayton". Temple website. Dayton, Ohio: Hindu Temple of Dayton. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
- ^ "Mandir Vani: Our Newsletter". Dayton, Ohio: Hindu Temple of Dayton. Archived from the original on 2013-08-29. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
- ^ Schwartzberg, Eric. "Woman's many acts of kindness help connect Hindu temple with community". dayton-daily-news. Retrieved 2023-03-01.
- ^ a b "29th Temple Anniversary" (PDF). Mandir Vani. Dayton, Ohio. March 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.