Hanuman Spiritual and Community Center coming up fast

Some 170 dedicated devotees of Hanumanji assembled on December 14 to celebrate the Bhumi Shudhi, a religious ritual for purification of land before the start of construction, for the proposed Hanuman Spiritual and Community Center which will be ready within a year.

The auspicious occasion for the ambitious project on a 4.1-acre plot of land in Glenview, Illinois marked the beginning of realization of a long-cherished dream of the Indian community residing in the northern suburbs of Chicago.

In view of the growing numbers of Indian population and their spiritual needs, it was long felt to have a facility that could become the source of support for the fast-aging people.

Despite an aggressive weather outside, the devotees made themselves comfortable amid the make-shift heaters inside an old and humongous barn-like structure. The event was peacefully enjoyed with the chanting of Mantras and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa.

Keshavji was the lead voice in chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa. The Havan Yagna performed by a priest, Nagendra Rao, was followed by Aarti. Everyone enthusiastically participated in performing the prayers and received Prasad after the prayers.

A slide show was presented by young and energetic devotees for the general information to outline the essential features of the prospective project. The devotees were shown the design and provided the essential details of the Mandir. Impressed with the details, a large number of devotees made their contributions for the project and also assured their continued support in future.

At the conclusion, hot prasad, courtesy Jain of Viceroy of Indian restaurant, was provided in carry-out boxes.Everyone was presented with a framed pocket-size picture of Hanumanji along with a hard-cover copy of Hanuman Chalisa. The religious gifts were donated by Shri Moti Agrawal and Khurana.

The Village of Glenview has granted the approval for fhe construction of this holy project. The project will include a Hanuman Mandir and a community center. The center will also serve the long- standing desire of the community to have a multi-facet public place to celebrate various cultural, spiritual and educational programs.