Hindu Temple & Heritage Hall of Toledo in Sylvania is holding a grand three-day Murti Pratishta Mahotsava (idols consecration festival) on August 7-8-9.

Ceremonies will include a grand procession through city streets complete with dances, chanting, music, dhol (large drum), kalash (pitcher) and murtis (idols); and the other consecration events will include pujas, mehndi, cultural programs, homam, annakoot, etc.

The three deities to be consecrated by priests from various parts of the country include Lord Shree Venkateshwara, Goddess Durga, and Holy Shivalingam.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple leaders and area community for running an effective and successful temple.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

This temple; a center of religious, spiritual and social activities for the area Hindu community which was built in August 1989; is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Open all days except Mondays, this temple offers various services; including pujas, sermons, discourses, heritage and scripture classes, homams, parayans, prarthana, upnayanam, katha, graha shanti, wedding, Ramayan reading, etc. The “10th Day Death Puja” outside Temple costs $701 to non-members, while “car blessing” rate for non-members is $31.

It also celebrates various festivals, including Diwali, Navaratri, birthdays of saints, etc. It is also involved in various community activities, including annual blood donation drive. It also hosts various visiting spiritual leaders and scholars and runs a Sanatan Dharma Sunday School for children and a Youth Group to “foster a sense of responsibility, compassion and awareness”. Sudershan Jetley is Board of Trustees Chairperson, Atul Agnihotri is Executive Committee President, while Pandit Anant B. Dixit is the Priest.