Indians and their culture have always been a fascination and an object of emulation for Americans. Yoga and yogis have most often been an inspiring factor for them. Now, adding to their curiosity and interest interest in Hindu temples and mythology too, America is to soon have a new temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is expected to be a major tourist attraction and a religious centre.
The massive temple will be built at Nor Cross Bruke Hallow Parkway, Georgia, a commercial hub of America and home to over 40,000 Indians. This place of worship will be the world’s first Shiva Temple with 108 Urchava Moorthis. The sculpture work is said to be completed already by S Ramakrishnan of Janaki Arts and Crafts, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam.
Main idols (Moola Vigrahas) are being sculpted at Navabharathi Sirpa Kalaikoodam, Avinashi, Thirumu- ruganpoondi by a team headed by Sambandam. The idols will be despatched by three trucks from Coimbatore and Swamimalai to Chennai for getting clearance from Indian Archaeological Department, Council of Handicrafts and Customs and will be kept in the Secretariat near the Archaeological Department.
The cost of the project was estimated to be around Rs 100 crore. The land for the project, a sprawling 9.5 acres, has already been acquired at the cost of US $ 5 million (Rs 37 crore).
The man behind the massive project is USA- based Sri Sri Selvam Siddar, also known as ‘doctor commander Selvem.’
Sri Sri Selvam Siddar took deeksha from Sri Sri Chinnappa Siddar, a renowned ‘Tantric’ Siddar of Kerala. Later, he took charge as The Peetathipathi of Sri Agasthiyar Siddar Peetam.
