SSVT Jeernodharana Kumbhabhishekam The First Hindu Temple in the National Capital Region: Preserving, restoring, and growing with the community

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1 SSVT Jeernodharana Kumbhabhishekam 2015 The First Hindu Temple in the National Capital Region: Preserving, restoring, and growing with the community

2 SSVT: Three decades of growth SSVT started in 1976 as a modest idea among a few families : SSVT Trust is created 1984: Land was purchased in Lanham, MD 1991: First Kumbhabhishekam 2003: Jeernodharana Kumbhabhishekam And is shared today by a large community. 17 shrines, 1000 devotees per weekend, 200 regular volunteers, 11 priests and 4 managers

3 SSVT: Vision Statement Combining the best of Hindu tenets, customs & heritage with American values of religious freedom, community participation & volunteerism In the 21st century, SSVT seeks to become the premier temple in North America by: Preserving Hindu religious & cultural heritage and propagating it in the nation s capital Creating innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of Hindus in America

4 SSVT strives to serve the full range of Hindu religious needs by: Uniting Siva & Vishnu in one temple Building first Ayyappa shrine in the US with consecrated 18 steps Holding special pujas: Shatha Chandi Homam, Koti Kumkuma Archana, Maha Rudram, Bhagavad Geeta Yagnyam, Devi Mahotsavam SSVT: Preserving... Enabling the performance of samskaras of a Hindu s life in the temple and at home Bringing to America the unique architecture of Mayan, Pallava, Chola, Vijayanagara, Kerala & South Canara styles

5 SSVT: Restoring... SSVT meets the unique, changing needs of Hindus in the US with authentic religious worship and four pillars of support Education: Veda, Shloka and Yoga classes, Bal Gokul for children, Children s Pujas, Religious discourses Cultural: Bringing famous and up-and-coming artists to the temple and offering forums to showcase local talent Social: Kids Day & Annual Food Bazaar, participating with temple associations, Diwali events around region Community Service: For the needy in the Washington area and India, through regular community service projects and financial support

6 SSVT In The Nation s Capital Tours for schools Smithsonian events Diwali at: White House US Congress MD State House

7 SSVT: And Growing The Jeernodharana Kumbhabhishekam from May 26-31, 2015 is an inflection point: both a physical restoration and an opportunity for spiritual growth. JK2015 One of the finest opportunities for those who were not at the original founding to vest in the temple and have ownership in it. It is an affirmation of the unique needs of Hindus, one of the fastest-growing immigrant communities Rajagopuram Side View in the nation s capital.

8 Religious Significance of JK2015 The traditional Temple is a form of God, and the Rajagopuram symbolizes: The gateway to the temple, the bridge between the human and the divine The feet of God and the spiritual center of the community In accordance with Sastras, every 12 years major restoration & rejuvenation is done and we celebrate the Jeernodharana Kumbhabhishekam: Shilpis from India have arrived and begun the work

9 The project will encompass restoration of: JK2015: the Project The Rajagopuram, the majestic, 56-ft. gateway tower The Vimanas, for Siva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Venkateswara The Gopurams, for Ayyappa and Venkateswara All Sannadhis and the Entire Interior of the Temple Temple upstairs, architect s rendering

10 JK2015 Project Timeline & Budget Shilpi work (exterior): Nov Mar 2015 Shilpi work (interior): Apr -May 2015 Kumbhabhishekam: May 26-31, 2015 Total Budget: $750,000 Potentially Available Funds: $65,000 Support Needed: $685,000

11 We Need Your Support Now! We are determined to have the biggest, most inclusive event in the history of the temple and to avoid borrowing so we can leave the temple debt-free for the next generation. Please join the families who have already committed. Commit today - contribute $1001 or more if you can over the next 12 months Volunteer your time - become an ambassador and join the JK2015 Task Force today by clicking on

12 Thank you! The Temple is a reflection of the community -- it is only as good as we make it. Our children and our grandchildren will have a strong community tomorrow, but only if we leave them a strong foundation today. Please contribute your time, energy and resources!