THE BHARATIYA TEMPLE OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT 7.20.08

One of Detroit’s premier spiritual and cultural institutions is currently undergoing an $11 million expansion which will place it among the largest and most unique temples in the United States.  Serving the Hindu community since 1981, the Bharatiya Temple has been a landmark center for Hindu philosophy from all sects, and reflects the diversity of Indian culture in Detroit.  Open to all, regardless of race, religion, age or sex, the center is an icon representing the pluralistic teachings of Hinduism.

The current temple will remain open throughout construction and will remain an integral part of the expanded facility.  The current worship hall and multipurpose hall will be converted to a community center.  The overall facility will virtually double the size of the current temple with an additional 35,000 square feet of space.

Thanks to the generosity of benefactors such as B.N. and Rani Badahur, Ravindranath and Janaki Kambhampati and Hari and Karen Chopra, the project, which had its Bhumi Puja in June of 2007 and broke ground in October of last year, is scheduled for completion in late 2009.  The architects chose a fusion style which incorporates styles from all over India in order to best reflect the diversity of the congregation.  Indian and U.S. architects were each fundamental in arriving at the final design, which allows sufficient space and dimensional integrity to allow for worship areas as preferred by the various Hindu communities in greater Detroit.

Of course, the Bharatiya Temple’s religious traditions go beyond rites and rituals, and the new temple, like the old, is committed to tolerance, education, social services, cultural enrichment and youth development.  The expanded size will allow space for classroom, conference rooms, dining areas and office space to accommodate the mission of the temple, which is to teach, to offer worship grounds, and especially, solace to its congregation.