For representation purposes only
A Hindu Temple & Cultural Center (HTCC) is reportedly functioning at a former Ford dealership in Orangeburg (South Carolina), hosting various religious activities. Currently in the last stage of redevelopment, it is planned to open it for public community events during the first few months of 2017. It would include three banquet facilities spread over about 22,500 square feet with seating capacity of about 1,500; providing a gathering place for area Hindus, reports suggest.
Mission of HTCC, founded in 2013, includes “promoting the Hindu ethos in many ways ranging from Cultural, Religious, Social, Festive, Charity events to the practice of Yoga and Educational.”
Meanwhile, US-based Hindu religious leader Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended efforts of temple management and area community for realising this reported HTCC growth.
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 would help 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.
HTCC’s annual activities mentioned on its website include Durga Pooja, Ganesh Pooja, Janmashtami, Ganesh Visarjan, Shiv Katha and Navratri. Its many services mentioned include various havans, “Vaahana Pooja / Car Pooja” (Car worship), etc. Committee members listed include Bipin Patel, Baldev Patel, Bharat Patel; while P.J. Patel is also reportedly a temple trustee.
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.
Orangeburg, “The Garden City” on the north fork of the Edisto River, founded in 1704 and incorporated in 1883, is known for Festival of Roses and Edisto Memorial Gardens.
Prominent people associated with it include actress/musician Shawnee Smith, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, football players Alex Barron and Tim Jennings, wrestler Shelton Benjamin and basketball player Mikki Moore. Michael C. Butler, L. Zimmerman Keitt and John H. Yow are Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and City Administrator respectively.