Hanuman temple coming-up in New Jersey

Old Bridge, NJ: A Hindu temple named as 'Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir' has been planned for Old Bridge Township in New Jersey (USA).

This 20,000 square feet temple in an 18.5 acres lot will be replica of a famous temple of the same name in Varanasi (India) and required official approvals/permits have reportedly been obtained and funds are being raised. Its groundbreaking ceremony was held on April one in the plot purchased from a church group and the construction is claimed to be completed in about 18 months. State Senator Sam Thompson, Old Bridge Township councilors Debbie Walker and Richard Greene reportedly attended the ceremony among others.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, praised efforts of temple leaders and Old Bridge and surrounding area community to realize this wonderful temple.

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 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.

Rajan Zed explained that Lord Hanuman, which would be the focus of this temple, was greatly revered and his worship was very popular among Hindus. Son of wind-god, besides incredible strength and changing shape at will and flying, he was believed to be a perfect grammarian, great scholar and excelled in all the sciences. According to a legend, even while he was still an infant, he intimidated the sun. In Mahabharata war, flag on Arjuna's chariot driven by Lord Krishna displayed Lord Hanuman. According to a belief, all the planets were under his control, Zed added.

Mangal Gupta is the founder and chairman of the temple project. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.

Incorporated in 1869, Old Bridge Township had been named as a contender for the title of one of the best places to live in USA by Money magazine and houses Raceway Park, racetrack famous for hosting funny car and drag races. Prominent people associated with Old Bridge include novelist Junot Diaz, actor Brian O'Halloran and actresses Colleen Fitzpatrick and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe. Owen Henry is the Mayor while Brian J. Cahill and Lucille Panos are Township Council President and Vice President respectively.