In e
arly October 2011, Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust bought a vacant land (2366 Square metres) at 11 Brick Street, Henderson, Auckland.
The Resource Consent for development of the Community Centre and the Temple was granted late last year and the final plans and drawings as part of the building consent application are now with the Auckland Council.
The Community Centre and the Ram Mandir project is expected to cost approximately $3.5 million.
The land was acquired with funds donated by a generous donor.
The balance money will be collected through donations, sponsorship, fund raising events and external borrowings.
The building project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months.
The Bhoomi Pooja
More than 500 people attended the Bhoomi Pooja (Foundation Stone Ceremony) held on July 21, 2012. They were men, women and children from various parts of Auckland and beyond.
The atmosphere was filled with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
Renowned Hindu priest Acharya Nand Lal Shastri from Ahmedabad and his son, Vishal Shastri conducted the auspicious ceremony.
Young Vishal left an indelible impression on the devotees.
It was a memorable day of much pride not only for the organisers, volunteers and the people of West Auckland but also for hundreds of others who participated in the Bhoomi Pooja.
They interacted and shared their overwhelming joy of attending such a spiritually uplifting and moving ceremony.
Many people queued up to purchase bricks at $101 each.
Donations were received from well-wishers with pledges of more donation as the Bhoomi Pooja progressed.
The delight of people who walked with a sense of satisfaction with their bricks from the main Pooja area to the foundation site radiated from their smiling faces.
In the collective view of the Trustees, public response augured well for the future.
More than $100,000 has either been paid or pledged for sponsorship of ‘Murthis’ (statues) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, to be placed and adorn different areas of the Temple.
Generous Donors
Many messages of congratulations, good wishes, offer of assistance, donations and pledges have been received from a number of people in New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and elsewhere.
More than 35,000 were collected on the day of the Bhoomi Pooja alone, through sale of bricks and donations for the Community Centre and Temple.
It is worthy of note that the expenses relating to the Bhoomi Pooja, including hire of equipment and appliances, ground preparation, transport, food, Mahaprasad and other facilities were largely met by the generosity of sponsors and donors.
Such a feat would not have been possible without the goodwill, support, blessings and help of the members of the community whom the Trust is committed to serve.
Quality leadership
The Trustees are inspired by the response and are confident and optimistic that their hopes and aspirations will come to fruition.
With increasing support and offers of assistance, the Trustees look forward to the challenge and believe that it is now just a matter of time before they see the completion of the grand Project.
Managing Trustee Pravin Kumar has won accolades from many for his outstanding leadership in the organisation and success of the Bhoomi Pooja, for his services, contributions and unmitigated commitment to the Ram Mandir and Community Centre project.
Much credit is also due to his wife Kashmin, his parents and his extended family for their help and support.
