Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Tauranga’s first Hindu temple, is reportedly set to open in the next few months.
The reports suggest that building consent has been obtained for this two-storey Mandir and the construction is expected to begin in the next few days. Since 2012, religious services have been held in a shed; and before that area Hindus used to visit Hamilton (about 105 kilometers) and Auckland (about 204 kilometers) for worship services.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple project leaders and area community to realize this Hindu temple.
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 complex 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.
A project of Sanatan Dharam Trust (SDT), about 2150 square meters of land in Tauriko area of Tauranga were reportedly bought in 2012 for about $400,000 for this purpose. Old website of the temple lists SDT trustees as Kuldip Kumar, Mohan Lal Saily, Daryodhan Lal, Dharam Pal Tiwari, Ram Ditta Saily, Ramesh Sharma and Roman Saily.
One of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities, diverse Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand, settled in 12th century, is home to New Zealand’s biggest export port, National Jazz Festival and large number of migrants. Significant numbers of its residents are over 60 years and over 16% population is Maori. Notable people associated with Tauranga include drummer Phil Rudd, author Richard O’Brien, Olympian rower Mahé Drysdale, squash champion Dame Susan Devoy and Paralympian Tony Christiansen. Stuart Crosby and Garry Poole are Mayor and Chief Executive respectively.
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