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Almost two years ago, they blessed the ground in the ancient manner of their ancestors, preparing the land to receive the temple.
One week ago, construction of the first Hindu temple in Wisconsin was celebrated with an open house and religious ceremony.
One of less than 50 Hindu temples in the United States, the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin is at W243 N4063 Pewaukee Road (Highway 164). It is located on 22 acres, past the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall and next to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
Even though some of the structural details need to be filled in and the main idols won't be officially installed until May 2001, Hindus from communities throughout Wisconsin celebrated their first temple puja. A puja is a Hindu religious ceremony that includes the offering of flowers.
Nearly 200 people of all generations attended the three-hour offering service. Many took the entire day off to travel and spend the auspicious day in prayer and devotion. A second puja was held two days later and it included a Jain ceremony.
The Jain religion is similar to Hindu in its beliefs, but the methods of devotion and worship are very different.
The temple fills a tremendous need, according to board member Manju Shah.
"With the majority of Indians, like with all...