The 28^th of September marked a significant milestone in the history of Sri Venkateswara Temple and Cultural Center’s.  The center has been in existence for only 2 full years as an organization formed with an explicit objective of constructing a temple for Lord Venkateswara in Novi and an associated cultural center.  Over 150 devotees participated in the religious functions associated with the formal “ground-breaking” for the SV Temple with great enthusiasm and a sense of pride that was extremely gratifying to all present.  

Sri Samudrala Krishnamchari, head priest of the Malibu Temple, Los Angeles and Sri Shivakumar Bhat, senior priest of our own Hindu Temple of Canton, Michigan presided over the religious functions.  The day’s events commenced at 10:30 AM with the invocation of prayers on Lord Vigneswara and was followed with Viswakshena pooja.  The Vedic chanting by the two priests was joined by many devotees who were present for the occasion, making it a wonderful sight to watch the community praying in concert and in harmony.

Next, the Punyahavachanam and Rakshabhandanam poojas followed with Sarada & Ravi Gulapalli serving as the “Ejamans” (Lead Participants) for the function.  At exactly 12:10 P.M, the Sankusthapanam pooja was performed on the specific spot, marked to be the northeast corner of the proposed temple.  This portion of the proceedings was fantastic to watch.  A 4 feet deep ditch was dug with devotees initially helping the process with their own hands and shovels.  It soon became apparent we needed the help of a mechanized shovel to finish digging the 4 feet deep ditch and that was promptly completed in time for the priests and the key members of the SVTCC organization to walk up to the ditch and start placing the 12 holy stones, the special conch that is right-sided (specifically procured for this occasion by Anand Gangadharan, one of the SVTCC board members) and a holy pocket of ‘navaratna’ – marking

the beginning of “Sankusthapanam”.  Sri Samudrala Krishnamachari was a terrific priest with a great sense of humor and friendly gesture.  He guided the devotees not just only with his religious authority, but his prowess with the shovels as well!

All the devotees present surrounded the spot, eager to place their hands on those 12 holy stones – a symbolism for the participation by all for the great cause of building the temple for Lord Venkateswara.  Everyone present had the chance to do their little bit in the Sankusthapanam, with many volunteers pitching in to  help shovel, spread the ‘nava dhanya’ seeds throughout the site, breaking the coconuts and keeping them on top of the holy stones and the like.

The weather of the day was another highlight that must be mentioned here without which the story will not be complete.  The forecast for the day definitely predicted intermittent rains, but the time it rained with short breaks of sun shine felt like every minute was planned by

someone above us, all.  At exactly 11:45 am, when the preparations for the main event “Sankusthapanam” were well underway, there was short-burst of rain that made the ground wet nicely.  Between 12:10 and 12:40 pm, when all the devotees were participating in the actual ‘stone’ laying function, there was no rain at all and the rain picked up again, when the devotees returned to the main tent to take part in the concluding ceremony.  At approximately 1:00 pm, there was sudden a break of sun light and it appeared as if the rays of sun light directly focused over the little tent where the “Sankusthapanam” took place.  Devotees were gratified by this short spell of sun shine that came as if to bless everyone present for the functions.

The proceedings concluded around 1:30 pm with the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam, Lakshmi Ashtakam by the devotees.  Prasadams were distributed to all the devotees who came and the functions concluded around 1:45 pm.  A truly memorable day that will

be etched in the memory of all those present.

Overall, it turned out to be a terrific day for all the devotees who were present for the celebrations and we can be certain that everyone went home with a great sense of satisfaction and the hope that S V Temple is coming to Novi, very soon in deed.