Chants, incense greet Hindu devotees at new Suntree temple

It was a long anticipated moment as dozens of people gathered in the warm glow of the rising sun this morning for the opening of the new $9.4 million Hindu temple in Suntree.

The morning ceremony began 8 a.m. at the sanctuary with devotees, including the temple's board of trustees, gathered in front of the temple's east-facing entrance and following the priests inside the main prayer area of the 11,000-square-foot sanctuary. Hundreds of people are expected to visit the temple throughout the weekend.

"This is being done because we need to purify the building and put life into the deities," said Umesh Singh, one of the organizers and lead volunteers at the temple, describing the ceremonies that involved several hand-carved idols imported from India. "Afterward they will be the manifestation of God for us."

The elaborate ceremonies — part of a three-day weekend of purification rituals, dancing and prayers to the deities — began today (Friday, Aug. 15) and will continue through Sunday, offering guests and participants a unique view of India's religious cultures.

Hundreds of other Indian families are expected to participate for other rituals and gatherings Saturday and Sunday. The weekend also will be ushering in the celebration of the birthday of the blue-skinned deity Krishna.

Later today, there will be a dance procession inside with participants carrying water jugs, Singh said.

Over the weekend, there will be at least 10 Hindu priests on the premises, chanting, drumming and food offerings made to several well-known deities from the ancient faith.

"We are very excited," said Singh of the long-awaited opening. "We just wait for all of this to happen. We have hundreds to of volunteers helping with this."