NEWINGTON--A newly-built temple is one-of-a-kind, at least in North America.
The Vallabhdham Temple is a Hindu temple in Newington, but that's not what makes it unique. It's new home is what is so special.
The new building is wooden and hand-carved, mostly in India, which is a first for our continent.
Rajeev Desai, a leader at the temple, said that people like his son were the inspiration for the temple, which first opened in a different building in 2008.
"When my son was a kid, he often used to go to the church every Sunday, he said, 'where is the place for me, where I can go?' There was no place for our Hindu community, our Indian community, to pray and do the worship," Desai said.
But the community changed that. Desai explained, “So we wanted to make something, a unique temple. And this would bring our culture and heritage back because in the old days, 500 years back, all the temples are made with wood."
Temple volunteer Tejul Vallam said the inauguration of the new temple is a proud day two years in the making. "We want to welcome as many people to come and appreciate our work and appreciate our culture."
Vallam echoed the sentiments of so many people who have seen the intricate details of the woodworking. Pointing to a pair of wooden peacocks etched into a facade, she said, "You can see the details on each and every carving."
The temple will offer religious, spiritual, educational, cultural and social activities for Hindus throughout New England, specifically those of the PushtiBhaktiMarg Hindu tradition.
The temple is located at 26 Church Street in Newington, and all Krishna devotees are invited to participate. For more information click here.
