The recent groundbreaking for the local Hindu Society of Southern Indiana’s $1.2 million temple in Columbus represented nothing short of a groundbreaking moment for that body of believers.
So said Vasu Iyer, past president of the Hindu group, before a gathering of more than 1,000 people, including community leaders, at the site on Goeller Boulevard, next to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus structure, where Hindus occasionally gather for events.
“A quick speech cannot do justice to the rich history leading to this day,” Iyer said of the Sri Ganesh Mandir. “These initial 25 to 50 (Hindu) families (in the 1990s in Columbus) had a dream and that dream is finally coming true after 25 years.”
In the 1980s, area Hindus assembled regularly at the local Briarwood Apartments clubhouse for prayer. At that time, the nearest temple was 75 miles away in Louisville, Kentucky, according to Iyer. For now, the body of believers meets for services and activities in two places: in a house (accommodating 50 people) on Goeller Boulevard across from the Unitarian building, and in the Unitarian building itself.
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The planned 8,000-square-foot structure, meant to accommodate about 400 people, is tentatively expected to be completed by spring, organizers said.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop lauded the Hindus’ vision and sense of seizing an opportunity to grow.
“It is a very American activity that is on display here today,” Lienhoop said. “We see people who have come halfway around the world for economic opportunity and advancement. They have brought their religion with them and now will have a place in which to practice it.
“As I mentioned, this is a very American thing to do. And, we are proud here in Columbus to see these historical perspectives play out — to become reality in our midst.”
The multi-phase project, which allows for substantial future expansion, will be just one element of what will become known as the Columbus Interfaith Campus, according to the Rev. Nic Cable, the local Unitarian minister. The campus will include the Unitarian building and body of believers.
“My friends, today we are witnessing another planting,” Cable said, “another affirmation of the Columbus way, which is that we value the divine spark within every person. We value the beauty found in every culture and religion. We value all the ways we are different and all the ways we are nevertheless connected and united … .”
Columbus native and longtime community leader Will Miller now lives in New York state. But he sent his regards that were read at the ceremony by John Burnett of the Community Education Coalition. The younger Miller referenced his father, late industrialist and interfaith supporter J. Irwin Miller.
“We are Christians who hear in Christ’s message more of the ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ than a sense that ours is the one true God,” Miller wrote. “We share a deep and abiding respect for all forms of religious belief and expression.”
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Location: 7800 block of Goeller Boulevard next the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus.
Projected cost: $1.2 million.
Size: 8,000 square feet.
Accommodating: 400 people.
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