During the assembly
immediately following the pratishtha, senior saints explained
the importance of mandirs. Pujya Viveksagar Swami stated that
the world is modernizing but sometimes one forgets to develop
character. He said that mandirs help preserve values and are
centers where humanitarian activities take place in addition
to spiritual activities. Adding to this, Pujya Doctor Swami stated
that people are indulging in physical pleasures, but problems
still remain because one lacks God in life. Fortunately, the
construction of mandirs helps promote God-centered lives.
Pujya Atmaswarup Swami explained that mandirs help the mind attain
peace and mend broken hearts.
Distinguished
guests were also present in the assembly. Congressman Henry
Hyde of the 6th congressional district of Illinois appreciated
the beauty of the mandir. Representative John J. Millner voiced
his wish that "the temple last over 1000 years." The Consul
General of India, Mr. Arun Kumar, said the temple is "an embodiment,
a monument of peace and love in Chicago."
After the kishores
performed a dance about mandirs being one of the cornerstones
of Hindu identity, Swamishri blessed the pratishtha assembly.
He explained that the goal to be reached with this human body
is to attain redemption and achieve God, which can be done
with the help of a mandir. He also said that "until we cultivate
sanskaars we are not humans in the truest sense."
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