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Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI) in Indianapolis is organizing elaborate three-day ceremony for consecration of idols of deities Sri Subramanya & Sri Ayyappa, starting March 30.

It will include various poojas, homams, aaratis, abhishekam, archana, alankaram, etc. One hundred eight devotees will perform Lalitha Sahsranama Pooja and 108 female devotees will participate in Kumkumarchana on March 30.

Meanwhile,  statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and Indianapolis and surrounding area community to realize this wonderful Hindu temple complex.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation).

HTCI has also planned various festivals during the year, including Sri Ramnavami (March 31), and various Durga Chowkis, Geeta Mandals, Bhajan Sandhyas, Thirumanjanams. It holds daily aarthi and pooja services, which include Sri Rudhra Abhishekam (Mondays), Sri Hanuman Pooja (Tuesdays), Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana (Wednesdays), Sarva Devata Pooja (Thursdays), Sri Durga Mata Pooja and Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Parayana (Fridays), and Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam and Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana (Saturdays). It organizes classes for children on Sundays and is also offering Hindi learning. Free lunch is served on Saturdays, Sundays and special occasions. Sathyanarayana R. Marri and Rama Belagaje are Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of HTCI Board of Trustees, while Anil Bajpai and Ambat Babu are President and President-elect respectively of HTCI Executive Committee.

This six-year old Temple is taking shape of a traditional Hindu temple building, acquiring four towers. Before it came to existence, area Hindus usually travelled to Dayton (Ohio), Louisville (Kentucky) and Chicago (Illinois) for various worship services. Besides Hindu festivals, HTCI has reportedly been organizing health fairs, relief efforts, food drives, blood donation drives, etc.

Capital of Indiana and nicknamed ‘Nap Town, 13th largest city of USA founded in 1821 and known for Hoosier character and “The Indy 500” (500-mile automobile race), Indianapolis claims to be “one of country’s most livable big cities”. Notable persons associated with Indianapolis include USA President Benjamin Harrison; talk show host David Letterman; industrialist Eli Lilly; blues legend Scrapper Blackwell; bank robber John Dillinger; author Booth Tarkington; basketball player Oscar Robertson; singer Adam Lambert; film director Ryan Murphy; poet James Whitcomb Riley; actors Steve McQueen, Monte Blue, Brendan Fraser and Doug Jones; actresses Francis Farmer, Vivica A. Fox and Marjorie Main. Gregory A. Ballard is the Mayor.