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Bingo hall to be converted to Hindu temple in Pennsylvania

Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third most populous city, will have a Hindu temple in the near future.

A former bingo hall near city airport is to be converted to a Hindu temple by International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO).

Reports suggest that this temple complex, which includes worship and meeting areas and priest’s quarter, is expected to be complete in 4-6 months and zoning approval has been obtained. Currently, area Hindu families drive around 90 minutes one way to reach another temple near Cherry Hill in New Jersey. Project leaders include Mike Patel.

Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple leaders and area community to realize this 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 complex 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), which was the goal of Hinduism.

ISSO’s prime objective is "to advance the Sanatan Dharma, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, founded and ordained by Lord Shree Sahajanand Swami". Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj is the current Acharya of this global network headquartered in Ahmadabad (India), which “is fully committed to bringing the divine teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to followers all over the world”.

Liberty Bell was successfully hidden in Allentown, two-time winner of the All-America City Award, which was settled in 1751. Ed Pawlowski is the Mayor, while Julio Guridy and Ray O’Connell are President and Vice President respectively of the City Council of Allentown. Prominent people associated with Allentown include former Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca; actresses Amanda Seyfried, Michaela Conlin and Christine Taylor; football players Ed McCaffrey and Andre Reed; golfer Gloria Ehret; and author Lauren Weisberger.