Temple inaugural ceremonies in Elmira
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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram is on Church Street in Elmira. It has been open for two years, but the inauguration ceremonies taking place hold special meaning.
“We've brought in a bunch of deities, which before this event were essentially sculptures. But through the prayers we are doing, we are getting them ready to be worshipped officially, so that we can do daily prayers, and that the energy of the deities is present in the temple,” said Sanjayananda, a spiritual monk.
Hundreds of people gathered at the temple. People came from all over, as far as California, Germany and even from Asia. Many think that the temple is an asset to the community.
“Here, I think Elmira has been blessed. Actually no. I know Elmira has been blessed,” Theo Wanne, participant.”
The four-day celebration is filled with music, traditional Hindu ceremonies, and blessings for the future and community. The monks at the temple hope the space will be calming and a place to connect with the divine on a deeper level. Even though this is a Hindu temple -- it is open to people of all faiths.
“We welcome people if they just want to come to visit, and see what is this whole, who are these people with the clothes and with the stuff on their face, that's absolutely fine. we're very happy to welcome people, to show them around a little bit, there's no commitment to have anything to do with us other than to just say hi, we're neighbors, and let's get to know each other,” said Sanjayananda.
The celebrations continue on into Sunday.
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