Press Release.
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Inauguration of Shree Pashupatinath Temple in Houston, Texas, USA on the occasion of Maharshivaratri.
Feb 26, 2006, Houston, TX. The tireless efforts of the volunteers from Nepali and Indian communities (members of Shree Radha Krishna Organization and Nepalese Association of Houston) to construct the first pagoda-style temple in the western world, Shree Pashupatinath Mandir in Houston culminated to fruition on the holy occasion of Mahashivaratri on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2006. The Shivalinga, which is the mini-replica of the original shivalinga in the Pashupati Temple, KTM, was brought to Houston from Bhaktapur, Nepal. Besides being a landmark temple in the western world, Shree Pashupatinath Mandir in Houston has a special significance: it is the first temple of its kind where Radha Krishna and Lord Shiva co-reside in the same premise, face to face. History was made and a new era of devotion to Lord Shiva began on that day in Houston, Texas, USA.
The opening ceremony of Shree Pashupatinath Mandir in Houston was graced by H.H Acharya Shri 108 Tahal Kishorji Maharaj. Maharajji, a native of Nepal, received his education and high priesthood in India, and now have followers and temples across the globe. The Pashupatinath temple in Houston was realized as a result of Guruji’s vision of building an abode of Lord Shiva, a pagoda-style temple in the Western World and his incessant dedication.
The highlight of the celebration was marked by a 108 Maha Rudra Yagna and 1008 Bel Patra Abhishek performed by Pujahari Pravin Pandya under Maharajji's guidance.
Devotees from all over the USA and UK thronged the temple, wave after wave, in a jubilant, festive mood to be part of the celebration. Nepalese from different part of the state of Texas drove down to participate in the inauguration of the Nepali style temple. On that occasion, Dr. Rajendra Shrestha, President of Nepalese Association of Houston delivered an account of Shree Pashupatinath in Nepal and the forward plan for phase 2 construction of the temple. He also underlined,†This temple sets a beautiful example of the Nepali and Gujarati communities coming together to achieve a common goal.â€
