Hallelujah! Udupi seer buys church in US, converts it into Krishna temple

CD Network | Shaastra Bhat Urimajalu
June 11, 2017

Udupi, Jun 11: In what may be termed as a pleasant surprise for thousands of Hindus in United States of America, especially devotees of Sri Krshina, an old and neglected Church in New Jersey has been converted into a modern Hindu temple.

It was Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swami, the chief pontiff of Udupi’s Puttige Mutt, who purchased the derelict Church sometime back with the sole intention of transforming it into a temple as his followers could not find a suitable vacant place to construct a new Krishna temple in New Jersey.

Located in a sprawling 4.5 acres on a highway in New Jersey, the church-turned-temple is all set to be the prime religious centre of Hindus in the region. It has a seating arrangement for 1,000 devotees. Besides, there is a large parking area, where around 600 cars can be parked at a time.

Instead of demolishing the old church structure, the architects have cleverly modified the building and made it look like a modern temple as per the advice of the seer. The idols of Jesus Christ have already been removed from the premises and an expensive idol of Sri Krishna is expected to be installed shortly in a grand ceremony.

Meanwhile, Indian-origin Hindus in New Jersey have already started contributing gold and silver to the temple. One Roopa Iyer has donated a 2kg silver armour for Sri Krishna’s idol, while Janardhan Rao, another Indian American, has dedicated golden eyes and other ornaments for the same idol.

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News Network
April 9,2020

Gadag, Apr 9: An 80-year-old woman who tested positive for COVID-19 passed away on Thursday due to cardiac arrest in Gadag, the district's Deputy Commissioner said.

She also had a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). Her body was disposed of as per the protocol, officials said.

According to the Karnataka Government, 10 new positive cases have been reported in the State today, taking the total COVID-19 cases to 191, including 28 discharged patients and six deaths.

With an increase of 540 positive COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, India's tally of coronavirus cases has risen to 5,734, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

Out of the 5,734 cases, 5,095 are active COVID-19 cases and 472 patients have recovered while 166 have died.

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News Network
May 31,2020

Mangaluru, May 31: Eminent social worker, former Principal of School of Social Work Dr Olinda Pereira, passed away on Sunday.

She was 95.

Mahatma Gandhi Peace awardee Pereira promoted Women’s Education and Development in several States. She has left an indelible mark in the state of Karnataka, India and overseas.

Dr Olinda Pereira publications include: Understanding Children – 1,2,3, Sallak Publications – 1974; Adjustment and its Correlates among Pre-adolescents – Preeti Publications – 1977; Domestic Workers Struggle For Life-A.T.C Publications – 1985.

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News Network
May 26,2020

Bengaluru, May 26: The state government today hinted that places of religious worship belonging to Hindus will be allowed to reopen from June 1, keeping social distancing and other norms in place.

In principle, the government has decided to open temples coming under the Muzrai department after Lockdown 4.0 ends on May 31. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

“Movement of people on air and rail has started. We have been receiving repeated pleas from devotees that temples should be opened. When this was discussed with the CM during a review of the Muzrai department, it was decided that temples can start from June 1,” Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary told reporters. 

Poojary said all day-to-day activities will be allowed in temples. “But religious fairs and ceremonies will not be permitted,” he said. 

Mosques and churches

Asked whether his government will allow opening of mosques and churches too from June 1, he replied that they don't come under his Muzrai dept.

Howvever, government sources said this may apply to mosques, churches and other places of religious worship as well. However, this decision will be subject to whether or not the Centre will allow places of religious worship to be open for the public after Lockdown 4.0, an official said. 

All places of religious worship have been closed for the public ever since Karnataka enforced a state-wide lockdown on March 24 to contain COVID-19. 

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