Input from SrIman Bhattathiry

[Guest guest]

Dear BhakthAs:

 

This information would eb of interest to AsthikAs in

and around Pune and Bombay .

 

Thank you SrIman Bhattathiry for sharing this news

about Lord VenkatEsA's new abode!

 

V.Sadgopan

 

 

World's Largest Replica of Balaji Temple OpensNews ReportPUNE, INDIA,

DECEMBER 8, 2003: The magnificent Lord Venkateshwara Temple at

Ketkawale village, about 40 kilometers from Pune, was inaugurated

recently. Spread over 10 acres, the new, full-fledged, temple with

the grandeur of its original is the biggest replica of the world

famous Tirumala Tirupathi Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh. More than

6,000 devotees and farmers flocked to see the temple, for darshan

(sight) of the Lord Balaji. The marvelous temple has become a pilgrim

center for devotees in Maharashtra. It is a boon for those poor

farmers and devotees who can not afford to make a pilgrimage to the

Tirupathi temple in the south. The selection of the spot to its

final execution was been undertaken under the guidelines of the head

priest of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam taking vaastu shastra

(Hindu temple architecture) into consideration. Even the black

stones and other building material were brought from Kanchi, Tamil

Nadu. Elaborate religious ceremony of yagnas and other rituals were

performed at the temple by priests from the Tirupati temple

witnessed by approximately 4,000 people daily. The Shankaracharya of

Kanchi, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, also worshipped. The work for the

temple began seven years ago. There are eight main temples in the

premises dedicated to different deities. Built at an estimated cost

between US$3 to $5 million, the temple also provides living rooms

and kitchen facilities for visiting devotees.Namo VenkateshAya

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