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Nevada (US), May 3 (ANI): The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont (Illinois) is planning majestic Silver Jubilee celebrations from June 8 to 12.Called ‘Rajatotsavam 2011′, the celebrations include events involving musical opera, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, fusion music, Kuchipudi ballet, spiritual and literary discourse, dance drama, etc.Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Monday, applauded efforts of temple management and Greater Chicago and surrounding area community for reaching this milestone in remarkable service. Zed, who is the 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 would augment work 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.The HTGC complex, about 25 miles southwest of Chicago, has two separate temples: Rama Temple, which includes Sri Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Lord Ganesha, Sri Hanuman, Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji), Mahalakshmi, Sri Krishna and Radha; and Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple, which includes Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Durga Devi, Lord Subrahmanya, Devi Parvathi, and Navagraha.

Built by master artisans and sculptors from India, the Rama Temple is said to be built to specifications in the authentic style of the Chola dynasty with an 80-foot tower (Gopuram), while Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple is built in the architectural style of Kalinga dynasty.Besides providing worship services and spiritual advancement opportunities, this temple also serves as a focal point for cultural and educational activities.

In addition to daily poojas, it also organizes festivals, cultural programs, education programs, youth activities, humanitarian projects, meditation workshops, seniors’ activities, abhishekams, yoga classes, Gita lessons, Sunday school, health screening, Ram Katha, etc.

HTGC is a not-for-profit corporation, established in 1977. Prasanna Reddy, Satish Amruthur, and Tilak Marwaha are President, Vice President and Secretary respectively, while Dr. Rohini Udupa is the Administrator. It became a full-fledged functional house of worship in 1986 and one of its purposes is: ‘To promote Hindu Dharma (religion and traditions) and culture’.Settled in 1836, with rolling hills and three waterways providing a scenic view, Village of Lemont, also known as ‘Village of faith’, is spread out in three counties.

Notable people associated with Lemont include Academy Award winning writer Diablo Cody (Juno) and professional cyclist Christian Vande Velde. Brian K. Reaves is the Mayor while Charlene Smollen is Village Clerk.Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. (ANI)