| Anoopam Mission USA |
Shree Thakorji Maharaj
at a temple of
Anoopam Mission, USA
Thakorji
Today |
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Location |
The
'Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual and Cultural Center'
is the temple and headquarters for Anoopam Mission
in the USA. It is located on a hilltop site in
Coplay, near Allentown in the lush Pennsylvanian
countryside.
Contact
Details || Driving
Directions |
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The
Temple : Shree Swaminarayan
Spiritual & Cultural Centre |
This
temple was built in 2002-2003 in the classical
Hindu architectural tradition, with spires and
domes. A three day celebration from 18-20th July
2003 marked the opening of the temple and the
ceremonious installation and consecration of the
deities. The temple is home to the marble deities
of Shri Gunatitanand Swami, Lord Swaminarayan
and Shri Gopalanand Swami. It is the largest of
the Anoopam Mission temples and the first built
in this architectural style.
Campus
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| History |
Guruvarya
Saheb traveled to the USA for the first
time in 1973 and every year since then,
visiting devotees throughout the country.
Anoopam Mission was registered as a trust
in 1978 in Philadelphia and regular "sabhas"
were held in both Philadelphia and New York
city. With the organisation's activities
growing steadily, a temple was established
in 1993 in the Pocono mountains in Stroudsburg.
A medium sized residence set in 5 acres
of land was bought, and this served as the
temple and headquarters for 10 years. |
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A
rapidly growing base of devotees facilitated the
need for a new and larger center. It was initially
decided that a new temple be built on the existing
land, however, a series of providential events
prevented this from taking place. The township
ruled that Anoopam Mission did not have the appropriate
zoning and therefore building permission was refused.
Guruvarya Saheb asked Pujya Kantibhai Khambaita
(Architect) to look for a new site. Within two
weeks, a hilltop site consisting of 20 acres of
land was found in Coplay Pennsylvania, on which
the mandir stands today. Surprisingly, the land
was zoned for religious purposes and had building
permission for three community buildings. Shortly
after this land was purchased, a message was received
from the township informing Anoopam Mission that
an error had been made in denial of building permission
at the original site. The error seemed providential
and led to the magnificent hilltop location of
the new temple. |
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| Activities
: Spiritual Activities |
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Spiritual
camps
These camps are organized for all ages (age groups),
periodically throughout the year, aiming at upliftment
of life (soul) in all aspects. This is preached
by selfless service to God, one's family and our
community with highest values of religious tolerance
(charity/acceptance), non-violence and love.
Under the guidance of Guruvarya Param Pujya Saheb,
vratdhari sadhaks and disciples regularly undertake
religious tours to various pilgrim places across
the country.
Kirtan Aradhana
Vratdhari sadhaks and devotees of Anoopam Mission
orchestra an evening full of devotional singing
with harmonious music on the third Saturday of
every month. Devotees from near by areas gather
for this event.
Celebration of religious festivals
Anoopam Mission celebrates with devotion, all
major Hindu festivals including auspicious days
of Swaminarayan saints and events.
Annual
Events Calendar
Padramani, Mahapuja and Prayer at devotees homes
'Padramanis' are personal visits made by Guruvarya
Param Pujya Saheb and Vratdhari sadhaks to the homes
and businesses of devotees. They regularly travel
across India for Mahapuja, prayers and impart comfort
and guidance where required. |
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Establishment
and development of countrywide centers
- Regular gatherings of devotees are promoted
locally across the country, for prayer, chanting
and reading of scripture.
- Activities between centers are co-ordinated
throughout the USA to assist in their development.
- Countrywide centers serve as spiritual and
cultural bases for all devotees throughout
the USA, and serve also to keep children in
touch with spiritual and moral values.
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Other Activities |
Anoopam Mission's
new center will now provide:
- A platform for wide ranging spiritual and
cultural activities at the center.
- It will serve as a platform for the organization
and co-ordination of numerous activities across
the United States, expanding its efforts to
bring spiritual harmony to families, individuals
and youth in their daily lives.
- It will encourage dialogue and interaction
between and amongst spiritual seekers of all
faiths, with the aim to enrich spiritual understanding
and co-operation.
- The SSSCC will promote youth activity, spiritually
and culturally.
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Yogi Youth Camp
Drawing up to 400 youth every year, this camp
provides youth with support and encouragement
while promoting spiritual and cultural values.
The camp is a fun event consisting of discourse,
discussion groups and debates along with sport,
games and cultural activities. Moral values and
the ideal of service to one's fellow human beings
and the larger community are instilled. The camp
continues to be a huge success with youth. |
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| Contacts |
Anoopam Mission
Brahmajyoti
Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual and Cultural Centre
2120 Clearview Road
Coplay PA 18037
Ph. : +1 610 502 1100
Fax : +1 610 502 1200
email : amusa@anoopam-mission.org
Driving
Directions |
- A Non-Profit Organisation.
Charity Reg. No. 13-3563113
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