Hindu shrines at Hereford Township cultural center to be consecrated
Feb. 10—A series of services and festivities to consecrate newly constructed shrines at the Sri Venkateshwara Cultural Center, which also is a Hindu temple, at 8221 Chestnut St. (Route 100 north) in Hereford Township will be held on Feb. 18-21.
According to a press release, the temple is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, spirituality and cultural exchange.
"We believe this occasion is not only significant for our community, but also for the neighboring townships within 50-mile radius," the release stated.
His Holiness Shri Siddhannandha Swamiji of the Chinmaya Mission in Bucks County will be presiding over the concluding events and services on Feb. 21, which start at 6:30 a.m. and run through 12:15 p.m.
Berks County commissioners Dante Santoni and Christian Leinbach are expected to attend.
The shrines were constructed with the support of several community members, and the deities that will be installed and consecrated are made of black stone shipped from India.
The temple serves several South Asian communities in the surrounding areas, the release said. Not only is it a place of worship for Hindus, but is also a developing central venue for cultural arts and education.
The venue has already hosted several music and dance performances by local students and professional artists.
There also are several festivals during the year when visitors bring food, which is offered to the god and then shared.
For more information, visit SVCBarto.org.
