Sri Balaji Temple
The Botswana Hindu Charities Trust (BHCT) built the Sri Balaji Temple in Gaborone in the classical Dravidian architectural style. This Temple is one of its kind in the Southern African region and become a cultural attraction in Gaborone, after earning the people's admiration for the architectural and the sculptural beauty. The Temple has cost over Rs. 2 crores to build.
The Temple has 10 sanctum sanctorums to house Lord Balaji and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi as the presiding deity, Lord Ganesha, Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman), Lord Shiva, Mata Vaishnodevi, Lord Ayyapa, Lord Muruga and the Navagrahas. All Mulavar Vigrahas and Utsav Murthies were imported from India. The doors for the Maha Mandap and the Rajagopuram were imported from Kerala. The doors of Maha Mandap depict the scenes from Krishna Leela whereas the doors of Raja Gopuram depict the Dasa Avathars.
The Kumbhabhishekam of this temple was performed on Sunday 16 September. The ceremonies started on 9 September and concluded with Kumbhabhishekam.
There were ten Kalasams installed and ten priests from India, Dubai and Gaborone were performing all related poojas. First Shri. Varatharaja Bhatter (Senior Priest, BHCT Temple) performed the abishekam for the five Kalasams atop of the Raja Gopuram. A crane was used since the Raja Gopuram was about 50 feet tall. Afterwards Abishekam for all other Kalasams atop of other Sanctum Santorum were performed. Mr. Vishnu Hade, The High Commissioner of India for Botswana graced the occasion. Mr. Manhar Mooney released a souvenir in commemoration of the Kumbhabhishekam.
Srinivasa Kalyanam, Kavadi Utsavam, Sudarshan Homam have been taking place frequently. Abhishekams for different deities take place throughout the week.
Read more about this topic: Hinduism In Botswana, Hindu Temples in Botswana
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