Parashakthi Temple

The Parashakthi Temple, also known as the Eternal Mother Temple, is a Hindu temple in Pontiac, Michigan, United States, established in 1999 as a place of worship for devotees of Shakti, in her manifestation as Karumariamman, a South Indian Hindu goddess.

History

Construction on Parashakthi Temple Pontiac, Michigan

Construction of the temple began in 1998, and the temple was inaugurated in 1999. The opening ceremonies coincided with Vijayadasami.

It was originally devoted to Karumariammam, and came to also house other Hindu deities including Muruga, Hanuman, and Jagannatha. These expansions have made the temple a multifaceted center for Hindu worship for individuals with roots in various parts of India.

It is on a site occupying 16 acres (6.5 ha) in Pontiac, Michigan. The area of the temple itself is 10,000 square feet (930 m2).

The temple caught fire on April 21, 2018 after an ember was removed from the memorial firebox and set fire to the roof, which was evacuated.

Architecture

The Parashakthi temple is reflective of traditional South Indian style architecture, characterized by its imposing granite structures and intricately carved pillars. A prominent feature of the temple is its 54-foot gopuram (tower). The inner sanctum of the temple houses the deity Karumariammam, who is venerated as a protective and nurturing force.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Devi Parashakthi Matha (Eternal Mother) Temple". www.parashakthitemple.org. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Bose, Mandakranta (2018-05-24). The Oxford History of Hinduism: The Goddess. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-107968-9.
  3. ↑ "Devi Parashakthi Matha (Eternal Mother) Temple". www.parashakthitemple.org. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  4. ↑ Detroit Free Press staff (April 23, 2018). "Fire pit used for indoor ceremony burns roof of Hindu Temple in Pontiac". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2024-02-13.
  5. 1 2 Hicks, Mark. "New tower at Pontiac Hindu temple draws devotees". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2024-08-22.

Further reading

42°39′50.2″N 83°19′12.9″W / 42.663944°N 83.320250°W / 42.663944; -83.320250