Grand 40th Anniversary and Re-Inauguration of Historic World’s First Hindu-Jain Temple
MONROEVILLE, Pa. — A Landmark of Religious Unity Celebrates 40 Years: Anniversary and Re-inauguration of the Hindu-Jain Temple
The Hindu-Jain Temple of Monroeville, Pittsburgh, today celebrated its 40th anniversary with a grand event that underscores its importance as a symbol of religious unity and cultural heritage in America. Established in 1984 by revered Indian spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati, this temple is one of the earliest Hindu temples in the United States and is globally unique as the first temple where Hindus and Jains worship together. It also holds the distinction of being the first temple worldwide where both major sects of Jainism—Shwetambar and Digambar—come together in shared devotion.
Situated on ten acres of lush, wooded land in Monroeville, a suburb of Pittsburgh, the Hindu-Jain Temple began its journey in 1980, with its official inauguration in 1984 following years of dedicated planning and construction.
Today’s celebration brought together the Greater Pittsburgh community to honor the temple’s rich legacy. The event began with the “Shikhar Puja,” a sacred ritual where Swami Chidanand Saraswati, who is also President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh (Himalayas) and a globally renowned leader of interfaith harmony and environmental protection and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, a renowned spiritual leader, advocate for women’s empowerment and best-selling author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas,” were lifted by cranes to pour consecrated water on the temple’s five domes. They were joined by the temple’s executive committee, board of trustees, and long-standing supporters, symbolizing the temple’s renewal and ongoing spiritual mission.
Following the Shikhar Puja, a sacred havan/yagna ceremony was conducted, invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and global harmony. Swami Chidanand Saraswati, delivered an inspiring address to the gathering of over 500 community members. “This temple is not just a place of worship; it is a beacon of unity and oneness,” he declared. “We must thrive together, hand in hand, heart in heart, and bring that power of community to the world.”
Swami Chidanand Saraswati also addressed the recent violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, urging the community to pray for those affected and highlighting the urgent need for messages of unity in today’s divided world.
In his closing remarks, he appealed to the successful professionals within the community to remember their roots and give back to the communities in the United States and also to their motherland, India. “Use your resources to uplift your community, build schools and hospitals, and support the institutions that shaped you, so today’s youth can have the same opportunities.”
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, a graduate of Stanford University who has been living in Rishikesh, India for the past nearly thirty years recounted the challenges faced by Indian immigrants during the temple’s founding. She spoke of a time when the Indian community was small, misunderstood, and faced severe discrimination. Yet, despite these obstacles, with unwavering dedication and the blessings of Swami Chidanand Saraswati, they succeeded in creating this magnificent temple for Hindus and Jains from not only Pennsylvania but also from New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ohio.
“You are the inheritors of this great gift,” Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati emphasized. “But a temple should not become a museum. It is a ‘maadhyam’—a tool, a channel to connect more deeply with the Divine. In today’s world, rates of loneliness, depression, and mental health challenges are sky-rocketing. Numerous studies have shown the significant benefits of religion in maintaining both mental and physical well-being, so this temple is even more crucial than ever!”
The Hindu-Jain Temple’s 40th anniversary and re-inauguration highlight the enduring power of faith and the critical role spiritual centers play in fostering community bonds. This historic temple continues to inspire not only the Hindu and Jain communities but also those who seek unity among diverse spiritual traditions in an increasingly interconnected world.
Today’s event marks a new chapter in the temple’s journey, solidifying its legacy as a testament to unity, faith, and shared purpose.
Watch the full live stream of the havan/yagna ceremony and inspirational spiritual speeches here:
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Contact:
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
Hindu-Jain Temple
5025332333
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.
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