A Landmark of Religious Unity Celebrates 40 Years: Anniversary and Re-inauguration of the Hindu-Jain Temple
This weekend, the Hindu-Jain Temple of Monroeville, Pittsburgh, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a grand event that underscores its importance as a symbol of religious unity and cultural heritage in America. Founded in 1984 by revered spiritual leader H.H. Pujya 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 only 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.
This weekend’s event brought together the Greater Pittsburgh community to honor the temple’s rich legacy. The celebration began with the "Shikhar Puja," a sacred ritual where H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, 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, including Nick Patel, Vice-Chairman of the temple, who led the recent renovation project that culminated in this re-inauguration, Chetan Patel, Past-President and Secretary, Madhu Verma, President, Shubha Mallick, Chairwoman and so many supporters from the temple’s community. This ceremony symbolized the temple’s renewal and ongoing spiritual mission.
On Sunday, following the Shikhar Puja, a sacred havan/yagna ceremony was conducted, invoking blessings for peace, prosperity, and global harmony. The event continued with blessings and also inspirational speeches from key figures who have been pillars of support for the temple.
Pujya Swamiji, who is also the President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, one of India’s largest spiritual institutions and a globally respected figure in the global movement toward interfaith harmony and environmental protection, delivered a stirring and poetic message of blessings, capturing the essence of the temple's mission: “This temple is not merely a place of worship; it is a historic beacon of unity and oneness,” he proclaimed. “We are called to thrive together, hand in hand, heart in heart, and to extend the power of our united community to the world.”
Reflecting on the tragic violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Pujya Swamiji urged the gathered community to offer their prayers for their suffering sisters and brothers. “In a world fractured by division, the messages of unity that emanate from this sacred space are more critically needed than ever. Let us be the light that shines through the darkness.”
In his closing remarks, Pujya Swamiji appealed to the successful professionals within the community to remember their roots and give back to their motherland, Bharat. “Your karma bhumi, your land of action, is here in America. But never forget your matri bhumi—Bharat, your motherland. You owe it to your village, your town, your school, your college—the very foundation that has enabled your success today. Use your resources to uplift your village, to build schools, hospitals, and colleges. Support the institutions that shaped you, and in doing so, give the same opportunities to the youth of today.”
His words resonated deeply, calling upon the community to embrace their responsibility as stewards of both their adopted land and their ancestral home, ensuring that the legacy of unity, compassion, and giving continues to flourish.
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, a renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian and the author of bestseller “Hollywood to the Himalayas” recounted the compelling story of the temple’s founding during a time when Indian immigrants were not only few in number but also gravely misunderstood and severely discriminated against. It was an era marked by the rise of hostile “dot-buster” groups in areas where Indian communities were beginning to settle. At that time, the nearest Indian grocery store was hundreds of miles away, and the closest Hindu temple was two states distant. Yet, despite these challenges, through unwavering dedication and perseverance, and with the blessings and inspiration of Pujya Swamiji, the community succeeded in erecting this magnificent, five-domed masterpiece on a serene hillside in Monroeville.
“You today are the inheritors,” she emphasized. “You have inherited this great gift. But a mandir should not become a museum. It is a ‘maadhyam,’ an instrument, a tool, a channel —not a museum. It’s a ‘maadhyam’ to get more deeply connected with the Divine, and you must use it as such!” She underscored the critical importance of this connection, especially in today’s world, where rising rates of loneliness, depression, and mental health challenges are prevalent. Numerous studies have shown the significant benefits of religion in maintaining both mental and physical well-being.
Dr. Sudhakar Reddy, one of the original pillars of the temple, gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on the early days of the temple’s creation, sharing memories of the challenges and triumphs that marked the temple's establishment. His recollections brought a sense of history and continuity to the day’s events. He and Dr. Devyaniben Pandit were honored by Pujya Swamiji for being pillars of support from the very inception.
Nick Patel, who spearheaded the recent renovation project, expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the importance of continuing the temple’s legacy of unity and service. Madhu Verma, President of the temple, Shubha Mallick, Chairperson, and Chetan Patel, Past-President and Secretary, also shared their reflections, each highlighting the temple’s critical role in fostering community bonds and preserving cultural heritage. They each shared beautiful visions for the future expansion of the temple community, embracing more and more people, and everyone emphasized the critical importance of working together, as one team and one family!
The Hindu-Jain Temple’s 40th anniversary and re-inauguration highlight the enduring power of faith and the vital 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.
This weekend’s event marks a new chapter in the temple’s journey, solidifying its legacy as a testament to unity, faith, and shared purpose.