In a positive development for devotees, the largest Hindu Temple in Germany is gearing up to open its doors on Diwali. The Sri-Ganesha Hindu Temple in Berlin is nearing completion and will soon be operational in November 2023. The development precedes nearly a two-decade wait.
Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy, who embarked on his volunteer mission to build a Hindu temple nearly two decades ago, oversees the construction of this monumental temple project. He also founded an association to look into the temple work.
With the construction phase nearing its end, 70-year-old Krishnamurthy is optimistic as he prepares for the grand inauguration, which will span six days. Although the physical structure of the temple is entirely constructed, it awaits the installation of its deities.
The temple project began in 2004 and is set to open to the public by the end of 2023, perfectly timed for Diwali celebrations. Construction for the new facility was planned, delayed and rescheduled several times. Despite several groundbreaking ceremonies and different completion dates, the project faced financial challenges for a long time. The prolonged construction period of over 20 years, especially in Berlin, was primarily due to insufficient funds. Later, the temple's construction was made possible through donations from Krishnamurthy's association.
Reports suggest that a significant portion of these donations came from the Indian diaspora residing in Germany, home to nearly 20,000 Indians. Presently, the temple anticipates the arrival of its deities, with skilled Indian artisans crafting about 27 idols by 5,000-year-old specifications. These sacred idols will be delivered to the temple in the coming months.