 The growth of Bridgewater Temple
 It began as a small building, consisting of pictures and photographs of idols. That was 14 years ago - the HTCS - Hindu Temple Cultural Society, in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Today, it is a monumental and magnificent building, which houses marble shrines, immense statues of divine idols, and attracts devotees from all over the United States.
Attending Tula Poornima, this Saturday, November 4, 2006, I once again noted the crowds of Indians, with virtually every state of India being represented. People from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala all travel great distances to see the New Jersey temple, that is quickly becoming the biggest on the East Coast.
 Nirupama and Kiran, from Piscataway, New Jersey, said they “have been coming to the temple for the last three years. The temple has a very nice feel, the priests are very nice…we are very happy to come here.”
However, the large, grand Bridgewater temple has its beginnings in modest roots. I remember visiting the temple when I first came to the States 14 years ago. At that time, the temple consisted of photographs of the idols in one room in a one-storey flat. This building is now the auditorium/community center.
The photographs that symbolised the divinities we worship are now depicted in the roopams of gigantic idols. Bridgewater Temple, as it is known, is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara or Lord Balaji. However, Sri Venkatesawara is not the only idol present in the two storey-high place of worship. These tall, strong, awe-inspiring idols of each god or goddess are set in independent shrines for Lord Ganesha, Devi Ambika, Shiva, and even
Navagrahas.
 Bridgewater Temple has ensconced within its halls more than 15 deities. These deities or idols include - c
The Hindu Temple Cultural Society was founded in September of 1989. The idea of a temple blossomed soon after, and after an energetic fund-raising effort, the land that is now the temple, and the hall, became the property of the society in January of 1992.
After some renovation, the HTCS opened to worshippers in March of that year. I remember when I saw the temple in 1993 - it was a large room that depicted first posters of the various deities and then metal statues. The metal statues or “panchaloha” (five-metal) statues were brought to New Jersey from
Tirupati.
Planning for the temple began in 1994, and was completed with a massive effort by June of 1998. The consecration of the temple, the kumbabhishekam ceremony, was on a large scale, which was attended by over 10,000 devotees.
Another devotee, Kalyan, also from Piscataway, NJ, added, that “from the start of the temple…the temple is one of the best,” and that it represents the very ideals and values of the “Indian community.”
 Devotees bring their families, and more importantly their children, to the temple. Usha Rani, who brings her seven-year-old daughter-Supraja, commented that, “We come twice a month to keep up traditions, and to teach our children about religion.” When asked what about the temple or kovil drew them, Rani added, “There are good cultural programmes that teach and explain what is going on in the Indian community.” The temple is host to all sorts of cultural programmes as well. Dance shows, dance lessons, cultural programmes and language classes are some of the many activities offered for children of all ages, and even adults.
The temple also offers a number of religious services. From celebrating vahana or vehicle pooja, to kalyanam, or shashtiabtapoorti. Further, the temple adheres to strict spiritual and ritual observances of all major religious holidays.
Every day begins with the Suprabatham recitation, and Vishnu Sahasraharanam, as well as Shiva Linga abhishekam. The other deities have special days for abishekams, which the patrons can actively participate in. For example, Friday is the day for any goddess’ abhishekam, Saturday is special for the Navagrahas, and Sunday is for Lord Ganesha. Almost every time I visit, with my family, about every two weeks, I also see Satyanarayana puja being performed.
 Devotees or temple patrons are encouraged to sponsor abhishekams and are allowed to donate sarees or vastrams that will adorn the idols after the abhishekams. Priya Babu and her husband recently donated “25 sarees during the week of Navaratri,” which will be used on the different idols over a period of time. Priya Babu also mentioned that her family has “donated vilakku, or lamps, to be lit before each individual deity”.
The archana, prasadam, and abhishekams of the temple do more than reinforce religious worship and belief in faith. These events induce and promote our sense of family, friendship and community. Truly, the Bridgewater Temple draws crowds not only of all languages and all states of India, but all states of America as well. The amazing part is that this temple, which is growing by the year, strengthens religious and spiritual beliefs, emphasises moral lessons and the value of our religious scriptures-such as the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. The Bridgewater Temple is a beacon of religion, 10,000 miles way from India.
Priyanka Narayanan
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