KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya, the seat of Malaysia government, will have its first Hindu temple in the near future. Reports suggest that the required approval has been granted and after groundbreaking ceremonies in March, construction of the about 17,000 square feet two-storey structure of this about RM 12 million Sri Lalithambikai Alayam Temple on a one-acre plot will start in September. Hoped to be completed in 2015, this unique one-of-a-kind first Lalithambikai temple in the country, inspired by the elements of South and North India temples, will serve about 10,000 area Hindus. Project leaders plan to include 10-20 special pillars in the complex which will ring when tapped, reports add. Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of Temple project leaders and area community to realize this Hindu Temple and thanked the Malaysian authorities for the required approval so that Hindu devotees could have a place for worship. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak to provide government funding to this temple complex, thus adding to the diverse cultural heritage of Putrajaya. Malaysian Hindus should also come forward with donations for the building, Zed added. Rajan Zed further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new Temple would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism. Zed also commended Perbadanan Putrajaya for dutifully following its “Vision 2015″, which includes fulfilling the “spiritual needs of (its) residents, workers and visitors”, by approving the Temple. Zed urged Perbadanan Putrajaya and its President Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr) Aseh bin Hj. Che Mat to extend wholehearted support to the Temple during its construction process also so that it could develop into a befitting monument for the beautiful city of Putrajaya. Beside the sanctuary, Temple also reportedly plans to include multipurpose hall and a learning/research center for educating the public about Hinduism. Putrajaya Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Devotees' Association, with Datuk R. Kanagaraja Raman as President, is behind this proposed Temple. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. Putrajaya, whose tagline is “The Garden City", is a planned city located south of Kuala Lumpur which serves as Malaysia's federal administrative center. It is home to the Millennium Monument and office and residence of the Prime Minister. Bikyanews.com
