Divakar Shukla
By Divakar Shukla & Taige Shukla
In 1982, the Hindu Center of Charlotte was inaugurated, becoming one of the first temples to open in North Carolina. The original mandir was 4000 sq ft on three acres of land. According to Hemant Amin (President of the HC), “the goal was and continues to be to serve the Sanatan Dharma needs of Charlotte and surrounding communities.” The HC complex grew in the early 90’s to six acres with the addition of the 5000 sq ft Vihar Hall (now expanded to 12,000 sq ft with a kitchen).
Over the last 30 years, the complex has grown to cover 22 acres as land parcels in the area were gradually purchased, including a church across the street, residences on City View Drive and three acres near the greenway. The HC complex now encompasses priest and cook residences, Vivek Hall, Ghandi Bhavan, Vihar Hall, and the original temple.
When it opened, the HC was run entirely by volunteers with no full-time employees. Now it employs nine priests, three office managers, three cooks, and several cleaning contractors. The original temple was completed for approximately $200,000 while the cost of the new Vedic mandir is nearly $11 million.
Construction on the new temple (Vedic Mandir) began in 2014 and is now approaching completion, with the anticipated opening during the summer of 2025. The project took longer than anticipated due to the Covid 19 pandemic, supply chain issues, additional lots purchased, and city code requirements. After breaking ground in 2014, the expansion has grown into a 22,000 square foot space for the community. Amin said, “the HC worked closely with community members and groups to ensure the space was built ‘for the people, by the people'”, making the Vedic Mandir a new home to over 22 Hindu murtis / deities.
The HC strives to remain inclusive, accounting for as many groups in the Carolinas as they can, united under the Sanatana Dharma. With over 3,000 members, this project was an important one for the Hindu Center in order to accommodate the rapidly growing community. In addition, the HC plans to create an outdoor space or yagyashala specifically for havans, large events, and wedding ceremonies.
What’s pending? According to Hemant Amin, the construction is nearly complete. All that remains are finishing touches such as installation of the doors and external domes along with final inspections and permits. While it’s hard to guarantee an exact opening date, he is fairly confident the mandir will be operational by the end of the summer.
In the meantime, the Hindu Center of Charlotte continues to host community events and activities at its campus, including a weekly youth group (CROP), cultural festivals & celebrations, and daily worship.
Remain up to date on these community events and the HC expansion with Saathee Magazine and saathee.com.
Check out the Saathee TV video and experience the full walk through of the new Vedic mandir plus an interview with Hemant Amin at saathee.com/tv.
Divakar Shukla (left) & and Hemant Amin (right)
