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[[File:Radha-madhav-dham-2.jpg|thumb|Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani temple at Radha Madhav Dham]] '''Radha Madhav Dham''', founded in 1990 under the name '''Barsana Dham''' by H.D. [[Prakashanand_Saraswati|Swami Prakashanand Saraswati]],<ref name="washington_post" /><ref name="Kurien">Kurien, P.A. 2007. ''A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism''. NJ: [[Rutgers University Press]].</ref> is a large [[temple]] and [[ashram]] complex outside of [[Austin, Texas]].<ref>Jain, N. (Feb. 11, 2003). ''Temples welcome those of all faiths, not just Hindus.'' [[The America's Intelligence Wire]].</ref><ref>Huffer, A.J. 2010. ''Hinduism in the American Context''. A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Divinity School in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. [[University of Chicago]].</ref><ref>Frazier, C. 2009. ''[http://www.geo.txstate.edu/tage/resources/newsletters/contentParagraph/03/document/Spring+2009+Newsletter.pdf 2008 Geography Summer Academy: Cultural Geography of Texas]''. Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Spring 2009 Newsletter, pg. 4.</ref> Radha Madhav Dham is a place of pilgrimage reminiscent of similar locales in India.<ref name="Ludwig">Ludwig, M. March 9, 2002. ''Houses of worship''. [[Austin American-Statesman]] (TX)</ref> In April 2011, JKP Barsana Dham's new name was JKP Radha Madhav Dham.<ref>http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/investigative/entries/2011/04/28/barsana_dham_transition_comple.html</ref> Radha Madhav Dham is the main US center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. <ref name="yoga_journal" /><ref name="plurism-project">''[http://pluralism.org/files/affiliate/jain/RadhaMadhavDham.pdf Harvard Plurism Project]''</ref> The ashram is led by a board of managing members, headed by board president Mr. Raj Goel.<ref name="press-release">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42797368/ns/business-press_releases/</ref> An ashram press release dated 4/28/2011 announced the name change.<ref name="press-release" />
[[File:Radha-madhav-dham-2.jpg|thumb|Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani temple at Radha Madhav Dham]] '''Radha Madhav Dham''', founded in 1990 under the name '''Barsana Dham''' by H.D. [[Prakashanand_Saraswati|Swami Prakashanand Saraswati]],<ref name="washington_post" /><ref name="Kurien">Kurien, P.A. 2007. ''A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism''. NJ: [[Rutgers University Press]].</ref> is a large [[temple]] and [[ashram]] complex outside of [[Austin, Texas]].<ref>Jain, N. (Feb. 11, 2003). ''Temples welcome those of all faiths, not just Hindus.'' [[The America's Intelligence Wire]].</ref><ref>Huffer, A.J. 2010. ''Hinduism in the American Context''. A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Divinity School in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. [[University of Chicago]].</ref><ref>Frazier, C. 2009. ''[http://www.geo.txstate.edu/tage/resources/newsletters/contentParagraph/03/document/Spring+2009+Newsletter.pdf 2008 Geography Summer Academy: Cultural Geography of Texas]''. Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Spring 2009 Newsletter, pg. 4.</ref> Radha Madhav Dham is a place of pilgrimage reminiscent of similar locales in India.<ref name="Ludwig">Ludwig, M. March 9, 2002. ''Houses of worship''. [[Austin American-Statesman]] (TX)</ref> In April 2011, JKP Barsana Dham's new name was JKP Radha Madhav Dham.<ref>http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/investigative/entries/2011/04/28/barsana_dham_transition_comple.html</ref> Radha Madhav Dham is the main US center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. <ref name="yoga_journal" /><ref name="plurism-project">''[http://pluralism.org/files/affiliate/jain/RadhaMadhavDham.pdf Harvard Plurism Project]''</ref>{{not in source}} The ashram is led by a board of managing members, headed by board president Mr. Raj Goel.<ref name="press-release">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42797368/ns/business-press_releases/</ref> An ashram press release dated 4/28/2011 announced the name change.<ref name="press-release" />


According to articles in the ''International Journal of Humanities and Peace'' and [[Associated Press]], Radha Madhav Dham was one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States in 2000 and 1995 respectively.<ref name="Srinivasan">Srinivasan, T.M. 2000. ''The True History and the Religion of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism. (A Review).'' International Journal of Humanities and Peace, 16(1): 105. [http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&docId=A73580084&userGroupName=regis&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale (Full Text)]</ref><ref name="associated press">Stevens, D. 1995. ''Far Eastern Religions expanding in Texas''. [[Assocated Press]].</ref> According to Harvard Plurism Project, the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham remains to be one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States.<ref name="plurism-project" /> It is the oldest Hindu Temple in [[Texas]].<ref>India today international. Volume 1, Issues 1-8. [[Living Media]] International. 2002.</ref>
According to articles in the ''International Journal of Humanities and Peace'' and [[Associated Press]], Radha Madhav Dham was one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States in 2000 and 1995 respectively.<ref name="Srinivasan">Srinivasan, T.M. 2000. ''The True History and the Religion of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism. (A Review).'' International Journal of Humanities and Peace, 16(1): 105. [http://find.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&docId=A73580084&userGroupName=regis&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale (Full Text)]</ref><ref name="associated press">Stevens, D. 1995. ''Far Eastern Religions expanding in Texas''. [[Assocated Press]].</ref> According to Harvard Plurism Project, the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham remains to be one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States.<ref name="plurism-project" /> It is the oldest Hindu Temple in [[Texas]].<ref>India today international. Volume 1, Issues 1-8. [[Living Media]] International. 2002.</ref>

Revision as of 05:39, 8 November 2011

File:Radha-madhav-dham-2.jpg
Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani temple at Radha Madhav Dham

Radha Madhav Dham, founded in 1990 under the name Barsana Dham by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati,[1][2] is a large temple and ashram complex outside of Austin, Texas.[3][4][5] Radha Madhav Dham is a place of pilgrimage reminiscent of similar locales in India.[6] In April 2011, JKP Barsana Dham's new name was JKP Radha Madhav Dham.[7] Radha Madhav Dham is the main US center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. [8][9][failed verification] The ashram is led by a board of managing members, headed by board president Mr. Raj Goel.[10] An ashram press release dated 4/28/2011 announced the name change.[10]

According to articles in the International Journal of Humanities and Peace and Associated Press, Radha Madhav Dham was one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States in 2000 and 1995 respectively.[11][12] According to Harvard Plurism Project, the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham remains to be one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States.[9] It is the oldest Hindu Temple in Texas.[13]

Radha Madhav Dham is a nonprofit, religious, educational, and charitable organization[14] that follows the path of raganuga bhakti.[6]

History

Radha Madhav Dham, originally called Barsana Dham, was built to be a representation of the holy land of Braj in India where Radha and Krishna are believed by Hindus to have appeared, around 5,000 years ago.[15][16][9][17] It has been designed as a place of pilgrimage in America.[18] Areas of Radha Madhav Dham have been developed to be the places for meditation.[19][15][17] Places of Braj like Govardhan, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti, etc. are represented in Radha Madhav Dham where a natural stream named Kalindi represents the Yamuna river of Vrindaban.[15][20]

According to Rinehart (2006)[21] and Lee & Nadeau (2011)[22], Radha Madhav Dham is an example of how builders of Hindu Temples in the US have replicated the sacred Geography of India, providing a familiar space and experience for Hindus from India, and fostering an identification with their adopted homeland.[21]

In April of 2011, following the "disappearance of its founder and leading guru" Swami Prakashanand Saraswati after his conviction on 20 charges of sexual indecency with a child at Barsana Dham, the organization changed its name.[23] According to the Austin-American Statesman, "Barsana Dham has moved aggressively on the Internet to wipe out all traces of its connection to the guru. The name of the ashram has been changed to JKP Radha Madhav Dham. On its new website, pictures or mentions of Prakashanand are nowhere to be found."[24]

Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple

Shree Radha Rani has many names.[25] Raseshwari is one of Her names and comes from the Upanishads.[25] The Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham is the first Hindu temple built in Austin, Texas, and one of the largest Hindu temples in the USA.[11] The temple encompasses about 35,000 square feet (3,300 m2) and is topped by a 90-foot (27 m)-high golden dome.[1]

The main prayer hall of the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple is decorated with the pictorial representations of teachings from ancient Hindu scriptures, which are captioned in both Sanskrit and English.[26] The philosophy of the Hindu scriptures are described in a continuous panel on the sides of the hall. A realistic depiction of the sky is portrayed on the ceiling.[20]

The temple architecture is a blend of north and south Indian, and modern styles of architecture.[20][27][9] It was designed by two architects from India.[27] The 90-foot (27 m) high temple dome is made of white and blue granite and gold. The tower is in the traditional shape, but it's built out of granite, whereas most in India are sandstone.[27] The artwork of the temple's shrine was hand-crafted by 15 artisans from South India. The artisans carved the pillars and ceilings with images of peacocks and floral patterns. There are 84 columns and five levels in the building with covered area of 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m2). The temple was built using special construction techniques and processes that would allow it to last for more than a thousand years.[12] A peach orchard, gardens of roses, jasmine and marigolds and wandering peacocks decorate the temple grounds.[28]

Festivals and celebrations at the temple attract up to 8000 people.[29] The temple and ashram complex is a center for traditional Indian cultural activities and weddings.[21][30][31][29] Weekly services are held every Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a community lunch. Approximately 1000 families attend Radha Madhav Dham. 96% of these are Indian, the remaining 4% being Westerners and people of Caribbean descent.[29]

Festivals

File:Anup-jalota.jpg
Anup Jalota giving a live performance on Radha Rani Rath Yatra, Oct 2011

Radha Madhav Dham celebrates all the major Hindu festivals[32] which attract thousands.[6] The Temple is home to one of the biggest Janmashtami celebrations in North America.[15][33] To commemorate the yearly Rath Yatra festival at the temple, Oct 27th 2001 was named 'Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day' by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.[34] The 2011 Rath Yatra celebration was attended by "Bhajan Samrat" Anup Jalota.[35] Various other Mayors of Austin and Governor of Texas have visited or offered commendations to Barsana Dham.[29][36] More than 50,000 visitors from both Indian and Western communities participate in the lessons, religious programs and celebrations there.[37] The celebrations are:

Retreats and Family Camps

At various times throughout the year, the temple offers special weekend family retreats, mini-intensives, and weekend seva retreats. These retreats and programs include Hindi, yoga and Indian dance classes. Radha Madhav Dham has been named one of the "best places to relax, reflect, and renew".[41] Radha Madhav Dham also conducts tours for schools, other educational institutions and community groups.[6] In 2007, the temple and ashram was featured in National Geographic's "The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life".[42]

Radha Madhav Dham also organizes free family camps and "Basics of Hinduism" courses[43] in Hindu temples in Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C. and New York.[44]

Each fall, the Texas Yoga Retreat, organized by Donna Belk, Charles MacInerney and Ellen Smith is held at the ashram. This retreat provides an opportunity to experience ashram living along with 250-plus other yoga enthusiasts.[8] There is also a new year retreat organized by Radha Madhav Dham. This weekend long stay involves relaxation and meditation. Families are welcome to the yoga classes and meditation sessions, and a 24-hour continuous chant known as Akhand Sankirtan takes place from noon on New Year's Eve to noon the following day.[45]

Educational and Charitable Activities

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Radha Madhav Dham has published a wide selection of writings, video and audio recordings of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.[11] Radha Madhav Dham's Prabhakari Devi delivered the first ever Hindu prayer in the Texas Senate.[46]

Radha Madhav Dham opened its doors to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and executed a fundraising drive in its wake.[47] In September 2008, Radha Madhav Dham launched a fundraising drive for victims of the flooding in Bihar. The immediate goal of the drive was to raise $150,000 for relief efforts.[48] In the same month, hundreds of evacuees of Hurricane Ike were given food and shelter at Radha Madhav Dham.[49][50] Radha Madhav Dham is also active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of hospital operations oversees.[50] The temple hosted 300-400 evacuees from Hurricane Rita in 2005.[51] Radha Madhav Dham has organized charitable walks in Dallas to raise funds for its $2.3 million Kripalu Charitable Hospital in the town of Barsana, India[14] which was inaugurated in 2008. Besides the hospital in Barsana, JKP Radha Madhav Dham's center in India also opened the 'Kripalu Charitable Hospital' in Mangarh in 2003. That facility provides free diagnostic exams, treatment, surgical procedures, hospitalization, emergency services and medication to hundreds of patients daily.[14] National eye camps and mother/child welfare programs also have been established throughout India, providing free eye exams, cataract surgery and polio vaccines to those in need.[14]

Radha Madhav Dham participates in inter-religious services such as Austin Area Interreligious ministries,[29][34][52] Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day[53][54][55] and PBS's Many Voices project.[56] The organization was selected [by whom?] to represent Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1993.[28]

References

  1. ^ a b Hindu Temple Opens in Texas, Oct 14, 1995. The Washington Post. Section: METRO
  2. ^ Kurien, P.A. 2007. A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism. NJ: Rutgers University Press.
  3. ^ Jain, N. (Feb. 11, 2003). Temples welcome those of all faiths, not just Hindus. The America's Intelligence Wire.
  4. ^ Huffer, A.J. 2010. Hinduism in the American Context. A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Divinity School in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. University of Chicago.
  5. ^ Frazier, C. 2009. 2008 Geography Summer Academy: Cultural Geography of Texas. Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Spring 2009 Newsletter, pg. 4.
  6. ^ a b c d Ludwig, M. March 9, 2002. Houses of worship. Austin American-Statesman (TX)
  7. ^ http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/investigative/entries/2011/04/28/barsana_dham_transition_comple.html
  8. ^ a b Ricci, J. (2004). 7 Destination Ashrams. Mar-Apr 2004 Edition. Yoga Journal.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Harvard Plurism Project
  10. ^ a b http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42797368/ns/business-press_releases/
  11. ^ a b c Srinivasan, T.M. 2000. The True History and the Religion of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism. (A Review). International Journal of Humanities and Peace, 16(1): 105. (Full Text)
  12. ^ a b Stevens, D. 1995. Far Eastern Religions expanding in Texas. Assocated Press.
  13. ^ India today international. Volume 1, Issues 1-8. Living Media International. 2002.
  14. ^ a b c d Wu, E. (March 8, 2007). Walk is part of mission to aid needy in India. The Dallas Morning News. [1]
  15. ^ a b c d e Kamath, A.P. August 12, 1999. Janmashtami Events In Cattle Country. Rediff.com.
  16. ^ a b Perks, K.S.L. August 24, 1997. Hindus honor supreme deity with festival. Austin-American Statesman
  17. ^ a b Prothero, S.R. 2006. A nation of religions: the politics of pluralism in multireligious America. University of North Carolina Press
  18. ^ Kettmann, M. 2009. The Salt Lick, a Hindu Temple, Disc Golf, The Horseshoe, and Texas Wine. Santa Barbara Independent
  19. ^ Journal of Vaishnava Studies, Volume 13, Issues 1-2. 2004.
  20. ^ a b c Ciment, J. 2001. Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Michigan: M.E. Sharpe.
  21. ^ a b c d e Rinehart, R. 2006. Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice. ABC-CLIO.
  22. ^ Lee, H.X. & Nadeau, K.M. 2011. Encyclopedia of Asian American folklore and folklife. ABC-CLIO
  23. ^ With guru on the lam, ashram changes name, by Sean Kimmons, San Marcos Mercury, 22 April 2011, accessed 16 May 2011
  24. ^ Missing swami may have left Mexico, U.S. marshal says, by Eric Dexheimer, Austin-American Statesman, 13 May 2011, accessed 16 May 2011
  25. ^ a b Sharma, M. & Paliwal, B.B. 2005. Message of the Upanishads. Diamond Pocket Books Ltd.
  26. ^ Jain, N. An Austin Haven. The Daily Texan.
  27. ^ a b c Parker, J.M. October 25, 1996. 3,000 expected at Hindu celebration. San_Antonio_Express-News
  28. ^ a b Nevans-Pederson, M. Nov 16, 2002. Seeking Divine unity through Hinduism. The Telegraph-Herald.
  29. ^ a b c d e Barsana Dham Hindu Temple. The Pluralism Project at Harvard University.
  30. ^ Flavors of India. April 10, 2009.San Marcos Daily Record
  31. ^ Best of Austin Award 2003. The Austin Chronicle
  32. ^ Hylton, H. & Rosie, C. 2006. Insiders' Guide to Austin. The Globe Pequot Press Inc.
  33. ^ Busby, M. 2004. The Southwest. Greenwood Publishing Group.
  34. ^ a b c d Mayor Watson declares Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day in Austin, Sat, Nov 17, 2001. India Herald.
  35. ^ a b c "Rang De with Anup Jalota at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin". Indo-American News
  36. ^ Ruth, D. 1997. Barsana Dham. Awareness Magazine. July/August 1997 Issue.
  37. ^ Chan Santos, M. Oct. 29, 2011. Hidden Neighborhood: Three small neighborhoods in northern Hays County known for nature. Austin American Statesman
  38. ^ Murthy, A. 2010. Holi At Barsana Dham. Nazar Online.
  39. ^ Joshi, M. April 29, 2005. Ram Navami celebrated with great fanfare. India Abroad.
  40. ^ "Diwali Roundup: Where to Go to Celebrate". October 16 2009. East West Magazine. [2] (Website temporarily down)
  41. ^ Ricci, J. Yoga Escapes: A Yoga Journal Guide to the Best Places to Relax, Reflect, and Renew. Celestial Arts.
  42. ^ Grout, P. 2007. The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life. National Geographic Books. [3]
  43. ^ Thomases, D. 2007. Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community. Insight Undergraduate Journal, 1(1), pp. 68 - 84.
  44. ^ Prbweb. JKP Barsana Dham to Offer Gita Class in New York during February School Break. [4].
  45. ^ Robberson, S. & Speakerman, M.R. Dec. 21, 2007. New Year's Eve Dining & Lodging. The Austin Chronicle
  46. ^ Texas Legislature. (2005). Proceedings of 79th Legislature - Regular Session. Lieutenant Governor of Texas: Austin. Retrieved from: http://www.journals.house.state.tx.us/hjrnl/79r/pdf/79rday37cfinal.pdf
  47. ^ Joshi, M. (Oct. 7, 2005). Community rallies to help Rita victims. India Abroad. [5]
  48. ^ 2008, Bihar Relief Campaign. Retrieved September 6th, 2008 from
  49. ^ Powell, B. (Sept. 15th, 2008). Barsana Dham Center houses evacuees. News 8 Austin.
  50. ^ a b http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2008/9/prweb1329894.htm Barsana Dham Temple Shelters Hurricane Ike Evacuees
  51. ^ Hindu organizations unite to provide hurricane relief. N.D. India Herald.
  52. ^ Maze, H. Nov 24th, 2002. Interreligious organization, volunteers help give thanks. News 8 Austin
  53. ^ Duke, M.C. Jan 13, 2011. Local event promotes Hindu-Jewish solidarity. Jewish Herald-Voice
  54. ^ Giri, Kalyani. Jan 17, 2011. Building Bridges Between World Cultures. Indo American-News.
  55. ^ More pictures from the 1st Annual Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day. 2011.
  56. ^ Collecting Many Voices. 2004.

30°9′20″N 97°57′28″W / 30.15556°N 97.95778°W / 30.15556; -97.95778 Template:Hindu Temples in the United States of America

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source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Radha_Madhav_Dham&diff=459584758&oldid=459583281

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