Author: Dana Thiede
Publication: Kare 11 News
Date: June 29, 2006
URL: http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=128322
It was immediately apparent when rolling up
the driveway of the new Hindu Temple of Minnesota, that there is something
big going on this weekend. Landscape crews scrambled to lay sod and plant
shrubs, while others hustled to set up a tent, and performed general cleanup.
The hubbub surrounds the Temple's grand opening,
a four day celebration that begins June 29th and runs through July 2nd. It
was an event originally planned for June 2nd, but pushed back due to a thoughtless
and destructive spree of vandalism.
"We have really been working hard for
10 to 15 years to come to this stage, and all of a sudden, a couple of guys
destroy the work," said Narender Venkata of the Hindu Society of Minnesota.
"That's a very bad feeling."
Two 19-year-old year men were arrested in
mid-May, and are now charged with the vandalism spree. Paul Spakousky and
Tyler Tuomie are accused of causing thousands of dollars in damage to the
building, and destroying expensive religious icons that were imported from
India.
In the weeks since the vandalism, as the building
was patched up and new idols arrived, the Hindu community healed and forgave.
Today, there is only excitement and anticipation for the new temple.
"This is a sea change from the time we
heard about the vandalism. We were all devastated, and we have recovered beautifully,"
said Hindu Society member Umesh Singh. "I just cannot believe how we
have come together."
While the new Hindu Temple opens for events
this weekend, the work is far from finished. A team of artists from India
will work for the next year and a half, to complete 19 small temples within
the worship space, each of which will house an idol that is sacred to Hindus.
The community hopes to host inter-faith events
to boost friendship and understanding with other religious communities.
