Hindu Temple of Wisconsin

Hindu temple, Wisconsin Milwaukee and its adjacent areas have a sizable number of Hindu population from different parts of India. To meet their religious demands and aspirations different Hindu groups combined and incorporated in 1996. They decided to construct a temple. In collaboration with the Jain Community of the area, they purchased land in Pewaukee area to construct two temples - a Hindu temple and a Jain temple. The main construction was completed in 2000 AD, and deities placed in the sanctum with the ceremony of "Pran Pratistha" in 2002-03. The area is sprawling with undulating low hilly terrain, with green trees and foliages all around. There is a big gate ("Torana") at the entrance, with stucco figures of Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna with His divine consort Radha and Lord Hanumana at the top. Once inside, there is a big parking area for cars, and beautiful garden all around. On one side is the Jain temple. It is a contemporary structure but with a "Nagara" or North Indian type of "Shikhara" or tower over the sanctum. There is also a smaller dome shaped tower at the entrance. The Hindu temple It is a larger structure, also built in a contemporary style with flat roofed halls, but there are two Indian style towers in the building. At the entrance there is a "Pirha" type of small tower, and the sanctum has a tall "Nagara" (North Indian) type tower. Inside, there are separate portions for different functions, with a large hall for religious or social gatherings. The sanctum has Lord Vishnu with His consorts Bhu Devi (Goddess Earth) and Shri Devi (Goddess Lakshmi) as the principal deity, but there are other Hindu gods too. There is a big "Vigraha" of Lord Ganesha, a big Shiva Lingam (the aniconic form of Lord Shiva), a "Vigraha" of Goddess Parvati or Durga. Everything is impeccably beautiful and clean. Important Hindu festivals are celebrated here on a regular basis. On the day the present author (who is a visitor from India) visited the temple, there was a festival ("Brahmotsava") going there. This was the symbolic wedding ceremony of Lord Vishnu with Bhu Devi and Shri Devi with full Hindu rituals. Hindu priests conducted the ceremony chanting solemn Sanskrit Hymns. After the "wedding", the "Vigraha"-s of the three deities were taken outside and placed on an Indian style colourful chariot and the chariot was drawn in the temple complex with great pomp and joy. It was as if the place has become a little India. For final words, it should be added that there is elevator facility here, and wash rooms are impeccably clean.

Very peaceful atmosphere. Main area is very clean and well kept. There are 4 priests that are constantly doing prayers. Free entry for the public during the day, and many events throughout the year. If you want a personal prayer, you can sponsor money to the temple and have a priest perform ceremonies. Either at the temple or at your house. There are also Indian cafeteria days every Saturday and Sunday. Food is cooked by temple volunteers from scratch!!

We hosted a south Indian wedding at this beautiful temple over two days. Organized this event remotely as we are not local. It was a pleasure working with each and every one as they have been very helpful and accommodating. Thanks to Sunithaji at the office, Priest Madhusudhanji, Yajeeji from food team, Chandraji the amazing cook and Shifaliji the magic - decor and event co-coordinator. Entire Food team in providing us with a good feast of south Indian food over 5 meals for the wedding we hosted at the temple. Every dish was cooked and served tastefully on time with care, attention. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed every dish prepared over these two days. Breakfasts were a huge hit, especially Karnataka style idlis, urad vada, sambar and chutney, which were prepared authentically. Huge thanks to the entire team, without them our wedding wouldn't have been such a success!!