Shree Shakti Mandir, AmbajiUSA, has a history that dates back to 1990. That’s when 15 people gathered in a rented shopping small space in Lake City for worship services. The group quickly began the process of acquiring land where something more permanent could be built. The first site selected was blocked because of resistance by the surrounding community. A second site was blocked for the same reason.
The current worship and gathering site was approved, we believe, because our early leaders requested zoning through an American zoning company – not an Indian company – and chose to describe the facility as a community center, not a Hindu worship center. Originally, several houses were planned for the area around the worship building, but this idea was abandoned when leaders realized that residents of the houses might engage in activities during worship times that would conflict with worship, like parties or barbecues, for example.
On June 6, 1993, the Hindu ceremony called Prana pratistha – during which the deity is brought to inhabit and infuse the space – was performed. Since that time, several full-time priests have been at her Seva around the clock.
Over a million devotees from across the globe, from all stations of life and of all ages have come to worship and gather at Matahi’s Mandir.
Now, today’s leaders are working to enhance and enlarge the space available for the next generation of American Hindus who come to our worship and community center. Our goal is to enlarge satsaang Shaba hall and to expand the Madir centurion for the murti Drashan with a goal of accommodating thousands of devotees at the same time during major events. The cultural center and the priest residential facilities will also be renovated.
We invite you to come experience the growth, changes and improvements for yourself. Worship with us, socialize with us and enjoy being part of our thriving and always-growing community.
