Support Our Fundraising Efforts of a lasting Spiritual Hermitage
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We are actively raising funds to build a dedicated temple for our community.
Swamiji
"This will be the first Temple constructed for Goddess Banashankari outside of India. It will become a uniquely powerful pilgrimage site for spiritual seekers from around the world."
Our Goal
We are fundraising to purchase acres of land in the mountains of Virginia and build a traditional Agamic Hindu temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga in Her form of Shakambhari. The Temple will be the first Temple constructed for Banashankari Devi also called Shakambhari Devi (Goddess of the Forest) outside of India. It will become a uniquely powerful pilgrimage site for Hindus from around the world. The property will also be the home base for the Soma Matha Spiritual Center to continue work to teach the Vedic sciences.
Swamiji has had visions of the property in the Mountains in (or near) Virginia. The mountains have been identified by the Rishis as a particularly powerful place, with dense spiritual energy, especially conducive to supporting people's sadhana.
Our Vision
Situated on a forested mountain peak with a small portion of woodlands cleared for the construction of a holy temple, the Banashankari Temple of Virginia, will blend elements of traditional Vijayanagara temple architecture and American vernacular religious architecture. The design, construction and consecration will also accurately follow the edicts of the Agama shastras. Swamiji and his students have been chanting and conducting pujas to Goddess Shakambhari for years to build sacred energies for the Temple. Recently completing 600,000 repetitions of Devi’s Gayatri mantra. The Temple will include shrines for 16 forms of the Goddess and other Gods including Shiva, Dhanvantari, Ganesha, and a very unique shrine for the Nine Planets of Vedic Astrology which will also serve as an ephemeris tracking the movements of the Planets. These sorts of projects do not manifest overnight. They require much dedicated effort over the years and the contributions of multiple people. But the resulting space of such efforts is profoundly sacred.The presence of Divine shakti can be easily felt by those who visit such a space. Like the great Temples in India which are powerful to shift people's karmas and bring about all sorts of worldly fulfillment even as they lead seekers toward the ultimate liberation. Work is being done now to open channels so that Devotees will be able to see the Divine in this Sacred Temple, which will be one unique feature of its energetic presence in the world. 
Computer-Generated Model of Temple Vision
Our Fundraising Journey Towards a Permenant Temple
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2007
Around 2007, Gananathamritananda Swami had a vision of the Goddess and received a message to build a Temple dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, for the benefit of society. With support from numerous devotees in Virginia and around the globe, consistent prayer vigils and Vedic ceremonies have been conducted to aid in the Temple's realization.
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2011
In 2011, we purchased property in Goochland, Virginia for the Temple. However, the local community expressed opposition, with some neighbors even confronting us with firearms. One neighbor opposed the idea of a Temple for the Divine Mother, suggesting they might have been more amenable to a Hindu God. Due to the local law enforcement's connections with those opposing the Temple, we were compelled to abandon the property.
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2016
Relocating to Richmond, we continued prayer ceremonies and teachings from a modest apartment. By 2016, we secured another property in Old Church, Virginia. Unfortunately, we again faced substantial local opposition, with neighbors actively petitioning against us. Despite years of effort, we were unable to obtain necessary permits for public prayer.
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2021
In 2021, realizing local authorities were unwilling to grant the needed permits, our board voted to sell the property at a financial loss during the COVID pandemic. We then moved to an interim location in Nelson County.
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Today
Currently, we maintain a small Temple space at a residence where Swamiji and volunteers reside. This space is typically open to the public by appointment and during special events. Here, we conduct regular pujas, homas, and other rituals for the benefit of society. We are working to raise funds to acquire a suitable property for the construction of a Temple dedicated to the Goddess.
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Future Vision
The Banashankari Temple of Virginia will be the first Temple dedicated to Goddess Banashankari / Shakambhari outside of India and the first Hindu Temple in the Charlottesville area. We passionately believe that a sacred Temple for Goddess Banashankari is needed now in America. Its presence will hold great power to alleviate current challenges and suffering among the American people. The mystical process of Temple consecration profoundly impacts society's collective karma, easing suffering and improving conditions in countless ways
Giving FAQs
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.