Mandir History

1993
The Hindu Society of the Inland Empire purchased the 7600 square foot building on an acre of land at 9292 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, California.

1994
Dr. Shukavak Dasa, the first priest joined the Mandir.

At a general board meeting the decision was taken to install Lakshmi and Narayana as the main Mandir murtis and to name the Mandir the "Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir".

1994
Ashirvad, the Mandir's famous newsletter, was first published.

During the Janamasthmi festival of 1994 the small utsava murtis of Shri Lakshmi Narayan were installed.

The year 1994 saw all the major Hindu festivals such as Janamashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Diwali, Maha Sivaratri and Ram Navami celebrated.

In October the decision was made to apply for a conditional use permit.

1995
After two public hearings the conditional use permit was granted on May 3,1995.

During the summer of 1995 the main altar, complete with parikrama was built for Shri Lakshmi Narayan.

On Janmashtami August 18, the murti-sthapanam of the main five feet marble murtis of Shri Shri Lakshmi Narayan was performed. Almost a thousand devotees attended the event.

1996
In October of 1996 the Mandir paid off its mortgage to the Sovereign Land Company through a combination of donations and interest free loans.

1997
March of 1997 saw the grand opening of Shiva Mandir and Meditation room during Shiva Ratri. At that time the Murtis of Shivji, Parvati Devi, Nandi and a two foot black lingam was installed in a beautiful marble and granite altar complete with parikrama area.

1997
During June graduation, the murti of Saraswati Devi was added.

The summer of 1997 witnessed the building of extensive altar facades and arches over each of the Mandir's altars. These altar facades were the first step in transforming the inside of the Mandir to look like an authentic Hindu Mandir.

During the Janamasthami festival, Ladoo Gopal completed the contingent of Mandir Murtis in an installation ceremony that included a gorgeously carved wood swing.

After much preparation, in July the City Of Riverside granted building permit allowing the Mandir to undergo extensive remodeling inside and out.

On September 3, 1997 a second priest, Seshacharya from Tirupati Joined the Mandir.

1999
January-The Mandir purchased 1 acre of land immediately south of the mandir for future expansion.

June-Major construction began giving the Mandri the look of a traditional Mandir. Cosntruction included a new entry way, arches, jali, domes. parikrama sidewalk, prasad patio, and washrooms.

2000
April-The Senior’s Upanishad Study Group was established.

June-The Yearly Youth Summer Camp was started.

Teen’s Bhagavad Gita class and "Gita Gossip" Newsletter

September-The Shri Lakshmi Narayan Library was established.

3771 Everest Street property paid off and title transfered.

$165K in loans were paid off.

Started electronic newletter–– E-Ashirvad and website <www.lakshminarayan.com>.

Started Saptahs in Hindi and Gujarati

Temple celebrating 10 days of Navaratri/Dassera

2001
Raised $32,672 for the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund

Participation in the International Day of Prayer

Participation in the Candlelight Vigil for the September 11th victims

July-Construction began of the Nava Graha Ceiling and fire sprinkler system.

August-The Shri Lakshmi Narayan CD of Arati and Bhajans was completed.

September-The Mandir acquired 2 more acres of land for future expansion.

December-Balaji Mandir constructed and installment of Shri Balaji Murti.

2002
Balaji Mandir doors installed during Dwara Puja.

Marble installed to complete altars.

2003
Official Festivals Committee created.

Festivals Committee open a gift shop.

Padma Peetham installed during annual Balaji anniversary event.

Beautiful Kalyanam Mandap is added.

Executive Assistant is hired.2004

Cultural Center is approved by the city of Riverside.

A professional security system is installed.

Internal and outside beautification begins.

First Friday Gujarati monthly puja begins.

Monthly Lalita Sahasranaam begins.

A tsunami relief fund raises $35,000.

First Mandir annual calendar is printed.

Mandir members enjoy Narendra Chanchaal Jagraan.

The Boy Scouts build a shoe rack on the Mandir patio.

2005
Om fence installed around Mandir perimeter

Beautiful carved Shiva Mandir doors are installed during Maha Shiva Ratri.

The parking lot is resurfaced.

Hurricane Katrina relief raises substantial funds.

Fans with lights are installed on the Mandir patio.

The Mandir celebrates its 10 year anniversary by holding a 3-day mahotsav during which Utsava Murtis are installed during pranpratishtha and murti stapanam.

The altars are enhanced by installation of gold tile as trim.

All deities are cleaned and restored.

2006
Pandit Vipul Jani hired as third priest.

Damaged windows repaired.

Canned Food Drive raises 300 pounds of food which is given to St. Katherine’s church to be distributed to the poor at Christmas.

First Youth Volunteer recognition program held.

The kitchen is completely remodeled and beautified with granite and tile.

Anna Devo Bhavah banners are hung in the kitchen area and patio wall.

2007
An Om fence is installed around patio for security.

The marble wall of honor is updated with current inscriptions and a new marble wall is installed to honor gopuram donors.

Special new curtains with wedding scenes of God are put up to cover the large windows on the north wall and curtains with Jaya and Vijaya are hung in Balaji Mandir.

Large screen televisions are installed and used for large functions.

Navagraha Pranpratishtha and Murti Stapanam is celebrated 3-day weekend event followed by 48 days Maha Mandala Abhishek. On the 49th day Maha Abhishek is celebrated.

3 granite signs were placed prominently on the outside Mandir walls.

New carpet installed.