Sunnyvale Temple Reopens after year-long Renovation with Mahakumbhishekam on May 8, 2013

Story and pics By Meena Yeggina

I have known Raj Bhanot I think for more than fifteen years. Personally, I felt he is one of the few Indians, who would come forward to help anyone who is in need of his help and support. My IPM events have successfully taken place in Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, mainly because of his support for the Indian community and his belief that India Parent Magazine can act as a bridge between Indians and other communities. The cultural hall benefitted not just similar hard-working organizations but also several non-profit organizations as well. He’s one of the main pillars of the Indian community and many feel that his presence is a needed one. He’s constantly available, easily accessible and stood for parents and children alike. Never does he refuse free practice places and time in the temple for children and parents, said one mom, whose kids are never turned down by Raj Bhanot for any practice place, either for a competition or for a show.

Raj Bhanot, a reputed chartered accountant from India, came to this country in 1981. He worked as a senior tax auditor for the state of California for 27 years. He served as a human rights commissioner for nine years with the city of san jose and human relation commissioner for the county of Santa Clara. He also served as a vice chairman for the asian advisory committee for the state of California.

Bhanot felt the need of a Hindu temple in south bay as other temples are far away. Along with Naranji patel, Balwant and others decided to start a temple in south bay in 1992. In 1993, he acquired property of 1.45 m which is now close to 25m. Initially, it was a challenge to make a monthly mortgage due to less Indian population in this area. He renovated the hall in 1999 which now is the beautiful temple. In a special interview, he spekas about his vision for the temple.

Raj Bhanot Speaks about Temple and Kumbhabhishekam

IPM: How is the temple work going on? Are you excited for the opening?
Raj Bhanot: Temple work is going on in full swing. We are, along with the team of more than 100 volunteers, working hard for the past 3 months. This was a dream which came true. The entire Indian community is excited to see the beautiful temple in the Silicon Valley with 32 deities from Jaipur, Kanchipuram and puri.
IPM: How has the community responded? Did you get enough donations?
Raj Bhanot: We got a community support in a big way. This happened due to community support only. Over 500 devotees donated over $1001 each.
IPM: Can you tell us a little bit about the upcoming Kumbhabhisekham?
Raj Bhanot: Maha kumbhaabhishekam will be from May 8 thru May 12. All five days, homas, pran prathishta of 32 deities will take place. Padam bhushan Bala Murli Krishna on May 11 and Anoop Jalota will perform on May 12th. All five days lunch and dinner will be served. This is open to all and a totally free event.
IPM: What are the future plans and upcoming events?
Raj Bhanot: Our future plans are to upgrade the auditorium. Upcoming functions are Janam Ashtami, Diwali Mela, Durga Pooja, Navratri garbas along with the regular temple activities.
IPM: For the past one year some have criticized you and your board members. How has it affected you? What is your response to them?
Raj Bhanot: This was a ambitious project. We prepared drawings with 8m cost. Due to down turnoff the economy, we scaled down the project. This took large resources. Now we spent $3.5 million. This delayed our dream project. We are non-profit, tax-exempt religious organization. Our accounts are reviewed by CPA firms. We post our accounts on the website for the whole world to see. No other nonprofit organization has done that so far. We are more transparent than any other organization. Some vested interest people are jealous about the progress that this temple has achieved. These people are neither the devotees nor the donors. They are puppets of the others who has opened smaller temples.
IPM : What is your vision for the temple's future?
Raj Bhanot: We want to unite the Hindu community where all the Indians can come and feel be proud. This will place serve as a hub of Religious, cultural and community activities in the Bay area.
IPM: What is your message to our readers?
Raj Bhanot: This temple is yours. Be a part of it. Make it more beautiful. God bless you all.