An imposing 17,000 square-foot three-story Krishna Hindu Temple has reportedly been planned for Salem (New Hampshire, USA).

Town of Salem Planning Board is said to be considering its plans submitted by Temple backer Dr. Deepak Sharma during its May eight meeting. On approval, construction is proposed to begin this year and it is claimed to take about nine months. Besides a sanctuary for worship, it also plans to offer language and yoga classes.



Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders to raise this wonderful Hindu Temple.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

New Hampshire already has a Hindu Temple of New Hampshire in Nashua and a Hindu Temple at Ivy League Dartmouth College in Hanover.

Salem, incorporated in 1750, is known for Canobie Lake Park, America's Stonehenge, and Rockingham Park. Patrick M. Hargreaves and James S. Keller are Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the Board of Selectmen of Town of Salem while Keith R. Hickey is Town Manager.

Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents.