Spread across 80 acres, the 43,000 square feet temple is made from a special concrete designed to withstand Minnesota’s winters. The 65 feet tall Divine Gateway above the temple’s front door features hand made intricate figures and designs by artisans from India.
The temple has 19 shrines, each of which also feature elaborate hand carvings and designs. Located in the large prayer hall, the tallest shrine is 50 feet high and almost touches the ceiling. Each of these shrines is dedicated to a different Hindu deity.
Minnesota is home to almost 20,000 Hindus who want a place where all of them can feel welcome, which led the temple committee to buy 80 acres of cheap farm land on the outskirts of Maple Grove to construct the temple.
The Hindu Society of Minnesota plans to pay off the debt within the next 10 years.
