As firm believers in righteous conduct and with a strong belief that a temple is a persuasive means to shape and nurture the ideals, aspirations, and conduct of individuals—especially young children—for generations to come, my wife and me embarked on this mission of constructing a temple in the service of Baba—and humanity at large.

Our desire was transformed into a strong determination by the blessings of our beloved Guruji, Late Dr. K.V. Raghava Rao. His holy blessings found expression through the foundation of Om Sai Mandir. With God’s grace and Guruji’s blessings, the temple has the distinction of being the first mandir in the world dedicated to both Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba—essentially the same supreme Lord in 2 different forms.

A beautiful house was purchased—on Thursday, June 26, 2003—with close access to all the key amenities, including transportation, schools, medical facilities, religious institutions, and a thickly populated community of devotees. The temple’s activities began with group bhajans on Guru Poornima, 2003.

Extensive renovation, spanning over 5 months, was undertaken to transform the place and render it suitable for spiritual activities. On Datta Jayanti, 2003, “Gruh Pravesh” puja was performed and bhajans were conducted on: November 23^rd, Christmas, and December 31^st. Finally, on Saturday, January 03, 2004, the auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi—when the gates of heaven are unlocked for devotees—the gates of Om Sai Mandir were also opened for regular temple activities. Beautiful, life-sized pictures of Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba, placed adjacent to each other, now adorn the temple’s altar.

The Present

Devotees from all walks of life, and from diverse backgrounds, now throng to this temple to seek Baba’s blessings and grace. The mandir is open 7 days a week and conducts devotional programs that include: aratis, bhajans, regular pujas, naam smaranam, and annadan [food service]. Devotees’ prayers and a vibrant spiritual ambience have made this temple a veritable Shirdi and Parthi in New York.

The mandir’s website (www.omsaimandir.org) serves as a comprehensive source of information and direction to several Internet users. In addition to the website, Baba’s message is being spread using several means, such as word of mouth, newsletters, flyers, and spiritual gatherings.

The Future

Efforts are now being undertaken to bring life-sized statues of both Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba from India. Extensive plans are also in progress for the overall development and expansion of the mandir. Needless to mention, with Baba’s blessings, the temple is headed toward unprecedented growth.

Volunteers

A dedicated team of volunteers form the very backbone of this organization and it is their service that makes the running of this temple seem effortless. While thanking this dedicated team, I would like to make a request to all devotees to come forward and volunteer services in the best possible manner.

As we embark on this spiritual journey, I would like to once again thank everyone for their affection and seek Baba’s blessings to grant us strength and to ensure the welfare of one and all. Sai Ram.

- Gangadhar Rao Chalasani, President

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