The scene above reflects the religious diversity of Utah at the dawn of the 21st century.  Hindu priest Venkata Sastry performed the Vaasthu Homa ceremony on October 27, 2001 as construction of the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple began in Salt Lake County.  The Vaasthu Homa ceremony is performed to insure that the temple's construction is undertaken in accord with proper Hindu principles. 

In the background behind the Hindu temple site is the South Jordan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons).  In the foreground, members of the Hindu community are joined by well-wishers from other faith traditions, including representatives of the L.D.S. Church.  Local members of the L.D.S. church volunteered many hours of labor to help with the initial landscaping of the temple grounds.  

The Sri Ganesha temple was completed and dedicated on May 2, 2003.  To learn more about this worship community, please follow this link:
http://www.utah-faiths.org/pluralism/jordan_ganesh_temple.htm

This web site has been created in an effort to foster religious understanding and respect.  Inclusion of informational content, photographs, and links does not imply official endorsement of such by the religious groups described on this web site.   These pages should not be deemed as "official" web sites for the groups described.  To share your  comments, questions, or suggestions, please contact me at bdavis@weber.edu or (801) 626-7947.