Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WISCONSIN, U.S.A., June 14, 2003: Some 2,000 to 4,000 Hindus from southeastern Wisconsin are expected to gather at the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin this weekend for phase two of what is known as the prana pratishthapana, or installation and consecration of deities. The main shrine in this temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The granite or marble murthis of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi were part of the temple’s initial installations last year. Among the nine murthis being installed this weekend are those of Hanuman, Durga, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Lord Satyanarayana. The icons will be awakened to consciousness with ancient rituals that infuse them with prana, or “life force,” said Raghuchandra Bhat, one of the Wisconsin temple’s three priests. Non-Hindus also are invited to attend. The temple can be reached at http://www.hindutemplewis.com for more information.