Modern Hindu Temple

When I was travelling to Chicago by bus [On the great Greyhound], I was surprised to see a building in the far looking very familiar at Aurora of Illinois. It was built with all sculptures on it, A Hindu Temple. I then asked my co passenger about it and was told that its the Balaji Temple of Aurora. One of the biggest temple in the area. I just thought 'Indians are just spread out throughout the world!'

I couldnot get down to take a snap and so am adding here a snap of it I got from the google earth. It seems to be nice & gorgeous.

Then a couple of days back I had been to a city called as Cedar Rapids which is located in the state of Iowa. There I had an opportunity to see a temple. But it was nothing similar in looks to the one I mentioned above. It was a small typical US house type building but as I got out of my car, there was that tinge of typical temple smell in the air that blew right across my face. I felt as if I got back to India at some Hindu temple. It had a nice secure lock door. As I went inside, there were shoe racks, chairs to sit on to put on the shoes. There was a guest hall on the right where even marriages takeplace it seems. It was like a small US hotel with a large kitchen, plenty of tables and chairs. There were also rest rooms:-)

Then on the left is a huge hall with a reception table at the entry corner. Full carpet, soft one to sit on. And there they were, all our deities. Devis and Devatas:-) All bright and grand with lord Venkatesha standing huge and prominent among them. I thought 'So this is the modern Indo-American temples. Also this is a place where you can meet lot of Indians for sure. It was funny to see god's plate filled up with US dollars! But Lakshmi is Lakshmi in all forms:-)

One thing similar was we are not allowed to take any snaps in the temple premises. So I could get only this photo. At the end, I would definitely suggest you to give a visit to both the temples whenever possible:-)