Channeling Hope at a Hindu Goddess Temple in Michigan, USA

• In Event: Hope Away from Home: Hinduism in Diaspora As An Agent of Positive Social Transformation

Abstract

The Parashakthi Temple in Pontiac, Michigan was established in 1999 under the direction of a spiritual guide, Dr. Krishna Kumar. The temple’s mission is to bring the Hindu Goddess’s energy to “the West” to provide protection and hope in troubled times. In 2015, the Parashakthi Temple completed construction on a grand Rajagopuram, or "royal tower,” that stands at the entrance of the temple. This Rajagopuram is said to channel directly the Goddess’s healing and protective energy, making it available to all who visit the temple. Buried under one corner of the Rajagopuram is a gilded box called the Shakti Garbha, or "womb of Shakti (the goddess),” that contains 60 herbs and precious substances. This box is said to provide the energy needed to enliven the Rajagopuram and make it effective. The temple equates this Shakti Garbha with the "Ark of the Covenant” described in the Hebrew Bible, asserting that both Shakti Garbha and the Ark of the Covenant embody not only divine power, but also the agreement of devotees to act with righteousness (dharma) and truthfulness (satya). The temple claims that if people enter into the covenant symbolized by the Shakti Garbha, “The nations will become friendly. There won't be any wars. There will be pure love, understanding, generosity, compassion.” This paper explores such dynamics of hope for the future surrounding the Rajagopuram and Shakti Garbha at this American Hindu temple.

Author

• Tracy Pintchman, Loyola University Chicago