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SUVA, FIJI, May 17, 2005: A priest has called for greater respect for sacred places such as temples, mosques and churches. Pundit Anil Sharma made the comment as the Muanivatu Sanatan Dharma Ram Mandir in Laucala Bay, Suva, opened its doors yesterday after renovations. He said several churches and temples were broken into this year, showing disrespect for religion and religious places. The mandir originally began as a small kutti in 1913 and was formed by a small group of residents. The mandir, which is located opposite the University of the South Pacific, had to be renovated after an increase in the number of student devotees. Pundit Sharma said the extension of the temple was made possible by funds that were available to the committee and from donations from devotees. He said the committee also brought new marble deities from India. He said they would be installed in the temple with a ceremony next Sunday. The temple committee members and pundits have organized for the punah sthapatya samarch–a set of religious functions to mark the opening of the temple–to continue until next week.

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