BERBICE, GUYANA, April 22, 2014 (Kaieteur News): The Hindu Society of Berbice opened the multi-million-dollar Shri Krishna Mandir with a grand ceremony on Sunday at Gay Park, Greater New Amsterdam. The edifice, which models the rare designs of Hindu places of worship in Southern India, is a rarity among architectural designs in these parts of the world. President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar were present as were thousands of Hindus from across Guyana.
Hindu activist Mrs. Chandrowtie Maraj noted that a former structure was erected in the area in the 1990’s. The old mandir was located adjacent to the present structure, she added, but became termite-infested over time. The new Shri Krishna Mandir is complemented by a Maha Kali and Bhagwan Shiva Mandir sitting on both sides in the compound. Its intricately interior and exterior designs go hand-in-hand with its exquisite ceilings and elaborate towering domes.
Guru Dr. Prema Panduraji, a Television personality said, “When one enters a mandir, all bad and evil thoughts are gone. You are closer to God, that’s why when you come to a temple; you greet everybody with a smile.” She said that nothing in Hinduism is secular. “Our art is spiritual; Mathematics, dance, music, literature–everything is spiritual…That is why when you come to the temple, you are intuitively, naturally, spontaneously spiritual–that is what happens.”