CENTALLO, ITALY, October 20, 2025 (La Stampa, translated from Italian): “Jai Shri Krishna,” is a Sanskrit expression that translates to “Glory to Krishna,” one of the main Deities of Hinduism. The phrase is displayed at the temple’s entrance on a colorful banner, flanked by Ganesha, the elephant-headed God revered for His wisdom, intelligence and ability to remove obstacles, and Hanuman, the God who represents strength, devotion, loyalty and courage. It may not be the Taj Mahal, but for the Hindu community of the Granda district, the new temple in Centallo, in the Madonna dei Prati industrial area, is a dream come true. The first and only one in Piedmont built from scratch, thanks to a fundraiser involving about a hundred Indian compatriots from Centallo and Busca, united since 2018 in the eponymous Jai Shri Krishna group, and which subsequently attracted the support of hundreds more compatriots from across Piedmont.

Some donated their salaries, others taxed themselves, to contribute to a US$581,000 mortgage, purchase the land, and build a 4628-square-foot warehouse, equipped with a kitchen, bathrooms, and a large hall for major religious celebrations. For now, the building is still a bit bare, but the altars have already been assembled and will soon house the white marble statues of 15 Hindu Deities, handcrafted and colored in India. The furnishings will be completed and the sacred images installed. All in preparation for the inauguration, from November 7th to 9th. An event open to all, the first two days will be dedicated to the prana pratishta, the temple’s consecration ritual, officiated by a pujari (priest) arriving directly from India. Mayor Pino Chiavassa says: “The Indian community is a treasure for Centallo. Having arrived very quietly, they have integrated very well into our economic and social fabric, and have built something that represents a model of multi-ethnicity.”

https://www.lastampa.it/cuneo/2025/10/20/news/chi_ha_donato_lo_stipendio_chi_si_e_autotassato_cosi_e_nato_il_nuovo_tempio_induista_a_centallo-15359311/

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