GROTON, MA—With donations pouring in from across the United States, the construction of the largest Sai Temple in North America in Groton, MA, is marching ahead with full force. The temple, which isbeing built by New England Shirdi Sai Parviaar, known as NESSP, broke ground last August.
Temple officials said the foundation is now ready, steel structure work will start in June and the framing of steel structure is scheduled to be completed by September this year. The entire phase one completion of the Temple is slated to ready by end of this year.
“NESSP is pleased to share that in year 2015, we had received good funds from across North America, including a $170,000 donation from and Atlanta-based devotee and a $1.7 Million donation from an anonymous group of donors,” a temple officials said in a statement. “Although the mission center is based in Massachusetts, the overwhelming support is there from states like North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, California, Atlanta in addition to being supported by devotees from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut.”
As of today, the organization is falling short of $500,000 to complete the first phase of temple construction, according to the statement.
“NESSP seeking community donations and generous financial support from all the devotees and donors for reaching the goal and each of your contributions will make a huge difference to it,” the statement said.
When fully completed, the two-story, 40,000-square-foot temple will be largest Sai Temple in North America. The sprawling 28-acre campus is located in two neighboring towns of Groton and Littleton. Four acres of the land is located in Littleton. The venue GPS location is 719 Great Road, Littleton, MA. Temple is actually being constructed in Groton. Reading, MA-based NM Construction Corp. is the general contractor. The project architect is Braintree, MA-based BD Nayak Architects.
The first phase of construction of the temple complex will include a temple building, a kitchen, a big dining hall and few community rooms. The second phase will include three residential units for priests and a 500-seat auditorium.
The temple will be will be open to everyone and people can hold weddings, ayengetrams and other community and cultural events. The temple complex will provide a great venue for poojas, learning and weddings where havans in open can be held and barat (wedding party) can come with horses and full festivities like in India.
NESSP currently operates out of a 7,200-square-foot rented facility in Chelmsford, MA, and will relocate to the new facility when it is completed in 2016. The temple acquired the land for $1.14 million and will spend an additional $10 million to build the new complex.
Founded in 2006, New England Shirdi Sai Parviaar (NESSP) is a non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote the philosophy of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba and to accordingly support religious, spiritual, cultural and charitable activities. NESSP was formed by devotees who share their love for Shri Shirdi Sai Baba and are inspired by His teachings. For more information, visit www.NESSP.org.
