NORTH BILLERICA, MA— A long-held dream of the New England Hindu community came to radiant life last week with the grand inauguration of the OM Hindu Community Center (OMHCC) in North Billerica, Massachusetts.
The historic Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav, held from May 1 to May 4, marked the formal consecration of the new 10,500-square-foot spiritual and cultural center, drawing more than 2,000 attendees and over 90 priests, along with the blessings of revered saints and swamis from across the nation.
A Vision Realized
The center, located at 240 Boston Road, stands nestled between native trees and the tranquil Concord River. It represents more than just a mandir (temple); it is a holistic community hub that brings together prayer, education, tradition, and service under one roof. Designed to serve the intergenerational needs of Greater Boston’s Indian-American population, the center features a temple, two multipurpose halls, classrooms, meeting rooms, and ample parking—just minutes from Route 3 and I-495.
“This is a space to address the life cycle needs of our children, our youth, our families, and our elderly,” said Dr. Abhaya Asthana, former national president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and a key force behind the center’s development.
Sacred Rituals and Ceremonial Detail
The Pran Pratishtha—the sacred Hindu ritual to invoke divine presence in temple deities—was the spiritual centerpiece of the four-day celebration. The ceremonies were presided over by Pandit Sivacharya Sri Bairavarji and a team of 12 Boston-area priests, including 13-year-old Anirudh, a Vedic prodigy. The event’s planning, execution, and participation embodied the community’s dedication to both tradition and excellence.
Each day of the Mahotsav was imbued with deep spiritual significance:
Thursday, May 1: Foundations of the Divine
The first day focused on preparation. Rituals included Ganesh Puja, Punyahavachan Ganapathy, Navagraha Homam, Gow Puja, and Vasthu Shanti, culminating in the evening with Ashwa & Yagasala Puja, Hawan, and Arathi.
Friday, May 2: The Invocation
Devoted entirely to Pran Pratishtha, the day began at 6:00 AM with intricate rites such as Nadi Sandanam, Jeevadhi Nysa, and Netro Meelanam, followed by Kalasa Procession, MahaKumbhabhishekam, and Maha Aarthi. The evening featured soulful Bhajans and Kirtans, led by Smt. Aparna Balaji.
Saturday, May 3: Vedic Power and Community Recognition
A spectacular Maha Rudram/Abhishekam was performed by 80 Ritviks from New England. The Namakam and Chamakam chants filled the temple as 121 Kalashams were poured over the Shivling. In parallel, key contributors to the center’s realization were honored in a special session.
Sunday, May 4: Culmination and Youth Engagement
The final day featured Vishnu Sahasranamam, Ved Parayan, and an uplifting children-led Lalita Sahasranamam, coordinated by Smt. Deep and Shri Rajesh Vaidheeswarran, concluding with a grand Maha Aarthi.
Saints, Swamis, and Community Blessings
The event was graced by revered figures such as Pujya Sadhvi Ritabhara Ji (Didi Ma) and Swami Svatmananda Ji of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, who offered blessings and underscored the ceremony’s spiritual significance. Senior leaders from VHPA and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) also attended, including Smt. Tejal Shah, the current VHPA president, with participants traveling from as far as Texas and Illinois.
A Living Center of Culture and Heritage
The OMHCC is more than just an architectural achievement. The center aims to serve as a lasting intergenerational space for Hindus of all denominations to engage with their spiritual roots and cultural heritage. The temple’s first level welcomes visitors with Apsaras, elephants, and sanctums for deities like Surya, Durga, Ram-Sita, Shiv-Parvati, and Krishna, as well as six Gurus including Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak, and Adi Shankaracharya.
The second level, accessible by stairs or elevator, includes a library dome, a stage hall adorned with Nataraj and goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Shakti, three classrooms, a boardroom, and displays of six Rishis such as Sushruta, Valmiki, and Patanjali. Facilities like shoe storage, ample restrooms, and coat rooms make it user-friendly for large community gatherings.
Deep Community Involvement
Every aspect of the celebration reflected meticulous planning and collective effort—from volunteer-led parking at nearby town lots in Billerica and Chelmsford, to a seamless registration and hospitality team. The event was also marked by Satvik meals served daily in traditional style to priests and attendees, prepared with devotion and care. Minerva Indian Cuisine of Norwood catered the broader community meals.
On May 1, town officials from Billerica and Chelmsford were honored for their collaboration. On May 3, major donors were recognized. On May 4, leaders from area Hindu temples were formally acknowledged.
Looking Ahead
Now that the center has been inaugurated, daily evening Nitya Puja and Aarti will be held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The next major event will feature a tree-planting ceremony by a visiting celebrity politician from India, marking the start of environmental stewardship aligned with spiritual growth.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, community leader Sanjay Kaul shared, “Personally, for me and Bela, it was a divine opportunity and experience to be part of the OM Hindu Community Center Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav. The firsthand opportunity to witness the puja rituals leading to Pran Pratishtha, the positive vibrations and the electrifying atmosphere with the presence of our Purohit’s, Swami’s and Ritwik’s was a blessing and divine experience. Those who watched it live from other countries commented that they have not experienced such a celebration anywhere and that for us feels like, ‘Mission Accomplished.’”
A Temple, A Community, A Legacy
As the OM Hindu Community Center opens its doors to daily prayer, education, and service, it stands as a living monument to the vision, faith, and collective strength of New England’s Hindu community. Its mission—rooted in shraddha (faith), shiksha (education), samskriti (culture), sadhana (practice), samskar (values), satsang (fellowship), and seva (service)—ensures it will serve not only the present generation, but countless generations to come.
