Hindu Center of Charlotte

The Hindu Center of Charlotte is nestled within a peaceful sub-division off of Independence Blvd. During the 1960's and 1970's, many families with ancestral ties in India began to settle in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. By 1981, there were approximately 350 such families in the area. These families felt a need to educate their children about their cultural and religious background. They also felt the need to have an official place of worship.

In the spring of 1981, a group of Duke Power Co. engineers in cooperation with the local community formed ad-hoc committees to establish the Hindu Center. In May of 1981, a constitution was drafted and accepted by the community and fundraising began. CROP, or Children's Religious Oriented Program, was also started as a bi-weekly children's Sunday program. While building the temple, groups met at various places, including the YMCA, Bombay Palace [local Indian restaurant], and in the homes of community members.

In November of 1981, 2.4 acres of land was purchased. In April of 1982, the foundation stone was laid. On July 24, 1982, construction of the Hindu Center was completed and it was officially inaugurated. Since that time, the Hindu Center has grown and now owns approximately 9.3 acres of land. Plans and fundraising for further expansion are now in progress. The Hindu Center has had very few problems with zoning or protests by the outside community. They are extremely happy with the community in which the temple is located.

The Hindu Center was built on land purchased by the Hindu community of Charlotte. It is made up of two main sections. One section is used for worship and another for eating and various community activities such as baby showers, birthday parties, wedding receptions, etc. The community has also purchased the house beside the center for the priest. It currently has plans to expand its worship area so that the gods can be in the center of the room and members can circle around the gods (parikrama). Currently, the gods are lined up at the back of the room and members face them, like an audience faces a stage.

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