NAGPUR, Jan 19: A grand three-storey temple, said to be first Vishnu Sahasranaam Mandir in the country, would be constructed on the banks of Chandrabhaga river at pilgrim centre of Pandharpur.The idea to construct such a mandir was mooted with a view to bring together followers of different Hindu sects, said Acharya Jaganath Maharaj Pawar, President of Devgiri Charitable Trust, Aurangabad. He was here to attend a two-day camp organised to make devotees aware of the temple construction programme.Addressing a press conference, he said the construction work would begin on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa, the Hindu new year day. The unique temple would come up on land measuring 175 ft x 130 ft. The ground floor would have facilities for devotees and sadhakas to carry out spiritual activities and for meditation while the first floor will provide accommodation. The top floor would have walls fitted with granite tiles, having `Vishnu Sahasranaam' inscribed in brass plates.The job of of making 150 granite and marble tiles has been assigned to a city firm. The tiles with sahasranaam inscribed on them will be taken in a procession from city to the pilgrim town of Pandharpur. Decorated vehicles carrying the tiles will lead the procession.Explaining the idea behind constructing such a temple, the Acharya said followers of different sects will be attracted as names all Hindu gods will be included in the Sahasranaam inscribed on tiles.The funds, he said, would be raised through contributions. Devotees can sponsor a shloka on tiles by donating Rs 5,001 or sponsor a name in sahasranaam by donating Rs 2,001. Names of the donors will be displayed on another set of tiles. He said the trust has plans to hold 40 camps all over the State to make devotees aware of the temple construction plan. A series of such camps has already been organised in Marathwada. The camp in city concluded yesterday. Local associates Dr Gopal Bele, Sitaram Talekar and Govind Bele were present at press conference.
