South Dakota's first Hindu temple opening soon

People who practice Hinduism, considered one of the oldest religions in the world, will soon have a place to worship in South Dakota.

A Hindu temple will open soon in Tea. The temple is considered the “first Hindu temple in the Dakotas”.

Hindu Temple of Siouxland was scheduled to open Sunday, but a wet spring and summer delayed construction. A new opening date will be announced soon.

According to a news release from Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, there is a considerable growth of Hindu populations in the Dakotas. Zed commended efforts of temple leaders and area community towards realizing this much needed Hindu temple.

Ancient Hindu rituals will form part of opening ceremonies; which will reportedly include prayers chanting, offering of flowers, bhajans, liturgical dance, aarti, etc. Cost estimates for the two phases of the temple are listed as $585,000. Bhoomi Pooja of the temple site was held in 2016.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world has about 1.1 billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.