TEMPLE HISTORY and EVOLUTION

Sri Ganesha Temple and the Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee (HCCT) have provided a place for cultural, educational and religious activities related to Hinduism in Nashville since 1985. What began with 13 acres, is now a sprawling 31-acre campus serving numerous families of Indian descent in middle Tennessee. The centerpiece of this complex is the Sri Ganesha Temple, built in Chola style of architecture, housing the three main deities of Ganesha, Shiva and Venkateshwara.

In 2023, the Board of Trustees embarked on an ambitious project aimed at permanently addressing water intrusion into the building from damaged concrete and architecturally intricate vimanas. With a vision to increase prayer space and add unmatched grandiosity, a Rajagopuram leading into upper-level entrance foyer complemented by redesigned front stairs and entrance vestibules are planned.

Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee (HCCT) has seen unprecedented devotee traffic in recent years. With an aim to enhance devotee experience and address the needs of the growing population in Middle Tennessee, the Board of Trustees are planning additional community gathering spaces. A large Dining and Educational complex with state-of-the-art facilities, ground-level Ratha shelter, additional priest condominiums and much-needed parking infrastructure has been added to the masterplan. Security enhancements will include monitored surveillance systems, on-site personnel and fencing of the whole campus.

HCCT is a community-supported 501(c)(3) institution. The Restoration and Enhancement Project will not be possible without the support of the larger Hindu community. Whether you live in Middle Tennessee or visit the Temple from near or far, this ambitious endeavor will need an unwavering commitment from everyone to preserve this cultural and religious heritage—for generations to come.

Phase 1 (2024 – 2027)

Includes removal of damaged concrete, waterproofing damaged areas, roof replacement, repair of the vimanas and re-installation of decorative concrete. The East Plaza would be finished to increase Sanctum proximal space. A new 52-feet Rajagopuram housing the Mahadwaram with reconfigured semi-circular stairs will form the front entrance of the Temple. Upper-level expansive foyer (Nootan Samagamastanam) and lower-level climate-controlled entry vestibules will bring the best of modern building technology and traditional Indian architecture to Nashville. Cost: 4 million USD.

Phase II (2026 – 2030)

Will consist of construction of additional New Priest Quarters. Site development for Dining & Educational Complex on North side and Parking Lot on South side will be followed by a two-level attached building on the north side of the temple which will house a 5000 sf Dining Hall, commercial food-prep areas and large kitchen. Multiple classroom-style spaces on the upper level will provide a permanent home for Bal Vihar and can be repurposed for meetings, music and dance studios and small private gatherings. A South-facing Ratha Shelter will bring the Ratha to ground level for festive processions. Parking enhancements will be done synchronously. Cost: 8 million USD.

The completion of the Restoration and Expansion Project will be marked by the Treethiya Mahakumbhabhishekam in Summer 2030.

The proposed total budget for Phase 1 of expansion would be $4 million and expected date of completion is Spring 2027. Phase 2 will start in 2026 with an expected cost of $8 million. The membership of the Sri Ganesha Temple Nashville hopes to raise these funds through your generous contribution for this project. This is a unique opportunity to become a part of the temple’s history. Your contributions will go a long way in supporting the religious, cultural and educational needs of the community for today, and for generations to come.

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made via check, cash or credit card at the temple. Donations can also be made by mail or on our website at www.ganeshatempletn.org for the ‘Expansion fund’. Donations of appreciated stock can be made to the HCCT investment account. Pledges made for this purpose are payable over five years. Hindu Cultural Center of Tennessee is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donation will qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Level of contribution and individual item sponsorship will be recognized on social media quarterly and in the inauguration souvenirs published in 2027 and 2030. The temple will also recognize contributions at the Conservator Level at $1,000,000; Benefactor Level at $400,000; Patron Member Level at $100,000; and Endowment Member Level at $25,000 on a permanent plaque in the elevator lobby.

Restoration and Expansion Project Contributions/Pledges will be recognized at the following levels:

• Diamond Plus: $250K; Diamond: $150K
• Platinum: $100K
• Gold: $50K; Silver: $25K; Bronze: $10K

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsorship for the individual items listed below is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Items with an asterisk (*) will include participation in a special individualized dedication pooja. Items with # include a 22-carat gold-plated kalashas.

Need more info?

CONTACT:

Naveen Srinivas
Email: nagaari9@gmail.com
Cell: 615 491 8936

Sunil Kaza
Email: sunilkaza@hotmail.com
Cell: 615 351 7987

Pankaj Srivastava
Email: psriv@hotmail.com
Cell: 731 445 4987

Thanigs Muthu
Email: thanigz@gmail.com
Cell: 615 260 5688

Jyotheen Karam
Email: jyotheen@hotmail.com
Cell: 615 347 0918

Sri Ganesha Temple

527 Old Hickory Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37209
www.ganeshatempletn.org