February 20, 2008

North America Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta (NASSTA) celebrated a 3-day Sankusthapana Mahothsavam between Feb 15th and 17th. More than two thousand devotees visited the temple during the main event Sankusthapana and Nidhi Kumbhastapana on Feb 17th.Pouring showers brought divine blessings after the Sankustapna and Nidhi Kumbhastapana.

NASSTA was founded on April 2001 and opened its doors to devotees on October 15, 2002. NASSTA acquired 13.5 acres of land in Suwanee, a suburb of Atlanta, GA. Phase 1 scope of work includes a 13,500 sq. ft. permanent temple building that consist of sanctum sanctorum, prayer hall on the 2nd floor and kitchen, dining Hall, office, library and other utility rooms on the 1st floor. The estimated project cost for phase 1 is approximately $4.0 million and is scheduled to be completed by October 2008. The temple is procuring Baba statue (Vigraha) from world renowned Baba Shilpi Mr. Rajiv Talim, grandson of Mr. Mr.Sri Balaji Vasant Talim, sculptor of Baba statue that is consecrated at Shirdi Sai Sansthan, Shirdi. Shirdi Sai Temple of Atlanta is one of the most visited and going to be one of the largest Baba temples in United States.

Phase 2 scope is to include a multi-purpose hall, additional parking and plaza development. Phase 3 project scope consists of priest quarters and a meditation hall.

NASSTA requests all Baba devotees to come forward and contribute funds and volunteer services for temple construction. For more details, visit www.TempleOfPeace.org.