History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Southwest Ranches, Florida, America
The Shiva Vishnu Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage and a religious organization in Florida (the United States). The temple was built mainly for Hindu families living in Florida. They needed a proper place to worship. The presiding deities of this temple are, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, as the name suggests. The large community hall inside the temple has a set up for about 300 people to seat. Apart from Lord Shiva and Vishnu, other deities such as Ayyappa Swami, Shri Mahalaxmi, Shri Ram, Lord Ganesha, Shri Krishna, and many other deities reside inside the temple.
The Hindu people residing in Florida felt an urge for a place of worship. It was difficult for them to find a proper place to perform cultural ceremonies. Soon after this urge, the idea of building a temple came to people’s minds. The planning of the temple started in 1996. The chief architect was Dr. Ganapati Sthapati, who was a famous Indian temple architect. The people residing in Florida gave large donations for the completion of the temple. It took almost 3 years to get all the permits related to the construction of the temple. Once everything was clear, the building of the temple started in 1999. 12 artisans flew to Florida from India to help in the construction of the temple. The total area of the complex was about 6200 square feet. Apart from the Indian families, many foreign residents also donated funds for the construction of the temple. Apart from that the Hindu followers from other international countries also donated to the temple. The temple complex comprises two buildings. The second one among them is the community hall. The construction of this hall was finished by 2001.
Architecture of Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida
The architecture of the temple follows the Indian style. The 12 artisans who came from India helped in traditionally constructing the temple. There are two separate constructions in the complex. The first building is the main temple, where the deities reside. All the religious ceremonies and worships are done here. The second building is the giant community hall with an accommodation of 300 people to seat. The temple building has two large entrance towers (Raja Gopurams). Two towers (Vimana Gopurams) are present on the top of each of the Shiva and Vishnu temples. The architecture of the temples is a blending of different Indian eras. The Shiva and Parivar temples have a touch of architectural pattern that belongs to the Pallava and Chola dynasty era. On the other hand, the Vishnu and Parivar temples are examples of the architectural style of the Vijayanagara dynasty era. The Ayyappa temple reflects the Keralian style of architecture.
Festivals celebrated at Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Florida, USA
Maha Shivratri is the biggest festival celebrated in this temple. The people follow all the rituals properly. They offer fruits, flowers, milk, honey, and other ingredients to the deity. A huge crowd is seen during the Shivratri. 4 priests in the temple perform all the rituals with great devotion. Ram Navami is another festival celebrated here. The local Hindu people celebrate every festival with great fidelity.
Daily darshan time of Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Florida, USA
The temple gates remain open for visitors from 9.00 am to 12 noon and 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. The gates are closed from 12 noon to 6.00 pm. Although, this schedule is only for weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, the gates remain open from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm.
The Shiva Vishnu temple is a very famous travel destination in Florida. It is one of the major Hindu pilgrimages, present in the United States of America.
How to Reach of Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Southwest Ranches, Florida, USA
If you are traveling from India, there are flights to the United States from every major international airport. Reaching there, you must take the connecting flight to Florida. Reaching Florida airport, there are plenty of cab facilities available to reach the temple.
The nearby option is the Fort Lauderdale Airport Tri-Rail. The temple is 23 minutes away from the station.
Buses are also available from other neighbouring cities, to reach the temple.
