HISTORY OF ARYA SPIRITUAL CENTER

Many years ago, even before I was born, a group of Caribbean/Indian immigrants joined together, in the pursuit of Dharma, and formed a Samaj. They met perhaps monthly, if possible more often, at a different individual's house each time, and joined their voices together to chant the sweet name of God, OM. Little by little this Samaj gradually expanded and came to a point where the individuals of this small but growing Samaj had a common mission of being united and to form a solid, permanent place where people like themselves could come and join together to worship God and further their teachings on Hinduism and Arya Samaj. With this, under the leadership of Pandit Ramlall, the first ideas of the Arya Spiritual Center were born.

Some months maybe even year’s later, members of this now grown Samaj met together for the purpose of forming an official public organization for their group and the community. "A meeting of the Arya Spiritual Center, an incorporated religious group, was duly called and held in conformity with the aforesaid Article of the Religious Corporations Law on October 15, 1984, at 144-03 87th Road, Jamaica, City and State of New York, at which a meeting a majority of the duly qualified voters of said temple, being at least six in number were present." This was how the incorporation, we now know as the Arya Spiritual Inc., was officially formed. –

 The purposes of the Arya Spiritual may have been numerous, but they were intended for the good of its members and the public at large.

a) To explain the cultural and religious ideals of Hinduism based on the teachings on the Vedas, and to promote monotheistic beliefs and practices.

b) To recognize and celebrate cultural and religious festivals and to cultivate a sense of knowledge and self-confidence in our young people.

c) To develop a closer understanding of Hindu culture and religion by having regular prayer meetings, discussions, and seminars.       

d) To plan and implement regular programs in music, drama, and sports for our youths and to teach the Hindi and Sanskrit languages. 

e) To work in cooperation with other religious and cultural bodies towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's culture.

f) To spread Vedic thoughts and ideals by organizing programs such as Yajnas, publication of books, magazines, tracts, tapes and camps for adults, youths, and women. 

g) To develop a closer understanding of God through the deepening of the spiritual life among the members of the Center.

 The Arya Spiritual Center, started in a basement at 144-03 87th road and through the support of its membership was able to purchase a building where the incorporation currently resides at 85-61 144street. The Mandir building, physically, has been through many changes, all for the better. The building both upstairs and downstairs were recently renovated and this helped amongst other factors to help our Mandir rise above all the rest and shine. The Executive Body of the Mandir may constantly be changing but all the members involved in this body have helped add their own personal touch to help this Mandir prosper throughout the years. Throughout the 15 years the Mandir was formed, various programs have been established and many programs and activities carried out. For example through the years, the Mandir has had, amongst other things:

-Weekly Yoga, Hindi, Music and Yajur Veda Classes

-Classical Dance classes

            - Annual Vir Dal Camp and Baal Divas program

            - Annual Youth and Adult Vedic Workshops 

            - Annual Phagwah/Diwali Parades

- Annual week long celebrations of Arya Samaj foundation

            - Numerous fundraising concerts/dinners/shows

            - Numerous health fairs

            - The initiation of a religious library

            - Weekly youth Vedic classes

            - Sale of books/religious items/tapes/etc.

- Annual celebrations of many religious festivals, such Phagwah, Diwali and Raksha Bandan

Also to help the Mandir become more update with the latest technology and to appeal to not only the membership of the Mandir, but the entire public at large, during the last two years, the launchings of the Mandir's religious television program, Veda Vaani and the official web site of the Arya Spiritual Center have taken place.

The Arya Spiritual Center has not only been known as a place where individuals with a common goal in mind come to meditate on God, but also has become a place where one can join a new family. The Mandir has in its years become one huge family. Mandir has become my extended family and I know there are many others who can say this as well. Many immigrants have to come to this Mandir and have been welcomed in its arms and found those who they can relate with because of a common background or religion.

             The Arya Spiritual Center has accomplished so much in the last 15 years, who knows where the next 15 years will take us. As the Arya Spiritual enters the new millennium, as well as its 16th birthday, the only way our Mandir will continue to prosper and be as successful that it can be is to have the entire membership stand united. "United we Stand, Divided we fall." The Arya Spiritual Center has been given well-deserved recognition as one of the top Arya Samaj Mandirs in New York. Maybe one day the Arya Spiritual Center will be spoken as of the shining star of the Arya Samaj World. One can only dream, but remember this Mandir only started as a dream in a few individuals’ hearts and look where some dreams can take us.

                                                                                     by Nadia Gurdial                                                                                    Youth of Arya Spiritual Center