Maha Ganapati Temple – Maricopa, Arizona, USA

Introduction

The Maha Ganapati Temple, located in Maricopa, Arizona, USA, is a divine haven dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the revered Hindu God known for removing obstacles and bestowing blessings. This sacred site is a realization of the vision set forth by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Kauai Aadheenam. In May 1999, a monumental event took place with the arrival of a 1400 lb., 4 ft. tall granite Ganesha murthi, crafted in Mahabalipuram, South India. This intricately carved Vigraha, received by Sri Chellappa & Sri Vignesh in LA, became the cornerstone for the temple’s establishment.

Officially incorporated as an Arizona Non-Profit Corporation on March 20, 2000, the temple embarked on its journey, finding its initial residence in a double trailer on a 15-acre land generously donated by the Gunnala family from 2002 to 2007. The dedicated Board of Directors worked tirelessly during this phase, raising funds to lay the foundation for the Maha Ganapati Temple in Maricopa. The infrastructure included a 7600-square-foot Maha Mandapa (Temple Hall) with 200 parking spaces and appropriate roadways. The sanctum sanctorum housed deities such as Lord Mahaganapati, Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu, and Navagrahas. The culmination of Phase 1 was marked in May 2008 with the Murthi Pranapathishtapana and Maha Kumbabishekam ceremonies, signifying a significant milestone in the temple’s mission to serve as a universal Hindu place of worship for all denominations and sects in Arizona.

Today, the Maha Ganapati Temple stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of its founders, contributors, and the Hindu community in Arizona. It continues to thrive as a spiritual hub, offering a serene space for devotees to connect with the divine and seek blessings for a harmonious life.