About Town - Fireworks

Photo by Emilie Kastner
Devotees light candles as part of Diwali, the Festival of
Lights, which celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the provider
of eight types of wealth.
and a funeral, said Jonnalagadda. “Every Hindu follows
Samkaras.”
Devotees follow the teachings of four scriptures, Rig Veda
being the most commonly followed. These scriptures have
been written in Sanskrit, an official language of India
used for incantations and chanting. In addition to its use
as a place of worship, the temple is also an avenue for
community outreach and a school.
A medical doctor who graduated from the University of
Minnesota in family practice, Jyothsna Reddy has been
establishing Sri Venkateswara Temple School, of which
enrollment was closed on the first day of class due to
its overwhelming popularity. “We teach many Indian
languages: Hindi, Telugu and Tamil,” said Madhu Reddy.
“We also teach music, culture, yoga and meditation.”
Commonly in attendance are students from Shakopee,
Richfield, Edina, Plymouth, Eagan and other surrounding
suburbs. The temple also hosts monthly health care series
with speakers of Indian origin who talk about a range of
topics including insomnia, depression, nutrition and heart
conditions.
The Reddys always intended on returning to India, but
now they’re heavily involved in the community. “When
you come here, then you have family, children … Then
you decide to stay here; then you’re stuck here,” he
said, laughing. “I always thought I would come here a
few years and then go back. That never happened.” The
couple said they’re free to travel back and forth, and they
have a house in India should they choose to do so.
“I look forward to going back [to the temple] again with
some of the Hindu residents of Edina to experience the
traditions, the music, the gentle nature of the people and
to try to better understand the religion and its beliefs,”
said Hovland, who encourages Edina residents to visit.
“The temple is open to all and it is a wonderful addition
to our faith community.”
For more information, call 952-835-2250, email
manager@svtemplemn.org or visit www.svtemplemn.org.
��� � � � � � � � � � � � � �