Pictorials of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Shri Surya Narayan Mandir of Jamaica, Queens. The Mandir was founded by Pt Hardowar Panday who became Dharmacharya. He was from Skeldon., Corentyne, Guyana.
The Mandir was inaugurated in 1993. Its first location was on 204 Street and Jamaica Avenue. It relocated to 173rd Street, off Jamaica Ave. Several individuals played a significant role in its founding and in the transformation of buildings to make the mandir.
Following the death of Dharmacharya ji, his son Pt Ram Hardowar became spiritual leader. Pt Ram was chosen by New York Pandits as President of the Federation of Hindu Mandirs, serving in that role for sever tears. He was elected earlier this year as Dharmacharya of Hindus.
The 30th-anniversary program was held on Sunday afternoon from to 6 PM on July 23 at the mandir. Tributes were paid to contributors. A history of the mandir was narrated by the daughter-in-law of Pandit Hardowar Panday. The Mandir is patronized mostly by the Indian Caribbean diaspora as well as nationals from other countries including India.
