DANVILLE, Pa. — On Jerseytown Road near Danville in Montour County, the brand-new Shanti Mandir — which means “Peace Temple” — is ready to welcome worshippers and visitors alike.

Construction on the temple began less than two years ago, but the idea had been taking shape for much longer as local Hindu families searched for a spiritual home closer to their communities.

Board members say seeing the temple finally complete fills them with gratitude and hope for the future. “Seeing the community come together and more importantly the participation that we’ve seen and the culture that we’re able to share, it’s phenomenal,” said Bhanushali, the temple board’s president.

Before Shanti Mandir was built, the nearest Hindu temples were many miles away, often requiring families to travel long distances for prayer, festivals, and community gatherings. That distance was one of the driving forces behind building a new temple closer to home.

“The inner, deeper connection of educational activities that this temple can offer, so it’s temple specific goals,” explained board member Zankhana Mehta, describing how Shanti Mandir will also serve as a cultural and educational center for the region.
Local businesses played an important role in bringing the vision to life, providing everything from construction services to décor and landscaping. Board members say they plan to keep future work local, creating a mutually supportive relationship between the temple and nearby small businesses.

The temple’s leadership says Shanti Mandir’s mission goes beyond prayer — the temple will host cultural programs, youth activities, and educational classes to strengthen connections within the local Hindu community and help neighbors learn about Hindu traditions and festivals.

As the temple opens its doors, organizers say the future will depend on community engagement. “We look forward to participation not just from our neighbors or local friends, but also from distant Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and that’s where we see the growth of the temple,” Bhanushali added.

The grand inauguration is scheduled for this weekend, with celebrations planned for both Saturday and Sunday, featuring prayers, music, traditional food, and opportunities for neighbors of all backgrounds to tour the new facility and learn about its significance.

With its peaceful mission and community-minded approach, Shanti Mandir’s board hopes the temple will become a spiritual and cultural anchor for generations to come.

Originally reported by Hinduism Today.