Dallas, Texas: Siddhayatan Tirth, North America’s first and largest Jain-Hindu pilgrimage site, hosted a historic inauguration on May 13, 2023, in Windom, Texas, near Dallas. Hundreds gathered to be the first to witness the dedication of 60 acres of holy sites and an 11,000-square-foot Jain-Hindu Temple. As the site is now the most significant holy site outside of India for the Jain and Hindu religious, most guests represented the Indian community from Dallas – Fort Worth and Houston. Still, some attendees came as far away as New Mexico, Canada, and California. Indian celebrities, government officials, and business leaders endorsed the event’s significance for the Indian community in the United States.
“Celebrating the inauguration of this meditation park and its temples gives all Texans the opportunity to learn of the rich traditions demonstrated in the Jain and Hindu communities throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex.” Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
“Inaugurating Siddhayatan Tirth’s temples and pilgrimage site is a momentous occasion that reminds us of the importance of staying connected to our cultural roots. This celebration of our traditions and values unites our Indian and Indian American community and brings us closer to our shared history, customs, and beliefs.” Erick Avari, Actor.
“Celebrations like the Inauguration of Siddhayatan Tirth are important milestones of Indian culture here in the United States.” Anjul Nigam, Actor/Producer.
The day was filled with traditional cultural practices led by founder H.H. Acharya Shree Yogeesh (आचार्य श्री योगीश), who guided temple blessings and procession and gave a special spiritual keynote message. Other activities included Indian classical music and dance performances by Nrithyarpanam Academy of Performing Arts, Dhol Player Tarak Shah “Dholi TK, Raagaleena Dance Academy, Raveendra Seetharam Sri Ram Music School, Srilaya Dance Academy, and Dallas Natyalaya.
Acharya Shree said, “Siddhayatan Tirth is a stepping stone in the world’s history which will lift up the value of human life and be a spiritual atmosphere to bring clarity and peace of mind to all. The grand opening celebration was a historic event filled with excitement, happiness, joy and divine energy. It will be a memorable event embedded in our hearts. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and supported us on this special day. We invite everyone to visit Siddhayatan Tirth.”
Siddhayatan Tirth is a non-profit spiritual, cultural, and educational organization founded by Acharya Shree Yogeesh in 2008 in Windom, Texas. The first North American Jain Sadhvis, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, a U.S. Army Veteran, and Sadhvi Anubhuti are spiritual teachers and award-winning filmmakers who help lead the organization.
Visit siddhayatantirth.org to learn more and plan your next visit.
