Organization background
The Sri Ranganatha Temple in Pomona, NY is a Vaishnavaite temple (presiding deity is Lord Vishnu (Sriman Narayana)), located in Pomona, NY. It follows the Visishtadvaita Philosophy as given by Bhagavad Sri Ramanujacharya, as elaborated by Sri NigamAntha Maha Desika and as currently followed by the Jeers of Sri Ahobila Mutt, India. Its construction was insprired by the 44th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt (His Holiness, Sri Mukkur Azhagiyasingar), with the objective of having an exclusive place of worship in the USA for Sriman Narayana. The Trust that runs the temple was registered in NY in Oct 1987, and the temple has been operating since 2001. In addition to carrying out regular religious functions, the temple also conducts classes relating to Hindu religious scriptures for adults and children, cultural programs relating to Indian dance, and music, and summer camps for children to educate them about Hindu culture and values. For further details, see here.

Project background
Religion and Culture are an important component of the sense of identity of an individual, and preserving that sense of group identity is an important facet of human life. Of the religions practised today, Hinduism is one of the most ancient. This religion prescribes a mode of living for individuals (that includes austerities, religious rituals etc.), as well as activities to be carried out by the broader community (rituals, studies, etc.). Unfortunately, the pressures of modern life make it increasingly difficult to follow these practices as an individual; however, the activities prescribed for the community are enthusiastically carried out in Hindu temples and ashrams, all over the world. Hence the temples and ashrams serve a very important role, as the preservers of Hindu traditions and culture, and ensure that the beliefs and values learnt over several millenia are not forgotten. GKF provides financial support to temples and ashrams, for activities related to preserving and nurturing the Hindu religion and culture.

Project description
The temple relies entirely on voluntary contributions from devotees to fund its operations. Over the years, the number of devotees thronging the temple has increased, and it is looking to both maintain and expand the current infrastructure, to accomodate the devotees, especially during important religious functions. As the temple serves a very important role as a preserver of Hindu traditions and culture, GKF provides financial support to the temple for infrastructre related activities.

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