Hindus in Netherlands to build largest temple

Maa Chandi Foundation, plans to build what it claims to "the largest Mandir outside India" in Zuid-Holland province.

A Hindu organisation in the Netherlands, Maa Chandi Foundation, plans to build what it claims to "the largest Mandir outside India" in Zuid-Holland province.

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Tne mandir is being constructed at an estimated cost of about Rs 420 crore (75 million euros), Dutch news agency ANP reported today.

"We are currently negotiating with several municipalities on the location," a Foundation spokesman was quoted by the agency as saying. "Our preference is a site somewhere between Rotterdam and The Hague", he said.

"The funds are mainly planned to be raised through revenues from big public events to be organised in near future in places like the Amsterdam Arena", the spokesman said.

The Arena is the homeground for Amsterdam soccer club Ajax.

The spokesman said the mandir would cater to the needs of the Hindu population in Holland where "they can experience the original Hindu culture and Faith".

Besides, he said, the Dutch people show a great interest in Hindu culture, which includes yoga, meditation, classical dance, ancient Indian philosophy and traditional Eastern wisdom.

An estimated 14000 Indians or people of Indian origin live in the Netherlands.