I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Apr 2003. This was my first trip to US and had been looking forward to see places. My friends, Balaji and Vivek had been studying in Morgantown, West Virginia. So they happen to be the ones who took me to the temple for the first time. Since then I had been to the temple on a number of occasions that hence do not track the count anymore.
The temple is located at Penn Hills around 15 miles from Pittsburgh downtown on I-376 towards Monroeville. The first time I visited there, I felt good to see a place that resembled Tirupati. I wanted to be closer to this temple. Little did I know that my silent wish would be fulfilled shortly when my work location moved closer to Monroeville in few months. I moved to an apartment about 5 minutes from the temple.
Later, I had the opportunity to invite my mom over to US. She loved the temple and the area I was staying. She also attended few concerts in Carnatic Music and Classical Dance at the temple auditorium. When I returned to US after my marriage, I ensured I brought my wife to this place and seek the blessing of the Lord at this temple.
This temple is very special to me and will always be. Below is the photo of the gopuram of the temple.
About SV Temple
SV Temple is the "Desi" short form of Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Pittsburgh. The temple's main deity is Lord Venkateshwara. There is also sannidhi for Thaaiyaar, Andaal & Lord Ganesha. The most important aspect of this temple is that it is modeled after the Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati. You can read more about the temple and its importance here.
The website for this temple is SVtemple.org. You can find below the terrestrial view of the temple (courtesy Google Maps).
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