Project Prakruthi
#NammaPeriyavaKovil
Saving Soil Together
Nature and The Environment are not outside us. They are an inseparable part of our existence, and they constitute our very bodies. The Vedas
"O Arjuna! I reside in the heart of all beings. I am the beginning, sustenance and the end of them all" Bhagavad Gita, Ch:10 Verse: 20
Together WE can make...
Partnering with like - minded organizations such as EarthDay.org, National Wildlife Federation, US Department of Agriculture - NJ NRCS, NJ Water Supply Authority and other local authorities helps us take our mission forward, influence the eco - friendly changes in the local community and have a positive impact on the environment.
Initiatives to get involved... Plant a Tree (Vruksha Paalanam)
Trees represent selfless life on this vast earth. The goal of the Vruksha Paalanam initiative at Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam is to plant more trees that are native and promote organic upkeep. Native landscaping uses far less water and provides a natural habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife, thus benefiting local ecosystems and biodiversity. The organic upkeep of these trees and shrubs protects soil from being polluted with chemical fertilizers. This initiative is a great opportunity to be a part of, to help promote biodiversity and lead a sustainable lifestyle.

A Dream come True | Namma Periyava Kovil – a Way of Life…

Save Soil (Bhumi Poshanam)

People's Garden (Nandavana Kainkaryam)

Conserve Wildlife (Bhoota Yajnam)

... Big Impacts with Small Changes
#NammaPeriyavaKovil

Sanatana Dharma, as a way of life, lays out certain duties that are to be carried out during the lifetime of a person. One of those duties laid out is to respect and protect the environment that nurtures us with its bounty. Nature and the environment are held with great reverence with each natural element given the place of Devas. The many ways to pay respects to every Deva are laid out in the Vedas. Our esteemed Acharyas were proponents of the Vedas and the Vedic lifestyle, which not only paid reverence to the Devas but also considered Earth, Nature, and all animals as forms of God. Therefore, going green, being eco-friendly and sustainable were weaved into the day to day practices of this lifestyle.
With the blessings of our Acharyas, we have initiated Project Prakruthi. The goal of this initiative is to carry out our duty to preserve our Mother Earth for future generations. This is the motivation to establish Sri MahaPeriyava Manimandapam NJ, USA as one of a kind low-waste and a self-sustainable place of worship.
To start off with, the facility has been equipped with a storm water run-off pit that channels rainwater to the stream behind the temple, preventing it from getting into the sewage system. Efforts are also being made to incorporate native plants and trees that are indigenous to the New Jersey area. This will reduce the use of water for irrigation and the excessive dependence on fertilizers.
With the Balaalayam opened, there is an effort to reduce the use of plastic in and around the Kovil. All prasadam services are done using reusable or compostable cutlery which do not cause further damage to the environment at large and to the local community. Trash disposal will be separated based on the type of waste and impact to the environment. Long term plans include the setup of a compost pit, solar or other natural forms of energy, gho-shala, Net Zero Greenhouse Nandavanam that will be used to grow the flowers required for nithya-poojai, and a small scale produce garden that can provide the vegetables and fruits required for prasadam.
Apart from this, a bee-farm is also being planned to ensure fresh and most natural honey to be used for prasadam and neivedyam. Prayers to our Acharyas to continue this divine endeavor along with everyone towards self- sustainability.
At present, we are seeking a lot of volunteers to be part of #ProjectPrakruthi. If you can give a hand towards this green initiative, please contact us today.
For more information, you may also write to us at prakruthi@mahaperiyava.org