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We, the members of the Minnesota Hindu Dharmic Sabha Vishnu Mandir, united in our devotion to Hindu principles and practices, ordain this organization and establish this document as a set of bylaws to govern the functioning and administration of our sacred space.

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Our Mandir and cultural organization are known currently as the Minnesota Hindu Dharmic Sabha
(MHDS) Vishnu Mandir. It serves as a sanctuary for spiritual growth, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, fostering an environment where individuals can connect with the Divine and with one another.

The founding members immigrated from Guyana and India and settled in Minnesota, they are: Pandit
Paul and Umrawatti Persaud, Manohar and Leila Lachman, Dasain and Brijrani Motilall, Mohan and
Simony Singh, Bridge and Betty Badhwa and Krishna and Savitri Seeley.

In the early to mid-80’s these couples would congregate on occasions to discuss the importance of
preserving and promoting our traditions, culture and Santan Dharma, especially for future generations.
In October of 1985, Mr. and Mrs. Seeley introduced MHDS Vishnu Mandir Constitution and officially
registered our Organization in the State of Minnesota.

Pandit Paul Persaud was very instrumental in uniting our community by maintaining and promoting our
culture. Being the only Guyanese Pandit in Minnesota during that time, he took on the leadership role by conducting weekly services, special puja’s, marriages, funerals and provided spiritual guidance’s for the members of our community.

MHDS members would meet for gatherings and Puja’s, at Mr. and Mrs. Latchman’s basement, then later to their garage. After about four years it was moved to Mr. and Mrs. Pandit Paul Persaud’s residence where an extended garage was constructed in 1989 to accommodate the growing members.

As the Guyanese, Trinidadians and West Indian population continued to grow in Minnesota, the concern for a facility to accommodate the members was of utmost importance. Most of our members were seniors then and the urgency for fundraising was a top priority. Lead by Krishna Seeley and with the help of a few enthusiastic helpers, MHDS Vishnu Mandir first cultural fundraising event was a big success with 300+ attendees. We also raised funds from employers’ donations and selling of happening books. In the mid 90’s the MHDS Vishnu Mandir was able to acquire enough funds to purchase a facility, which was the Lyndale Ave location.

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Today, at our current location the MHDS Vishnu Mandir boasts a beautiful 9000sqft facility that was
purchased in 2006.

Our organization is not just for Guyanese and Trinidadians or Americans, we encourage and welcome
everyone to join our community and participate.

MHDS Vishnu Mandir is a non-profit member owned organization, all positions held by members are
non-paid and strictly voluntary. MHDS solely operates on the generous donations of food items, supplies, funds and other resources, from our community members and families.
We are extremely proud and grateful to our members and our community for their continuous
contributions and support.

 

Thanks for keeping our culture and traditions alive.