Why Mandir?

Help Build a Cultural and Spiritual Legacy

By contributing to the Pashupati Buddha Mandir of NC, you’re not only supporting a space for worship and community—you’re preserving Nepali heritage, fostering unity, and providing a lasting foundation for generations to come. Join us in creating a sanctuary that celebrates our roots and enriches our future.

“As the Nepalese diaspora in the RTP area continues to gather steam with no rate of slowdown, the need for our own community center has become increasingly urgent. For years, there has been a debate whether to establish this center within NCNC or as a separate entity or whether to include religious aspects or focus solely on community needs. While there are several Hindu Temples and Buddha Stupa in the area, each is managed by different groups and they cannot cater to our specific requirements for a venue, a hall, a classroom space, and other facilities geared towards serving us”

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about why Mandir?

Why not Community Center within NCNC?

While a community center is essential, financing such a project without the inclusion of a religious attachment such as Mandir would have been challenging. The Mandir plays a significant role in attracting donations and support from those who see it as both a cultural and spiritual necessity. As a result, the only viable option was to create a separate religious entity dedicated to building and managing the Mandir and community center. This decision wasn’t made lightly; it has involved years of discussion and deliberation. While many community members initially felt uneasy about forming a new charitable organization separate from NCNC, the majority eventually recognized the necessity of this structure. This formation allows both entities to operate within their legal and functional boundaries while still working toward the common goal of serving the Nepali community in North Carolina. Ultimately, there is no single “correct” way to structure such organizations. Still, given the circumstances, creating a separate religious entity was the most practical and effective solution.

Are NCNC and PBM the Same or Separate?

The answer is both yes and no. Legally, NCNC and PBM are separate entities, however, emotionally and practically, they are closely linked in a common mission- to serve the Nepali diaspora in North Carolina. It was important to find a balance between risks and responsibilities, many organizations establish distinct entities for different purposes under the same ownership. In this model, the Ownership Entity handles land and property, while the Operational Entity manages daily operations, programs, and services. This separation streamlines management of operational risks and responsibilities and ownership. The relationship between NCNC and PBM is formalized through a detailed MoU and the PBM bylaws. The MoU outlines their collaboration, resource sharing, and shared vision, while the bylaws define their joint efforts. Together, these documents ensure that both entities work harmoniously to create a community center that benefits the Nepalese diaspora, serving as a vibrant hub for cultural, spiritual, and social activities.

Why we need Nepali Mandir?

We need a Nepali Mandir in North Carolina for these reasons: Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Pashupatinath is a revered Hindu temple, and Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Establishing a Mandir honoring both allows the Nepali community to preserve and celebrate their cultural and religious heritage. Community Support: The area has a significant population of Hindus and Buddhists, not just from the Nepali community but also from other South Asian backgrounds. This Mandir would provide a unifying space for worship, cultural events, and spiritual practices, fostering a sense of community. The financial support and sustainability: A charitable organization largely depends on membership, donations and contributions from its members. Regular giving and effective fundraising are vital for maintaining operations, supporting programs, and achieving long-term objectives. According to the Hoover Institution, “religious individuals are significantly more generous in their support compared to secular individuals. On average, religious people donate $2,210 annually, while secular individuals donate $642. Additionally, religious people volunteer an average of 12 times per year, compared to 5.8 times for secular people. Despite representing only 33% of the population, religious individuals account for 52% of donations and 45% of volunteer hours. In contrast, secular individuals, who make up 26% of the population, contribute only 13% of donations and 17% of volunteer hours.” This data highlights the critical role that engaged and committed members play in sustaining charitable organizations. Broader Appeal: The Mandir could attract support from a wider audience, including those with similar religious beliefs or an interest in Nepali culture, helping ensure its sustainability. Cultural Legacy: The Mandir would promote Nepal’s rich cultural legacy, serving as a point of cultural exchange and allowing people from different backgrounds to learn about and appreciate Nepali traditions.