About the mandir

Our story

Shri Sanatan Mandir was founded by the Fijian-Indian community to serve the religious, cultural and educational needs of the Sanatan families living in the Bay Area.

Today the mandir offers daily darshan, weekly katha, poojas and ceremonies with the priest, and Balvihar Sunday School for children.

1. The 1980s

   Fiji-Indian families began to settle in San Bruno, and with them a growing wish for religious activities such as Ramayan, Ram Navami and Holi, to carry on the traditions of the Fiji Islands. Families gathered in their homes to begin. Among the key figures and supporters of the founding years were Shriman & Shrimati Jiya Lai, Pundit and Shrimati Shiu Kishore Gosai, and other families.

2. 1984–1985

   As support and numbers grew rapidly, space for festivals was found at the offices of Maharaj Tax and Accounting. After that, the former Masonic Temple, known as the Sanatan Temple, was rented for activities until 1994.

3. 1986

   A decision was made to form a non-profit organization to raise funds to buy or build a mandir.

4. 1994

   More than $100,000 had been raised. Sadly, Pundit Shiu Kishore Gosai passed away on October 28, 1994, before the Mandir was formed. He is remembered with gratitude for his courage and determination, and as the driving force until his passing.

5. March 1995

   The Masonic Temple was purchased and converted into a Mandir. Pundit Manik Chand Maharaj, Pundit Vijay Sharma and Pundit Avinesh Gosai generously stepped in to carry on the activities of Sanatan Mandir for several more years.

6. 1999

   Seeing the need for a full-time pundit, the Board of Trustees decided to hire one and interviewed Pundit Jaleshwar Upadhyay of Nadi, Fiji, who was not yet available. A resident pundit was appointed in the meantime.

7. April 2000

   Sanatan Mandir of San Bruno opened at its present home, 205 Angus Avenue. Artichoke Joe's needed to expand its casino and offered to demolish the former mandir on San Mateo Avenue and relocate the Mandir to a much bigger facility with an upgraded kitchen, improved amenities and more parking. Yatish Maharaj was instrumental in the time-consuming work of finalizing every detail and overcoming the hurdles, and the community thanks him for his efforts for the Hindu community.

8. February 2001

   Pundit Jaleshwar Upadhyay was also appointed a resident pundit, which made it possible to keep the Mandir open to everyone every day. He served the Mandir until his retirement.

9. November 2024

   Pt. Vikas Dwivedi joined Sanatan Mandir as its priest.

Mission

To maintain a place of worship rooted in Sanatan Dharma, to pass our traditions to the next generation, and to serve the community around us.

Our values

Our priest