The mission of the Shree Pashupatinath Foundation is to preserve and promote Nepali culture, heritage, arts, and language in the United States of America and the world. In doing so, the Foundation aims to promote the unique identity of Nepal as the land of Pashupatinath and the birthplace of the Gautam Buddha. The Foundation aspires to unite Nepalis of all religious persuasions in the U.S., especially in the Southern California region, by fostering cultural and social harmonies. Toward this goal, the Foundation will build a cultural center to bring Nepalis and non-Nepalis under one roof to engage them in art, culture, education, and religion which will culminate a deeper understanding of diversities in communities and nations. It is also the goal of the Foundation to build a Buddha stupa alongside the Pashupatinath temple to preserve the artistic and cultural heritage, which is reflected in Nepal’s respect and tolerance for each other.
About SPFU
Preserving Culture, Serving the Community
Our Mission
About SPFU
Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA (SPFU) is a nonprofit, community-driven organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian values rooted in Nepal. SPFU serves as a unifying platform for devotees, families, and well-wishers across Southern California and beyond.
The Foundation is committed to fostering spiritual growth, cultural awareness, and community well-being through religious services, educational programs, and cultural celebrations. By organizing worship, festivals, and learning opportunities, the Foundation helps pass sacred traditions and values to future generations while creating an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds are welcome.
The story of Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA began when the Nepali population in Southern California started to grow in the early 2000s. As families settled permanently and children were born in the United States, community members increasingly felt the need for a common spiritual and cultural home—a place to conduct Satsangs, celebrate festivals, teach the Nepali language and traditions to children. These conversations and community members’ efforts resulted in the official incorporation of Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA as a nonprofit organization in California on February 3, 2010, followed by federal tax-exempt status under IRS 501(c)(3) in May 2010.
SPFU’s primary goal was to establish a Nepali Hindu-Buddhist temple. A major milestone came in July 2011 with the organization of a seven-day Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran, which generated significant pledges and funds. This collective momentum led to the purchase of a property in Norwalk, California, on November 16, 2012. The years that followed involved renovations and planning, including obtaining permits and approvals from the City of Norwalk.
Temple construction moved forward, and sacred deities were brought from Nepal and India with proper Vedic rituals, including the Shiva Linga from the Pashupati Area Development Trust in Kathmandu. After overcoming numerous logistical and construction challenges, the temple was officially completed on December 19, 2017.
The historic Pran Pratistha Ceremony, held from February 11 to 13, 2018, marked the consecration of the deities and the formal opening of the Shree Pashupatinath and Buddha Mandir to the public. In the years that followed, SPFU strengthened its governance structure and paid off its mortgage to become debt-free.
With the continued growth of the Nepali diaspora, the existing temple has been unable to adequately meet the needs of the community. Consequently, the second Mahapuran—the Los Angeles Spiritual Festival and Shiva Mahapuran—was conducted from July 9 to 15, 2023, with the objective of establishing a Nepalese Cultural Center that would house the temple, school, and other cultural activities within a single compound. Currently, we are in the process of acquiring a property sufficiently large to meet these needs.
From a small group of dedicated immigrants to a thriving spiritual and cultural institution, Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA remains committed to serving the community and preserving Nepali art, language, culture, and spiritual values for generations to come.
Community Mobilization and Foundation Formation
In 2009, informal meetings began to establish a Nepali temple and community center. Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA (SPFU) was officially registered as a nonprofit on February 3, 2010, and granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status on May 10, 2010, enabling it to serve the community.
2009-2010
Fundraising and Initial Steps
July 4-10, 2011: Srimad Bhagawat Mahapuran raised $1.1 million in pledges and $150,000 in cash for the temple project.
2011
Property Purchase
November 16, 2012: Property for the temple purchased for $1.05 million with a down payment of $559,416.
2012
Board and CUP
A new Board of Directors was formed on April 28, 2014. On April 9, 2014, the foundation obtained the Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and the office was permanently moved to the property.
2014
Construction Phase
On February 23, 2015, the occupancy permit was received, and the temple design process began in April 2015. The construction plan was approved on July 26, 2016, and a contract was signed with Singh Construction on October 11, 2016.
2015-2016
Temple Completion and Opening
The temple construction was completed and approved on December 19, 2017. The Grand Pran Pratishtha Ceremony took place from February 11-13, 2018, and the official Grand Opening Ceremony was held on March 3, 2019.
2017-2018
Debt-Free Achievement
July 31, 2019: Mortgage loan paid off, making the temple debt-free.
2019
Board of Trustees Formation
New bylaws were amended to establish a Board of Trustees (BOT) for governance. The first BOT meeting was held on October 18, 2020, with 72 members in attendance.
2020
Our Top Priorities
Preserving Culture, Serving the Community
Pathshala – Preserving Language and Culture
At Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, we are dedicated to preserving our heritage through Pathshala, a Nepali language and culture program. Our mission is to help the younger generation stay connected to their roots by making them literate in Nepali and culturally aware.
Due to limited seats, we encourage early enrollment to be part of this meaningful and transformative journey.
Our curriculum follows official textbooks recommended by Nepal’s Ministry of Education and/or NRN Association, North America.
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Nepali Community Center
We are committed to building a Nepali Community Center that serves as a hub for cultural, religious, educational, and social activities. This center will be a shared space where our community can gather, celebrate traditions, and support one another—preserving our identity for generations to come.
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