Hindu Temple, Wishing Pool and Garden of Meditation; Florida Southern College - Lakeland, FL - American Guide Series on Waymarking.com

"In striking contrast to the college buildings, or red brick with limestone trim, is the white HINDU TEMPLE, its 239 stones brought from Benarea, holy city of the Hindus, by Frederick B. Fisher, Methodist Bishop. As the Hindu worship singly and not in groups, the temple is small, being 5 feet wide, 9 feet long, and 25 feet high, topped with a Christian cross. On the small alter within stands a brass cross and two brass candelabra. Candles burn through the night in memory of Dr. Fisher.

In front of the temple is a reflecting pool, Known as the WISHING POOL to students, who toss in pennies with a prayer that their wishes may come true. The superintendent of the grounds retrieves the pennies, which are used to buy more candles for the altar. Around the pool and temple is the GARDEN OF MEDITATION, with marble benches and statues of a sacred cow and two elephants, also from India and reputedly 500 years old. An extensive building program laid out by the college, and designs for twelve units, connected by gardens and courts, have been made by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most individual of American architects." --- Florida: Guide to the Southernmost State, Pg. 517

The entire section of the Florida Southern College campus that includes the Hindu Temple and all the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings is undergoing renovation. The Hindu Temple and surrounding features have been restored.