Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -1

























































Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA





The Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Birmingham, AL
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About the Hindu Temple ata Da Mandir, Dudley
  • Omkarananda Mission
As in tradition as well as described in vaastushaastras our mandir in Birmingham will be a three dimensional representaton of a mandala or in other words it will be a representation of cosmos in miniature.
It will be 3,600 square feet square structure with the principle entrance from north leading to the chief sanctuary (garbha-grha or mulsthana) of the mandir. The deities are arranged in a U Shape with the principle ones in north-south axis.
Nine manin vedic-murti's is in the main arrangement and there is provision for subsidiary deities in individual niches along the wall. This would serve the needs of the entire community.
The hall for the worshipers (mandap) is large and could accomadate up to 300 devotees simultaneously. There is a provision for circumbulation (pradhakshina) and the decoration (alankar) of individual deities will be done in traditional hindu mandir style.
We are placing a cupola over the sanctuary with a planned traditional shikhara to replace the cupola in not too distant future. In short the temple as planned should provide an extraordinary facility for worship both individual and group, performance of rite of passage, and celebration of festivals for our community.
The Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Birmingham
200 N Chandalar Dr
Pelham, AL 35124
(205) 621-1155

Directions To Temple From:
Tuscolosa, Gadsden or Anniston
Take I-459 and Exit to I-65 South, and then exit #247. Turn right on to Valleydale Road. (At 4th traffic light from exit ) Turn left to North Chandlar Drive. The temple is on the right side, behind Pelham fire station.

Huntsville
Take I-65 South to exit #247. Turn right on to Valleydale Road. (At 4th traffic light from exit ) Turn left to North Chandlar Drive. The temple is on the right side, behind Pelham fire station.

Montgomery
Take I-65 North to exit #247. Turn right on to Valleydale Road. (At 5th traffic light from exit ) Turn left to North Chandlar Drive. The temple is on the right side, behind Pelham fire station

  • Ra
  • Regularly Scheduled Activities and Classes
  • dha Krishna Cultural Centre, Coventry
  • Rama Krishna Temple, Wolverhampton

 YOGA SESSIONS

Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Teachers: Yogi Vaid, Kapil Desai, & Sadhana Malkani
*Yearly Charge: $120 per person (2 classes per week)
*For Six Month: $65 per person (2 classes per week)
For more information call: Dr. Yogi Vaid at 969-2141 or Kapil Desai at 402-2339
*FREE for VOTING MEMBERS

CLASSES

Hindi Classes on Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
1st Grade: Dr. Pratibha Khare
2nd Grade: Dr. Pooran Chand
3rd Grade: Ms. Veena Gurtu
4th Grade: Ms. Santosh Mishra
For information call: Dr. Pratibha Khare at 967-8368

Telugu Classes on Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Children 5yrs and above. Mrs. Meena Sthanam, Dr. Narayana Sthanam, and Dr. Suresh Grandhi.
Yearly Charge: $80 per student (members)
$100 per student (non-members)

Hindi Pathshala classes are held at the temple every Sunday morning from 10:45 to 11:45.
Fee: $95.00 for dues paying ($500.00 and $250.00) temple members; $120.00 non members. $10.00 registration fee (new students only)

MUSIC CLASSES

Music Lessons: 1st and 3rd Sundays: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Vocal: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM -- Teachers: Dr. Ajay Patel & Ajay Zaveri
Instrumental: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Violin & Tabla: Dr. Ajay Patel
Key Board & Harmonium: Nalini Kulkarni
For more information call: Dr. Ajay Patel at 663-5509

RELIGIOUS CLASSES

Religious Classes on Sunday:
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Children ages 4 to 12
By Dr. Shivani Pandit and Veena Shah (Bal Sanskar Kendra)
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Ages 13 to 21
By Dr. Kuntal Pandit and Samata Shah (Divine Youth Group)
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Ages 21 and up
By Indra Soni and Sunny Bhagat
For more information call: Madhu Shah at 823-4808

GUJARATI CLASSES
Classes for Group 1 (ages 4 to 8) and Group 2 (ages 9 to 13) run from 11:15 AM until 12:00 noon.

AMRIT VANI

1st Sunday of the month: 10:30 AM to 11:40 AM
A discourse including devotional songs, religious subjects discussions, and other scriptures.
For more information call: Dr. Yogi Vaid at 969-2141



Hindu Culture Centre of North Alabama, Huntsville

Sarvajana Temple - A Temple for All People

The current HCCNA Temple was consecrated in June 2005 andthe deities were installed with an elaborate week-long Vedic ceremony conducted by priests and spiritually energized by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Swami  Viditatmananda and other religious and community leaders.
The temple is called Sarvajana Mandir  (Temple for all People). It is open every day in the morning and in the evening (all day on week ends) to provide a spiritual atmosphere for all people irrespective of their faith. The mission of the temple is to have spiritual and cultural upliftment for all relating to Sanatana Dharma and allied Hindu beliefs, while affirming the concept of global family.
The temple architecture in the Hindu tradition is connected to astronomy and sacred geometry. The temple is a representation of the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the inner space). The temple consists of inner sanctums in which the idols are housed, with space for its circumambulation, and a congregation hall. The sanctum is crowned by a tower carved by skilled artisans called Shilpi’s. The tower called Shikhara or Vimana is visible from a distance as a symbol of upward human aspiration and as a landmark of the temple.

Events

To sponsor any puja or for more info, please contact us 256.771.7730 or 256.771.7772 (Monday – Friday – 8 am to 12 noon and 5 pm – 8 pm; Saturday & Sunday – 8 am to 8 pm)

LORD JAGANNATH (right), SUBHADRA (center), and BALABHADRA (left)

The word Jagannath literally means “Lord of the Universe”. He thus represents the Supreme Being. There are images of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. These images are made of wood. The original temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath is located in Puri, in the State of Orissa in India, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The temple in Puri is a hoary pilgrimage center in India consisting of a vast complex occupying an area of over 40,000 square feet. The shikhara of the temple in Puri towers to a height of 192 feet. The temple in Puri took 14 years to build and was consecrated in 1198 CE. Lord Jagannath is believed to be Krishna, Balabhadra is Krishna’s brother Balarama, and Subhadra is Krishna’s sister. The most important festival for Jagannath is the spectacular Chariot festival or Ratha Yatra during the period of June-July every year.

LORD VENKATESHWARA

Lord Venkateswara is worshipped as Vishnu representing the Supreme functionality of sustaining, the presiding deity of the Tirumala Hills, in Andhra Pradesh, India. He is the one protecting and preserving the Universe. Lord Venkateswara, popularly known as Balaji, is the manifestations of Lord Vishnu, who has incarnated in the so-called cosmic time frame of kali-yuga corresponding to the present times we are living in. The sage requested Lord Vishnu to settle in Tirumala, to shower his eternal grace on mankind, who were very much depressed and unable to follow the rigorous yoga practices of self realization. Tirumala, the seat of Lord Venkateswara is surrounded by seven hills, thus He is known as Lord of the seven hills.

LORD GANAPATI


Lord Ganapati (also known as Ganesha) is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, and as the God of wisdom and success. He is described as the eldest son of Shiva and Parvathi, and is most well-known and found in almost all temples. There is a mythological story about how he got the elephant head. Please ask your guide to tell the story. The form of the elephant-headed deity is supposed to denote great physical strength tempered by gentleness, wisdom and peace. His vehicle is a mouse, which is supposed to represent the ego.

SRI MAHALAKSHMI (Also known as Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, light, wisdom, grace, charm, beauty and purity. She is the Mother of the Universe and Vishnu’s Shakti. She is married to Vishnu and appears as his mate in all of his reincarnations: as Sita (with Rama), as Rukmini (with Krishna) and as Padmavati with (Venkateshwara). She is also referred as Shri or Sri, as well as Narayani (“the wife of Narayan—Vishnu”). Goddess Lakshmi is identified with different forms of wealth. She is worshipped in nearly all households and businesses throughout the year. However, she is particularly worshipped during Dassera and Diwali.

Radha Krishna

Radha and Krishna have been a perennial source of inspiration to Indians. Also, Lord Krishna is the most popular god in contemporary Hinduism. He is certainly the best known god outside India because of the Krishna Consciousness movement, and the Bhagvad Gita, one of the best spiritual guides to emerge from India. Krishna is the eighth avatar or reincarnation of the Lord Vishnu, born around 3102 BCE. He spent a happy childhood playing boyish pranks and attracting the gopis (cow girls) and other rustic maidens with his flute playing, which they found irresistible. But his favorite gopi was Radha, his childhood lover. Krishna has become the most popular focus of the devotional and ecstatic aspects of Hindu religion. Devotees of Krishna subscribe to the concept of lila, or divine play as the central principle of the universe.

SITA RAM PARIVAR

Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman together constitute the Sita Rama Parivar and each of them represents the noblest of various facets of human character one can aspire for. Lord Rama is the seventh avatar or reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmana is his brother and Hunuman is his devotee. To a Hindu, Rama and Sita are the manifestation of a perfect man and a perfect woman. Their adherence to truth under numerous trials and temptations, their steadfast endurance under privations, and their devotion to duty under all vicissitudes of fortune, forms the Hindu ideal of a perfect human life. In this respect the Ramayana (life story of Rama) gives us a true picture of Hindu faith and righteous life. The applicability and relevance of Ramayana as a perennial source of human and moral values is confined not just to India, but to the entire universe.

Navagrahas

There are nine grahas (planets): Soorya (the Sun), Chandramaa (the Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn) and Rahu and Ketu . Both Rahu and Ketu are fictitious grahas given by two nodes (in the sky), which when occupied by Chandramaa, cause the solar and lunar eclipses respectively. These nodes are the points of intersection of Chandramaa’s orbit around Prithvee (the Earth) with the ecliptic plane . Jyotisha (Vedic Astrology) ignores the three outermost planets: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Rahu and Ketu supposedly take into account the affects of the excluded planets. The planetary positions at the time of birth reveal the events of a person’s present life as well as their past and future lives.

LORD SHIVA

Most Hindus worship Lord Shiva as a member of the Hindu Trinity. Lord Shiva is considered the Destroyer, along with Brahmaa, the Creator, and Vishnu, the Preserver. Though Shiva is responsible for the dissolution of the universe, he is equally responsible for creation and existence, so he possesses the aspect of Regeneration. He is the source of fertility in all living beings. He bestows prosperity on worshipers. As Rudra, he destroys evil and sorrow. As Shankara, he is the doer of good. As Mahaadeva, he is the ‘overlord’ of the universe. As Mrityunjaya, he is the conqueror of death. As Nataraaja, he is Divine Dancer who performs Taandava Nritya (Cosmic Dance) producing frequencies of vibration corresponding to all manifestation. The iconic representation of Shiva in the form of Lingam (a symbol of the ultimate reality) is held in reverence in all Shiva temples.

GODDESS KALI

Goddess Kali, also called Mother Kali, is worshipped particularly in Bengal and Orissa. 'Kal' also means Time and 'i' means the Cause; Kali, the Cause of Time or She Who is Beyond Time, activates Consciousness to perception, and allows Consciousness to perceive. Kali is a powerful and complex goddess with multiple forms. The blackness of Kali is exhibitive of the endless beginning, the black sky of eternity, a dark deep from where creation began. Her long, dark hair in disarray is the black clouds of the eternal sky. The wreath of heads around her neck is a relic of death, destruction and calamity. The lower left arm holding a head just severed betokens no escape from time, while the upper left holds a sword, the arm of destruction. Lower right hand is posed as if giving a boon, and the upper right hand is posed granting freedom from fear. She wears two arrows as ornaments for her ears, and a girdle of the hands of her victims. Her features are gaunt, her three eyes are Sun, Moon and Fire, of which the third, represents foresight and wisdom, a harbinger of supreme knowledge that opens once the human sight is cleared of ignorance. Surrounded by powers of the night, she stands astride Mahadeva, lying beneath Her.

SRI HANUMAN

Sri Hanuman epitomizes the noble qualities of virtue, strength, knowledge, devotion, and worship of Lord Rama. Hindus worship the astoundingly righteous attributes represented by Hanuman that most humans find hard to practice, such as Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Bhakti (devotion). He is symbolized in Hinduism for his unwavering dedication to righteousness, unstinting performance of entrusted duties, and unfailing talents in serving his chosen master, Lord Rama. Believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva, Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance, and devotion. Hanuman's tale in the epic Ramayana – where in he is assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka – is known for its astounding ability to inspire and equip a reader with all the ingredients needed to face ordeals and conquer obstructions in the way of the world.

SRI DURGA

Sri Durga, as embodiment of Skathi (Strength and Power) is considered to be the supreme Goddess by the Hindus and often referred to as Mother Durga. She is also the embodiment of courage, knowledge, purity, truth, beauty, grace, mercy, and self realization and is multi-dimensional with many names and personas. As Mahishasurmardini, she, with her infinite might, slays the demon Mahishasura. As Parvati, (the Goddess of the mountain) she is serene and extremely beautiful and adores Lord Shiva as his consort in the snowy peaks of Kailash mountain. As Kali, she turns into vibrant darkness, becomes omnipotent, terrible in range and fury and destroys demons, evils and ego. As Ambika, she is the divine mother. As Durga, she protects the mankind from dangers and misfortunes, sufferings and miseries.


Daily Schedule :

Monday
8:00am - 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am - 12 noon All Deities Pooja & Arathi
5:00pm - 6:30pm Ganapathi Pooja
6:30pm - 8:00pm Shiva Pooja & Arathi

Tuesday
8:00am - 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am - 12 noon All Deities Pooja & Arathi
5:00pm - 8:00pm Durga & Hanuman Pooja & Arathi

Wednesday
8:00am - 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am - 12 noon All Deities Pooja & Arathi
5:00pm - 8:00pm Vishnu Sahasra Namavali & Arathi

Thursday
8:00am – 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am – 12 noon Mahalakshmi Sametha, Jagannath; All Deities Pooja & Mahaprasadam
5:00pm – 8:00pm Rama & Krishna Pooja & Arathi

Friday
8:00am - 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am - 12 noon All Deities Pooja & Arathi
5:00pm - 8:00pm Lakshmi Pooja & Arathi

Saturday
8:00am – 11:30am Venkateshwara Suprabhatam & Abhishekam
11:30am – 12 noon All Deities Pooja & Arathi & Mahaprasadam
5:00pm – 8:00pm All Deities Pooja & Arathi

Sunday
8:00am – 9:30am Nitya Aradhana
11:00am – 1:00pm Mahalakshmi Sametha, Jagannath, Venkateswara, Rama & Krishna, Ganesha, Durga & Shiva Pooja, Arathi &Mahaprsadam
5:00pm – 8:00pm All Deities Pooja & Arathi


Contact  :

Mailing Address: P. O. Box 12362, Huntsville, AL 35815   
Phone: 256-771-7730
E-mail:hccna9@gmail.com
Timings: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 12 noon and 5 p.m.- 8p.m.; Saturday, Sunday 8a.m. - 8p.m.
Location: 14800 Vishnu Way/14854 Smith Drive, Harvest, AL 35749
  • Rama Mandir, Walsall
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  • Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre, Tuscaloosa, AL

A place for worship and cultural activities has long been a dream for the Indian community of Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Well, by grace of Almighty, tireless efforts and financial support of a number of dedicated individuals, the dream of having the temple in Tuscaloosa has been realized. Let us support it, utilize it, and enjoy it.

  • Locationmple (HCRC), Telford
  • Shree K Hindu Mandir & Cultural Center
    3940 Culver Road
    Tuscaloosa, AL 35401ri
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  • Arizona, USAs
Bharatiya Ekta Mandir of Arizona

The Temple has been designed with traditional Indian architecture and has five shrines including:
  •     Mahavir Swami, Bhagwan Adinath and Parshvanath
  •     Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh
  •     Lord Krishna, Radha, Srinathji
  •     Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman
  •     Lord Venkateshvara (Balaji), Bhudevi & Sridevi

Mandir Etiquettes

Bharatiya Ekta Mandir of Arizona (BEMA) is a place of worship. We follow the Sanathan Dharma (Indian Vedic traditions practiced for over 2000 years) to preserve the aura of peace and sanctity of our Mandir, which are conducive for worship and prayers. Keeping those Vedic traditions in mind, BEMA requests your cooperation in following certain guidelines when you are visiting the Mandir. Please remember this is your mandir and our intent is to ensure everyone has a peaceful experience during his or her visit.
Mandir area designation

Raised area where deities reside is referred as shrine, the lower area is known as assembly hall, area between the glass doors and external doors is known as foyer. Shrine with assembly hall is referred as prayer hall. Covered entrance canopy is referred as portico and outside areas north and south of the mandir are know as courtyards.
Pooja, Prayer and other rituals
All poojas and rituals follow certain set procedures as per Vedic traditions. Priests or the BEMA coordinator would explain the procedure before the start of the pooja or other rituals. If you have any questions, please wait till the end of the event and then ask the BEMA coordinator or Priests for clarifications.
Please remain silent during the pooja and other rituals. Slow talking and discussions would distract other devotees who are participating in pooja/rituals. Please be sensitive to those around you who may be praying quietly.
We request that you ring the bells, blow conches and play other instruments only during the Maha Mangala Aarathi and during other pooja procedures.
Parikrama or walking around the sanctum sanctorum should always be in clockwise direction.
Any Bhajans inside the prayer hall should be of religious in nature and be limited to not more than an hour, maximum.
Chairs are available to be used only by disabled people and should only be used against the back or side walls or gatherings.
All conversations and greetings can be exchanged either in the foyer. Even then, please keep your voice low.
Please restrain your children from running around inside the main mandir or around the shrines. We suggest you bring some coloring paper and crayons so that they remain silent during the pooja. Encourage children to play in the Play area, which is located on the south side of the Mandir.
If you have to leave in the middle of a pooja, please do so quietly without causing any disturbance to other devotees.

Participating in Vedic Chanting and Bhajans
Chanting of Vedic Mantras and Slokas is the backbone of all poojas at the Mandir. You are welcome to participate in the chanting. We provide copies of popular slokas in English and other Indian languages. Please check with the BEMA Coordinator or the priests if you need a copy of the slokas before the beginning of the pooja.
Bhajans are sung at every pooja event. You are welcome to sing your favorite bhajan, a classical or a devotional song. Please encourage your children to participate in bhajans.

Pradakshina Procedures
Pradakshina is a process of going around the shrine, 3 times only, to get the blessings of the Lord.
Please always go around clockwise, starting at the left side of the shrine and complete on the right side and come to the front of the Lord.
Please do not do a pradakshina during a pooja ritual.
Please do not allow children to run around the shrine during the pradakshina.

Mahaprasad and Offerings
Mahaprasad offered to Lord is always cooked in the Mandir kitchen.
Food cooked at home will not be offered to the Lord. If you wish to prepare the Mahaprasad, please bring the ingredients and prepare it at the Mandir kitchen.
You can bring fresh fruits, nuts and flowers to offer during the pooja.
You can bring flower garlands for the poojas.
Following food items are not allowed at the Mandir kitchen:
All types of non-vegetarian food
Egg
Mushroom
Garlic
Onion
Please clean the kitchen area and utensils used for preparing mahaprasad after you prepare it.
Please do not eat the mahaprasad in the prayer hall.

Attire
Please wear traditional Indian clothes is encouraged.
Wearing shorts (for any one over 12 years of age) is not advised.
No footwear is allowed inside the Mandir. Please leave all footwear in the designated area.

Sponsorships/Donations
BEMA Sponsor items include poojas, special events, Pradhana SponsorBEMA will undertake all major religious celebrations. No private functions will be allowed to take place on the premises during these days., Food, Flowers, Silver articles and various other services.
Always please put all your cash or check donations in the Hundi.
No solicitation or flyers of any kind allowed anywhere on the mandir campus.

Cell Phones
Please switch your cell phones and beepers to vibration mode as soon as you enter the paryer hall of the Mandir.
Food and Drinks
Food and drinks are not allowed in the paryer hall of the Mandir.
Alcohol and smoking are not allowed anywhere in the Mandir complex and surrounding areas.
If your child is eating/carrying a food item, please make sure you stay outside the main hall until the child finishes his/her food item, before entering into the prayer hall.
Please do not eat the mahaprasad in the prayer hall. You are welcome to eat mahaprasad in the foyer, patio or courtyard.

Cleanliness
Please help us maintain the Mandir campus clean and tidy.
If you bring flowers or fruits, please unwrap and discard the plastic bag in the dustbin. Please do not leave them on the steps of the shrine.
Please help volunteers in spreading the floor mats and also folding and putting them in place after the event.
Chairs are available for the disabled and elderly people. Please do not leave the chairs in the main hall after using them. Please put them back in a designated area before you leave.

Final Note
BEMA offers these suggestions to provide an environment of devotion and sanctity for all the devotees. We need your cooperation in maintaining these traditions as much as possible. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or comments on these guidelines, please contact one of the following BEMA members:

Contact Information

EKTA MANDIR: 602-246-3420
Hall Manager: Mr. Ramalingam
Phone: 602-246-3420/602-708-0733
Email: Prlingam6@yahoo.com

Priests:
Joshiji
Phone: 602-391-7760
Email: sriramkrishnakatha@gmail.com
Varadarajanji
Phone: 602-320-3460
Email: varadarajansr@yahoo.com


ISKCON, PHOENIX, AZ
ISKCON has since developed into a worldwide confederation of 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees.Better known as the Hare Krishna movement, ISKCON is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide. The mission of this non-sectarian, monotheistic movement is to promote the well being of society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to Bhagavad-gita and other ancient scriptures.Read on and find out about the seven aims that Srila Prabhupada set out for ISKCON.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is a denomination of the Gaudiya Vaishnava faith, a devotional tradition based on the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and the Bhagavat Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam). The tradition traces its roots back 5,500 years. The precepts and practices of the members of the present day ISKCON were taught and codified by the 15th century saint and religious reformer Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his principle associates, the six Goswamis of Vrindavana.
Sri Chaitanya, whom devotees revere as a direct incarnation of Lord Krishna, gave a powerful impetus for a massive bhakti (devotional) movement of Krishna followers throughout India. It was under his direction that hundreds of volumes on the philosophy of Krishna consciousness were compiled. The movement diminished somewhat until the 19th century, when a outstanding Vaishnava theologian, Bhaktivinoda Thakura, again revived Krishna consciousness. His son, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami, became the guru of Srila Prabhupada and instructed him to make the spreading of Krishnaconsciousness in the West the mission of his life.

To understand knowledge of self-realisation one must approach a genuine spiritual masterThe Vedas also tell us that the understanding of the self, as being non-material or spiritual by nature, is the preliminary stage of realisation of the absolute truth.

To understand knowledge of self-realisation one must approach a genuine spiritual master, just as one learns the essence of any subject from a perfected practitioner.

The congregational chanting of the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, as promoted by Sri Caitanya, is accepted by the Vedas as the most effective means of self-purification in this age. The Vedas describe the mantra as a prayer to the Lord, "Please Lord, engage me in Your service".

Devotees may accept formal initiation into the chanting of the Holy Name vowing to abstain from intoxication, gambling, illicit sexual connections and the eating of meat, fish or eggs. ISKCON members believe indulgence in the aforementioned activities disrupts physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and increases anxiety and conflict in society. At the time of initiation devotees also agree to chant a prescribed number of mantras each day.

MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote well  being in the community with acts of giving and compassion through education, counseling, providing information about public and private services for support in difficult times ,mentoring for children, distribute free food and other comprehensive group of programs that also nurture a sense of responsibility, patience and good values in the youth via a culture of service in the community. In general, teach non-violent way of life through respect of multicultural diversity.  
From the Sunday school kids… look at what we've done this year!
This year we learnt important slokas from Bhagavad-Gita and Sri Sriksastakam.  Although it is important to learn the Sanskrit and translation, we believe that it is even more important to understand the meaning of the slokas so that we can apply the teachings to our lives.
We also had a debate on the topic "Is God a Person?" wow, so many points, but the main one and conclusive one is that God is a Person, He IS EVERYTHING! HE is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  As stated by Lord Brahma in his Brahma-Samhita: "Ishwara Paramah Krsna sac-cid ananda vigrahah" (The Lord is eternal, blissful, full of knowledge and He is the origin of all)
From time to time we participated in chanting the Nrsimhadev's prayers and had a few performances for special occasions like Ratha-Yatra, Diwali, Gaura Poornima/Holi… they were great!

To close this year, we are putting a nice program for our mothers on mother's day on May 9.  We want to specially dedicate this performance to our dearest teacher Anupama Mataji.  She's taught us so many things with so much love and patience but because some medical issues, she had to take a medical leave 2 months ago and mother SyamaMohini dasi covered for her.  We all pray for her full and soon recovery. Thank you to Haritha mataji, Sobha mataji and everybody else who came forward to help us in the class or during performances.

Priyanka Mataji, our Sunday school teacher for the youngest kids is the sweetest! The kids in her class did so many activities (songs, drawings, games). Thanks to all the moms who came, helped and participated.  The little ones will also be participating in the mother's day celebration!
Well, that's all for now.  You'll hear again from us after our summer vacation! 

About Sunday Lecture Program

A few months ago, the Temple management decided to have a better Sunday lecture standard and, for this reason; a schedule was created to keep track of the topics/events spoken during our Sunday programs.
The speakers' team include: Rupanuga das, KanhaPridya das, Laxman das, Radhananda das, Dr. Narayan Misra and early summer, Raju prabhu and Radha-Madhava das will join the team.
We have so far covered summaries of Bhagavad-Gita until chapter 16 and once we finish with chapters 17 and 18, we will restart classes on Bhagavad-Gita, this time, text by text and topic.  We believe that the best approach to these lectures is following our founder acarya's foot steps.  Srila Prabhupada left wonderful books and classes for all to take advantage of and that's what we will plan to do. 

Temple Hours

Monday to Saturday
Morning Darshan:
4:30am - 5:00am &
7:00am to 12:30pm
Mangal Arati   4:30am - 5:00am
Tulasi Arati     5:00am - 5:15am
Darshan Arati 7:00am - 7:05am
Guru Puja       7:05am - 7:30am
SB Class        7:30am - 8:30am
Balbhog Arati  8:00am - 8:15am
RajBhog Arati 12:00pm - 12:30pm

Evening Darshan:
4:30pm - 9:00pm
Dhoop Arati 4:30pm - 4:45pm
Sandhya Arati 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Shayan Arati 8:30pm - 8:45pm

Sunday Festival & Love Feast:


Tulasi Arati     4:30pm - 4:40pm
Guru Puja       4:40pm - 5:00pm
Sandhya Arati 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Gita Lecture    5:40pm - 6:40pm
Blessings         6:45pm – 7:15pm
Shayana Aarti  8:30pm - 8:45pm

Our Address
100 S. Weber Dr. Chandler AZ 85226
Ph No: (480) 705-4900







Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )




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