Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -115 at 5:39 PM

Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA  

The Hindu Temple, Canton, MI

ADDRESS
44955 Cherry Hill Road.
Canton, MI 48188-1001

Phone: (734) 981-8730

Quote:

"Filled with insatiable desires, hypocrisy, pride, and arrogance; holding wrong views due to delusion; they act with impure motives." - Bhagavad Gita

The Hindu Temple welcomes any additions or changes to this history. Please e-mail us at info@thehindutemple.org . Your input will be posted upon review.

2010
New temple is built to accomodate growing community.

2004
The Hindu Temple started Scholarship Program for Plymouth Canton High School graduates.

2002
In February 2002, Mr. Kanu Desai and his yoga class celebrated its three year anniversary.

In April 2002, Mrs. Sharada Kumar and her Gita class celebrated its eight year anniversary.

2001
The temple celebrated its first Indian Independence Day Celebration on August 19, 2001.

2000
Shastriji began the tradition of a Saraswati Havan for graduates.

1998
Shri Purshotamdas Jalota, with his devotional musical program, performed the first event in this new facility on May 16, 1998.

In the beginning of this year, Mr. Bhavesh Patel and his group entertained us with the popular songs from India.

Mr. Chandra and his group of talented musicians gifted us with the afternoon devotional Bhajans in March 1999.

Our youths continued the tradition of beautifying our temple grounds.

1997
The Bhumi Puja for the new facility was performed on June 22, 1997 with several members and devotees laying bricks under the foundation.

The construction of the expanded facility was completed on December 25, 1997. It consisted of a new additional 60’ x 80’ hall, a 20’ x 40’entrance foyer, and an additional 115 parking spaces.

1996
A Long Rang Planning and Construction Committee was formed under the leadership of Shri Tom Patel and planning of the expansion project began in the summer of 1996.

1995
Language classes started for our youth.

The temple was blessed with a fulltime, in-house priest. Now he temple could open its doors every day.

With the voluntary help of medical doctors from within our community, the temple started a medical clinic to provide services and guidance at no cost to community members.

1993
On May 15, 1993, Murti Pratistha was performed with three days of grand celebration, which was blessed by the presence of the late Shri Sat Guru Sant Keshavdasji. On the same day, an inauguration of Balavihar was performed.

Balavihar began by Smt. Sharada Kumar conducting class each Sunday. The class grew from a handful of youths in the beginning to 50-60 students of all ages.

The prayer hall, measuring 40’ x 60’, was getting crowded and a strong need for a larger facility was felt.

1990
The Temple opened on December 25, 1990. Regular Sunday morning prayer started with framed pictures of deities.

With inspiration from Shri Damodar Dutt Shastri during his nine days of Ramayan Katha, Hanuman Chalisa prayer service started on Tuesday evenings.

Since the Temple was opened, the following celebrations have been performed every year: Navaratri Garba, Ram Navmi, Krishna Janmastami, Maha Shivratri, Hanuman Jayanti, Ganapati Choth, and Diwali.

1988
Construction of Phase I, the Temple, kitchen/bathroom, and a hallway with a basement, was started in 1988.

1987
The Bhumi Puja was performed in the spring of 1987.

1987
A small group of people gathered for a Diwali Dinner on October 26, 1986 at a restaurant and felt the need to have a temple on the west side of Metropolitan Detroit.

An ad-hoc committee was formed to pursue the idea. Energized with the moral support of The Bharatiya Temple in Troy, Michigan and the Hare Krishna Temple in Detroit, Michigan, a land deal was finalized in late 1986.

ADDRESS
44955 Cherry Hill Road.
Canton, MI 48188-1001

Phone: (734) 981-8730

Temple Timings

Mon - Fri:	8a - 12p	5p - 9p
Sat - Sun:	9a - 9p

Bhajan Sandhya

Every First Friday of the month. From 7:45 pm to 9:30 pm

Raga Sandhya

Every Fourth Friday of the month. From 7:45 pm to 9:00 pm. Please contact Shiva Kumat Bhat at (734) 844-8644 for more information.

Priests:

Shri Prasad Muliyala Ishwara (Pandit ji),   Shri Kiran ji

Sunday
9:00 am - 10:15 am	Yoga Class	Rohit Patel	rcpatel6 at gmail.com
10:00 am - 11:45 pm	Prayer		734 981-8730
11:45 am - 12:00 pm	Announcements
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm	Balvihar Class	Sharada Kumar	734 663-8912
2:30 pm -3:30 pm	Language Class		734 981-8730
5 pm - 8:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
Monday
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Shiva Abhishakam	Attending Priest	734-981-8730
5 pm - 6:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
Tuesday
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Bharata Natyam Dance Class	Sudha Chandrasekhar	248 399-0993
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Hanuman Puja
5 pm - 6:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
Wednesday
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm	Bhagavad-Gita Class	Sharada Kumar	734 663-8912
5 pm - 8:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
5:15 pm - 8:15 pm	Indian Music Lessons (Keyboard/Harmonium)	Sunitha	248 348-2819
7:00 pm - 8:15 pm         Shrinath Ji Satsang        Mukhiya Ji      734-981-8730       Thursday
7:30 pm - 8:45 pm	Yoga Class	Lakshmi	lakshmiparuchuri at yahoo.com
5 pm - 8:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
Friday
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Durga Puja/Lalita Sahasra Naama Chanting	Pandit ji	734 981-8730
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm	Kuchipudi Dance Class	Bala Tripura Sundari	248 631-6395
5 pm - 8:30 pm	Any sponsored archana including Car Pooja	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
Saturday
9:00 am - 10:15 am	Yoga Class	Nayana	nayanampatel at hotmail.com
9:00 am – 11:30 am	1) Suprabhatam 2) Lord Venkateshwara Abhishekam 3) Vishnu Sahasranam / Aarati	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
11:45 am – 12:30 pm	Rudrabhisheka	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
12:30 pm	Aarati	Attending Priest	734 981-8730
5 pm - 8:30 pm	Sponsored Archana to Lord Venkateshwara	Attending Priest	734 981-873

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEEES
YEAR 2013
#	Title	Elected Person
1	Chairman	Anil Sakhuja
2	Vice-Chairman	Avinash Rachmale
3	President	Daxesh Modi
4	Vice-President	Manoj Sachdeva
5	Treasurer	Vishnu Panjwani
6	Assistant Treasurer	Keshav Raizada
7	Secretary	Kalpesh Unadkat
8	Trustee	Bela Patel
9	Trustee	Dhaval Vaishnav
10	Trustee	Navnit Patel
11	Trustee	Urmil Salvi
12	Trustee	Dalip Guglani
13	Turstee	Jignesh Patel
14	Trustee	Jatin Desai
15	Trustee	Anurag Bajaj
16	Temple Administrator	Dalip Guglani
17	Custodian/Security Officers	Steve and Dean

Canton BalVihar Starts on Sunday, September 11th for 2011-2012 school year:

(Bal-Vihar Aarti session gathering)

Bala Vihar is a forum through which children learn about many aspects of Hindu culture and philosophy. Children are taught according to their level of understanding. Children: The very little ones (age 2 and above) learn about the Gods through simple bhajans, stories, and coloring. As they get older, they start learning values through songs, moral stories, games, arts and crafts, and the Balavihar Alphabet. Next, they are introduced to the Ramayan, Bhagavatam, and Mahabharat. An emphasis is placed on character analyses so as to develop ideal role models for the children. Along with this, the children celebrate all the religious and cultural festivals, and learn about their significance. At this level they get into the symbolism in Hinduism, including that of all the rituals, Gods, Om, etc. At this point, they begin to learn the practical applications of the moral and ethical values (i.e. from the Bhagavad Geeta) in their daily lives. When they reach high school, they are taught through discussions about the philosophical aspects of Hinduism, or Vedanta. After completing the full course, the children are then trained to be Bala Vihar Sevaks (group leaders). Finally, they become teachers, inspiring the younger generations, and strengthening their own understanding. Parents: While the children are in their respective classes, the parents attend a session of their own. Here, the parents have the opportunity to discuss issues that arise when raising children in America. The adults also learn the basic philosophies of Hindu Dharma through the Bhagavad Geeta, enabling them to reinforce the Bala Vihar teachings at home. The Chinmaya method of teaching has been repeatedly proven to work in Bala Vihars around the world. Children who go through the course not only learn all the values fundamental to Hindu beliefs, but also know how to apply them to their day-to-day challenges. These kids are able to successfully resolve their identities in this dual culture and go on to be strong leaders with integrity and pride in their rich heritage.

Temple Visit FAQ

1. I am not a Hindu but I would like to learn more about this great culture. Can I visit your temple?

Of course YES. We are more than happy to share our culture and tradition with interested people. Please check the temple timings on the homepage and call to schedule for a guided tour. The best time for guided tour is between 10:30am and 12pm on weekdays. The attending temple priest or someone from the temple can give you a guided tour. If you are visiting the temple as an essential part of your educational project, please call us to make an appointment, just to make sure that someone is available to answer any of the questions you may have. If you want to go a bit deep into this culture, Sunday is the best day to visit the temple. Though Sunday does not have any traditional significance, devotees in the US visit their local temples on Sunday as they find some time on this day. If you are interested to see how devotees offer their prayers to their Deities, visit the temple on Sunday. Most of the devotees come to temple between 10am and 1pm. Some devotees visit temple between 5pm and 8pm. It may be difficult to arrange a guided tour during weekends.

2. What are the things that I should know before attending the temple?

Footwear: All devotes and visitors are expected to leave their footwear at designated locations in the temple before entering the Prayer Hall. There are two shoe-rack rooms just before you enter the main prayer hall. You can keep your socks on.  Once you come out of Prayer Hall, you can put your shoes on to go around the building. Dress: Business casual is just fine. We humbly request women to choose full pants over short skirts. Namaste: There is absolutely no problem to handshake with your tour-guide or any individual at the temple. But traditional greeting ‘Namaste’ would help you make friends quickly at the temple. The word Namaste is a compound word; Namah + Te means ‘my respects to you’. Right Hand: If your timing coincides with Prasad (food offered to Deities) distribution time, the priest may offer you some fruits or nuts. If you are interested you can take Prasad with your Right Hand.

3. I see devotees bringing fruits/milk and placing on the platform near the Deities. What does it mean?

It is called Naivedyam (food offering to the Supreme Being). In simple words, it is a token of gratitude to God for fulfilling all the individual needs to survive in this world. Once offered, it becomes Prasad or blessed food. This Prasad is distributed among the devotees mostly on the same day.

4. I see people walking in the prayer hall in clockwise direction. What does it mean to the devotee?

It is called Circumambulation (Parikrama OR Pradakshina). The flexibility of Sanatana Dharma (known as Hinduism) makes it very difficult to define what Circumambulation mean to a devotee. The simplest explanation is that it is a way for devotee to offer his/her prayers to his/her Guru and Deity. You can find more explanations on the Internet.

5. I see people standing straight and circling around themselves in clockwise direction. What does it mean to the devotee?

This is another form of Circumambulation which is explained above. It also symbolizes the Circumambulation to our own soul, where God resides.

6. I see the devotees reciting some words. What does it mean?

Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) believes in one Supreme Being but gives flexibility to choose the form of the same Supreme Being. In other words, the God is one and has infinite forms. A follower of Sanatana Dharma can develop great interest in one specific form of the same Supreme Being. For example, a devotee can be devout of Lord Rama and always chant the prescribed chain of words about Lord Rama. The reciting/chanting can be done individually or as a group.

7. I see the Priest holding a plate with small oil lamps and moving it up and down in clockwise direction. What does it mean?

It is called Aarati. The light, being a symbol of knowledge is showed in front of the Deities, and people take a closer look at the Deities as the light moves around them. As the light circles around, people in their mind pray to the god saying that – “Oh Lord! Please take me from the darkness to light. Give me the divine knowledge. Show me the right path, as you are the one who is leading me; and lead me in the right path”. There is another meaning for Aarati. It is a traditional belief in Hindu culture that when an important person or a highly effective person is visited by many people and his/her qualities are praised high, it causes good and bad influences, depending on how they are seen (the negative or positive attitude). If it is negative influence, it is called Drishti (the bad effect of evil eyes). The Aarati is performed to dispel those bad omens. Out of their great love towards their Deities, the devotees like to do Aarati to dispel the bad omens. What you see there is Aarati being performed by the priest on behalf of all the devotees; not only to dispel the evil eye on the Deities, but also praying to dispel theirs (devotees). It is very common in India that grandmothers do different kind of Dristi dispelling Arati to their beloved grand kids.

8. I see the Priest reciting some words and ringing a small handheld bell. What does it mean?

When the priest rings the bell, it is a reminder that it is pooja (worship) time. It is an invitation to all the good spirits and a warning to all the unwanted elements and spirits that hinder our good practices. The bell also helps keep the devotee’s attention in pooja. As soon as they hear the bell, it reminds them that worship is going on, and brings back their attention to worship and concentrate.

9. I see the Priest giving a small amount of water in the hands of devotees. What does it mean?

Again, it is the holy water that has been used for the worship. As they take it, the devotees get a feeling that their body and soul is purified.

10. I see the Priest distributing small amount of nuts/fruits to the devotees. What does it mean?

It is the blessed or sacred food offered to the Supreme Being and it is called Prasad. A visit to a temple is not complete without receiving Prasad. It is mostly fruits and nuts and 100% vegetarian items.

Note: The Hindu Temple respects all other faiths. Please refrain from asking controversial, challenging, political, unfriendly or disrespectful questions. The answers from the Priests or Devotees should be taken for information only and should not be used for any other purpose. The temple does not have any authority to make any comments on other issues, religions or faiths.  Opinions of the Priests or Devotees may not reflect Management's opinion.

Directions:

Directions from I-275 Southbound:

• take exit #21 and trun Right on to Ford Rd West / M-153
• turn Left on to Sheldon Road
• turn Right on to Cherry Hill Road

temple is on your Left

Directions from I-275 Northbound:

• take exit #21 and trun Left on to Ford Rd West / M-153
• turn Left on to Sheldon Road
• turn Right on to Cherry Hill Road

temple is on your Left

Directions from Ford Road (M-153) Eastbound:

• turn Right on to Canton Center Road
• turn Left on to Cherry Hill Road

temple is on your Right

Hindu Temple of Toledo, OH

 

Description

Research conducted by affiliates at Kent State University led by Dr. David W. Odell-Scott and Dr. Surinder M. Bhardwaj in 1999.

Activities and Schedule

The center is a hub for religious, cultural, and social activities.
Tuesday: 9 A.M. - 12 noon, 5 - 8 P.M. prayer.
Wednesday: 9 A.M. - 12 noon, 5 - 8 P.M. prayer.
Thursday: 9 A.M. - 12 noon, 5 - 8 P.M. prayer.
Friday: 9 A.M. - 12 noon, 5 - 8 P.M. prayer.
Saturday: 11 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. temple open for prayer.
Sunday: 11 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. temple open with community lunch following.

Demographics

Hindus from various regions of India and abroad who have settled in the Toledo area worship at the center. Families come for worship. Younger families bring their children along. Children of older families have dispersed to many areas of the United States; and come to the temple only on special occasions when in town.

Description   

This temple was built specifically for Hindu religions and social/cultural activities. There is an attached hall and library. There is an attached hall and library. In addition to regular worship, weddings are held in the temple hall. The current priest (Mr. Dixit) has a license to perform weddings. The temple is busy during special festivals such as Diwali. A sizeable parking lot is available.

Festivals

Prajas or prayers are sponsored and also lunches are provided. All major Hindu festivals are celebrated.

Maha Shivrati; 300 approximate attendance; Hindus from all regions.
Holi; 3-400 approximate attendance; Hindus from all regions.
Mahavira Jayantii; 250 approximate attendance; Gujarati and Jain.
Ugadi Parva; 200 approximate attendance; Southern Indian.
Diwali; 600 approximate attendance; Hindus from all regions.
Navaratri; 400 approximate attendance; Gujarati.
Ganesh Chaturthi; 300 approximate attendance; Maharashtrian, South Indian.
Krishna Janmashtmi; 500 approximate attendance; a regions.

Date Center Founded
1982; tax exempt status granted in 1986, and temple built in 1989.
Religious Leader and Title
Anant Dixit, Temple Priest
Membership
approximately 350 families
Ethnic Composition
Gujarati (largest), Punjabi, South India, Bengali (smallest)

Contact Information

 

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E-mail: staff@pluralism.org
Telephone: (617) 496-2481
Fax: (617) 496-2428
 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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