Temple Blog

🛕 HTCI TEMPLE FEST 2026 — COMPLETE FOOD STALLS MENU🥤 Gangotri (Beverages)Water / Soft Drinks: $1Chai / Lemonade: $2Mango Lassi / Thandai / Aam Panna / Namkeen Lassi: $3🏔️ Taste of KashmirKehwa Chai / Roth / Laddu: $2Chole Bhatura: $8Pakoda / Gol Gappa / Jalebi: $7🍌 Kanchi (Tamil Nadu)Idli Platter / Vada Platter: $7Onion Uttappam: $7 | Pongal Platter: $52 Poori + Potato Masala: $6Filter Coffee / Rose Milk with Boba / Ragi Kuzhu / Nannari Sarbath: $3Eggless Cookies: $2🍧 Mallige Tiffin Room - MTR (Karnataka)Masala Dosa / Set Dosa / Onion Uttappa: $8Khara Bath / Kesari Bath: $5 | Chow Chow Bath: $8Ice Cream: $3 | Gud Bud / Fruit Sundae: $8🥟 Dwarika Food Bhandar (Gujarat)Bhel Puri / Dhokla / Dabeli: $4Pav Bhaji: $6🍦 Balgokulam (Kids & Sweets)Paan Ladoo / Kids Juice: $1Ice Cream Cup / Snowcone / Cupcake / Paan: $2🍛 Taste of OdishaSpecial Samosa Chaat: $5Dahi Bada (Dahi Bhalla): $6Pheni Gaja / Chena Poda: $4Desi Boba Drink (Kokam): $3🍱 Marathi Katta (Maharashtra)Vada Pav: $4 | Sabudana Khichdi: $5Pav Bhaji / Misal Pav: $6Assal Marathi Thaali: $8 | Mini Thaali: $4 - $5Shrikhand: $4 | Kokam Sarbath: $2🥥 Ambadi (Kerala)Parippu Vada / Unni Appam: $6Fried Plantain Packet: $6Parotta (Eggless) & Kadala Curry: $7🍲 Rangilo RajasthanDal / Bati / Churma Combo: $9🥞 Telugu Ruchulu (AP / TS)Plain Dosa / Pesarattu: $7Masala Dosa / Upma Pesarattu: $8Punugulu / Bajji Platter: $6Onion Pakora / Muruku: $4 | Tomato / Mint Rice: $5🥟 Pashupati Bhoj (Nepal)Momos: $4 | Puri Tarkari: $7 | Malpuwa / Selroti: $2🫓 Pakwan (North India)Samosa Chaat / Kachori Chaat / Puri Sabzi: $7Gulab Jamun / Jalebi: $2🧆 Chaath PujaPav Bhaji / Papdi Chaat: Special🛕 HTCI Snacks (Temple Kitchen)Fresh Laddu: SpecialAssorted Temple Snacks: Special

Garba is a vibrant traditional folk dance celebrated during the nine nights of Navaratri, honoring the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga. Dancers move gracefully in rhythmic circles to lively music, colorful attire, and energetic beats, symbolizing unity, devotion, and the joyous celebration of life. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with authentic Garba, music, dance, colorful traditions, and festive community spirit.Vendor booth available : One day: $250 & Two day: $400

Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, and good beginnings. Devotees bring home Lord Ganesha’s idol, invoke His presence with prayers and rituals, and seek His blessings for happiness, success, and peace. The festival fosters devotion, community bonding, and spiritual growth.PUJA SPONSORSHIPS --> https://myapp.htci.org/serviceopen?g=110&dt=2026-09-14ABHISHEKAM SPONSORSHIPS --> https://myapp.htci.org/serviceopen?g=18&dt=2026-09-14

Hartalika Teej, also celebrated as Gowri Habba in South India, is a sacred festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is observed by women with devotion and fasting, praying for a happy married life, the well-being of their family, and for auspicious blessings.On this day, Goddess Parvati is worshipped in her form as Gowri, symbolizing purity, strength, and devotion.Let us come together to pray for harmony, prosperity, and divine grace for all.PUJA SPONSORSHIPS --> https://myapp.htci.org/serviceopen?g=121&dt=2026-09-13

Organization and Event TitleHindu Temple of Central Indiana (Indianapolis, Indiana)HTCI CAMPLEARN • GROW • CONNECTTHEME: BHAKTI YOGAFeatured Quotes and Scripture"Bhakti is the practice of cultivating Shanti through proper understanding." – Shri Krishna (BG 12/12)BHAGAVAD GITA 12.12śreyo hi jñānam abhyāsāt jñānād dhyānam visiṣyate | dhyānāt karma-phala-tyāgas tyāgāc chāntir anantaram || 12.12 ||Better than practice (abhyāsa) is knowledge (jñāna); better than knowledge is meditation (dhyāna); better than meditation is renunciation of the fruits of action (karma-phala-tyāga); peace (shānti) follows immediately thereafter.Date and TimeSunday, Oct 4th 20269:30 AM – 4:30 PMWe Will Provide* Camp Book* Lunch* 3:00 PM Snack* Ice CreamKey HighlightsJOIN US FOR INSPIRATION, LEARNING, AND DEVOTION!* Engaging classes* Interactive activities* Spiritual growth & new friendshipsCamp Coordinators:* Raghava Ayyagari: (317) 979-5097* Hansa Dave: +1 (317) 490-4910* Priyam: 1 (317) 414-3584

KRISHNA - EK ANOKHA NRIYAVISHKAR(A Fundraiser event)29th August 2026 | Saturday | 6:00pm - 8:30pm🌸✨ The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana ✨🌸warmly invites you to its special fundraiser presentation:Krishna – Ek Anokha NrityavishkarA dance drama by Sharayu Nritya KalamandirPresented in collaboration with our community partners Swar Indy | Nrityangan Kathak Inc. | Nupoor School of KathakLink: https://myapp.htci.org/serviceopen?g=138&dt=2026-09-29This is more than just a one-of-a-kind dance drama depicting the timeless life and leelas of Lord Krishna 🦚🙏It is an opportunity to experience, learn, and be inspired through the beauty of kathakIn addition to the spectacular performance, workshop participants can choose from three engaging streams designed for Beginners, Intermediate dancers, and those who wish to explore the expressive art of Kathak. Whether you’re taking your very first dance steps, refining your Kathak technique, discovering the beauty of storytelling through dance, or learning choreography to a favorite romantic song, there is something for everyone.Join us in celebrating the spirit of Krishna through the universal language of dance while supporting HTCI’s mission to serve our community. 🌺📞 For more information:Sanjay Vinze 3175174392KP  3172585356Priyesh Kheradia 3179669033Rishma Chauhan 3179910575Tejas Hajirnis 8642700571

Dear Devotees, Patrons, and Visitors, We are delighted to welcome you to our Hindu Temple. To ensure a safe, respectful, and meaningful experience for you and your family, please review the following important Temple policy, safety and risk-awareness guidelines. Voluntary Participation Participation in Temple pujas, events and other activities is voluntary. Please take part only in activities appropriate for your health, age, and physical condition. If you or a family member is unwell or unable to participate safely, please refrain from participating. General Event Risks As with any public gathering, attendance involves inherent risks. These include, but are not limited to, illness, slips and falls, crowd dynamics, adverse weather, traffic or parking accidents, and unforeseen emergencies such as natural or man-made disasters. Individuals are encouraged to exercise good judgment and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of their families. Minors, Elders, and Family MembersParents, guardians, and family members are responsible for supervising minors, elders, and others in their care during the convention. Please ensure that children and family members participate only in activities suitable for them.Photo and Video Notice Individuals are NOT allowed to take photographs, videos, or recordings inside the Worship Hall. The Temple may record photos or videos for promotional, archival, and organizational purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please notify the Front Desk or Temple Management, and reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your request. Emergency and Safety Cooperation Please follow Temple rules, posted signs, and instructions from Temple Management, Temple staff, volunteers and emergency personnel. If you notice a safety concern, immediately inform Temple staff or volunteers. Facility Rules No firearms or sharp weapons No pets (service dogs permitted) No smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drugs No drones or aerial photography on Temple premises Camera monitoring is enforced - Security cameras in use Parking not allowed after Temple hours - vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense Conduct & BehaviorKeep mobile phones on silentMaintain silence or speak softlyRespectful conduct expected at all timesBe kind and respectful to our Temple staff, volunteers and to the fellow Individuals Children must remain with an adult - Do not leave child unattended Do not touch the deities or sanctum Respectful Conduct Toward Temple Staff & Volunteers To maintain a peaceful and respectful Temple environment: Individuals must treat all priests, staff, and volunteers with courtesy and respect at all timesIndividuals must not confront, argue with, intimidate, harass, or verbally abuse Temple personnelStaff, priests, and volunteers must not be pressured or criticized regarding Temple schedules, rituals, procedures, or the manner in which ceremonies are conductedAny concerns, complaints, or suggestions must be directed only to Temple Management, not to individual staff, priests, or volunteers Spreading misinformation, insulting, or bad-mouthing Temple personnel is strictly prohibited Harassing behavior in person, by phone, electronically, or through social media may result in immediate removal from Temple premises and temporary or permanent restriction from Temple activities Temple personnel perform their duties under Temple Management and established religious traditions. Homemade or store-bought Prasad Policy Homemade or store-bought prasad may NOT be distributed to Individuals Prasad is allowed only for personal family use Food PolicyOutside food, snacks or drinks are not allowed inside the temple. Only strictly satvik food is permitted inside the temple. Dress Code Traditional Hindu attire encouraged. All clothing must be modest and respectful. Not Allowed: sleeveless or low-cut tops; tank tops; shorts, skirts, or dresses above knee length; clothing revealing shoulders, chest, back, or knees; clothing with offensive language or imagery Footwear Shoes, sandals, and boots must be left in the designated shoe racks outside the worship hall. Acceptance of Terms Your visit to the Temple constitutes automatic acceptance of the above terms. No separate signed agreement is required. We request all Individuals to help us maintain a safe, respectful and spiritually focused atmosphere for everyone. Temple Management reserves the right to remove any Individuals or volunteers who do not follow Temple policies and may restrict future entry if necessary.

From Pillar to Presence: The Roar that Protected Devotion By: Sharmila Sanka There are moments in creation when the Divine does not merely bless, it erupts to restore balance. The incarnation of Lord Narasimha stands as one such unparalleled moment, where divinity took a form never seen before, to destroy the wicked and protect unwavering devotion. The tyrant king Hiranyakasipa, driven by insatiable greed and a relentless desire for immortality, performed severe penance, and secured powerful boons. Armed with these protections, he believed he had conquered death itself. His arrogance grew boundless. He defied the cosmic order, forbade the worship of Lord Narayana, and demanded that all revere him as supreme. Yet, within his own palace lived a quiet revolution-his son, Prahlada. Prahlada, untouched by ego or fear, was immersed in the divine name of Sri Hari. No teacher had instructed him; no circumstance had influenced him. His devotion flowed naturally, as though every cell in his being resonated with Narayana. Despite repeated warnings, and punishments from his father, Prahlada remained steadfast. His faith was not defiance; it was truth. “How can one harm the one who lives in God?” “How can fear enter a heart where the Divine resides?” Time and again, as Hiranyakasipa subjected Prahlada to unbearable trials, an unseen force protected the child. That force was none other than Sri Hari Himself, responding not to ritual, but to pure, unshaken devotion. In a final confrontation, Hiranyakasipa, consumed by rage, challenged Prahlada’s belief in Sri Hari's omnipresence. Pointing to a pillar, he demanded, “Is your Hari present here too?” With unflinching conviction, Prahlada replied, “Yes.” In that very instant, the king struck the pillar and what followed was not just a revelation, but a cosmic declaration. From within the pillar emerged a form that transcended all definitions—a being neither man nor beast. With the face of a lion and the body of a human, Lord Narasimha manifested-fierce, radiant, and unstoppable. At twilight, neither day nor night On the threshold, neither indoors nor outdoors With no weapon, but His own nails Neither human nor animal In perfect alignment with the boon’s conditions, Narasimha destroyed Hiranyakasipa, tearing apart not just a body but the very illusion of invincibility born of ego. Yet, even after the demon was vanquished, the intensity of Narasimha’s form shook the universe. The devas trembled, and even Goddess Lakshmi hesitated to approach Him. The fury was not mere anger. It was the cosmic force of righteousness unleashed. Who, then, could calm the Lord? Only the one for whom He came. Prahlada, the child-devotee, approached Narasimha with folded hands and a heart overflowing with love. With a series of heartfelt prayers as described in the Bhagavata Purana, he did not seek to pacify the fierce protector, but lovingly awakened the compassionate Lord within. Ugram Vīram Mahāviṣṇum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham Nṛsiṁham Bhīṣaṇam Bhadram Mṛtyor Mṛtyum Namāmyaham “I bow to Lord Narasimha-fierce, heroic, and all-pervading; the blazing one who protects from all directions; the terrifying yet auspicious Lord who is the destroyer of death itself.” It was his pure devotion, humility, and surrender that transformed the Lord’s fierce form into compassion. And in that moment, the roar softened into grace. Narasimha’s eyes filled with affection, His expression transformed into serenity, and He lifted Prahlada onto His lap granting him blessings beyond measure. The Divine, who had appeared in unimaginable ferocity, now revealed His boundless tenderness. Since that sacred moment, Lord Narasimha has been worshipped as the remover of deep-seated fears, protector against unseen adversities, and the embodiment of divine justice. Participating in or performing the Narasimha Homam is believed to invoke His grace bringing peace, protection, and prosperity. But beyond the ritual lies a deeper message. The Avatar does not descend merely to destroy evil but to awaken humanity. To remind us that devotion, when pure and unwavering, becomes a force that even the Divine responds to. That the Divine is not distant but present, in every pillar, every breath, every heartbeat. Prahlada did not just witness God. He lived God. And Narasimha did not just emerge from a pillar. He revealed that the Divine resides everywhere… waiting to manifest when faith calls without fear.

Speaker Panel: on Invitation letter1) A brief glimpse of Vedanta in Vishnu Sahasra Nama (JNANA)by Dr. Prasad Mantravadi.2) The Vishnu Sahasra Nama-An Easy Tool Towards God (BHAKTI)by Sri Natarajan Chandramouli.3) “WORK IS WORSHIP”-The Basic Path for attaining Moksha (KARMA YOGA) by Vedavaradhi Sri C.L. Prabhakar 4) Keynote Address on “EKAM SAT VIPRAHA BAHUDA VADANTI” by Surya Chandra Ananda