Temple Blog

When the Temple Calls, Be the Squirrel By: Sharmila Sanka The Ramayana lovingly remembers a tiny squirrel that carried grains of sand to help build the bridge to Lanka. Its contribution was small, but its devotion was immense. In every divine mission, it is not the size of the offering that matters, it is the sincerity of the heart behind it. That is why the squirrel's humble service continues to inspire generations. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI) offers us a similar opportunity to become part of something sacred and enduring as we celebrate the 11th Temple Anniversary and commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the Temple Groundbreaking. This special day is much more than a celebration. It is a spiritual journey from dawn to dusk. The festivities begin with Suprabhata Seva, where devotees have the blessed privilege of awakening the Lord with prayers and devotion. Throughout the day, Sarva Devata Abhishekam will be performed for all the deities residing in the temple, invoking divine grace and blessings for devotees, families, and the entire community. Maha Prasadam will be lovingly served to all. The anniversary also showcases the vibrant spirit of our community through devotional and cultural offerings, including bhajans, classical and devotional music, singing, and other artistic offerings. As evening approaches, the temple grounds will come alive with the grandeur of the procession accompanied by the energetic rhythms of Dhol-Tasha, creating an atmosphere of celebration and devotion. The day concludes with the serene Unjal Seva (Sayanotsavam), as devotees lovingly offer their final prayers and symbolically put the deities to rest after a day filled with worship and joy. An anniversary comes only once a year, but the memories, blessings, and spiritual merit earned through participation remain with us for a lifetime. Whether you volunteer, sponsor, perform, assist behind the scenes, or simply attend with devotion, your presence becomes part of the temple's sacred history. In this fast-paced age, opportunities to spend an entire day immersed in prayer, service, culture, and community are rare gifts. Let us make the best use of our time by engaging in noble actions, strengthening our faith, and contributing however modestly to a divine cause. Just as the squirrel earned a place in the story of Rama through its small act of service, each one of us has the opportunity to leave our own mark through participation, devotion, and selfless offering. Come with your family. Bring your friends. Offer your time, talent, or service. Let us celebrate, serve, and grow together as one family on this auspicious 11th Anniversary of HTCI.

Hanuman-When Strength Learns to KneelBy: Sharmila Sanka “I am a servant of Lord Rama. I am the least among the vanaras of Sugriva’s army.” With these words, the mighty Hanuman introduced himself in the court of Ravana. Such is the nature of true greatness. The highest beings see themselves only as instruments of the Divine. In that one statement, Hanuman defined what it means to be a servant leader. Strength wrapped in humility. Power anchored in surrender. Born to the noble Anjana Devi and the valiant Kesari, and blessed by Vayu, the Lord of wind, Hanuman was divine from the very beginning. Yet his childhood was filled with playful mischief, a result of his immense and unrestrained power. A sage’s curse caused him to forget his strength until the right moment, reminding us that even divine potential reveals itself only when purpose calls. That moment arrived in the service of Rama. When the search for Sita seemed impossible, it was Hanuman who rose. Motivated by Jambavant, Hanuman awakened to his true strength. Chanting the sacred name of Rama, he gathered his energy and leapt across the vast ocean. That leap was not merely physical. It was the flight of faith. It showed that when the Lord’s name fills the heart, even the impossible becomes possible. The journey to Lanka was filled with obstacles. Yet Hanuman never wavered. His steadiness, his patience, and his unwavering focus teach us resilience. Even after searching tirelessly, when hope seemed to fade, he did not lose faith in Rama. Instead, he renewed his effort. In the Ashoka grove, he found Sita in deep sorrow. This was a delicate moment. Strength alone would not suffice. Wisdom was needed. Hanuman did not rush forward. Instead, he gently sang the glories of Rama from a hidden branch. The sound of Rama’s name revived hope in Sita’s heart. Only then did he reveal himself, offering Rama’s ring as proof. In that moment, he became not just a messenger, but a bearer of courage and reassurance. Hanuman’s actions in Lanka were both strategic and purposeful. He allowed himself to be captured, assessed the enemy, and delivered a warning to Ravana. Even after displaying immense power, he continued to call himself only a servant. His humility remained untouched by his strength. When his tail was set on fire, it was meant to insult and break his ego. Instead, he transformed that moment into divine action. With complete detachment and focus, he burned Lanka while ensuring Sita’s safety. He turned adversity into service. On the battlefield, when Lakshmana fell unconscious, it was again Hanuman who stepped forward without hesitation. Tasked with bringing the Sanjeevani herb, he flew to the Himalayas. Unable to identify the herb, he lifted the entire mountain and brought it back. His commitment was total. He did not allow uncertainty to stop him. He completed the mission. Even beyond these well-known moments, his devotion continued to guide him. When Rama and Lakshmana were taken to Patala Lok or the netherworld, Hanuman alone found his way, defeated the forces there, and brought the brothers back. His intelligence, strength, and devotion worked together seamlessly. Can we imagine the Ramayana without Hanuman? Hanuman lives only for Rama. In many ways, Rama’s mission is fulfilled through Hanuman. Their bond is beyond words. It is the union of the Divine and the devotee, each reflecting the other in perfection. Hanuman is not a figure of the past. He is ever present. It is said that wherever the name of Rama is chanted with love, Hanuman is there, listening with folded hands and eyes filled with tears of devotion. He is beyond time, beyond death, and beyond limitation. He stands as a living example of strength guided by humility, power guided by devotion, and action guided by surrender. Even today, his name brings courage. His remembrance removes fear. His blessings are believed to ease the influence of Saturn and reduce life’s hardships. But beyond all this, his greatest gift is devotion. Hanuman shows us that true strength lies not in power, but in surrender to the Divine. On the sacred day of Hanuman Jayanti, the day When Devotion Awakens in the Heart, let us not merely remember his life. Let us strive to live his qualities. Let humility guide our actions. Let faith become our strength. May we chant with love. May we serve with sincerity. May we live with purpose. Happy Hanuman Jayanti. Om Hanumate Namah! Hanuman-When Strength Learns to KneelBy: Sharmila Sanka

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.

CMAI is excited to co-host with Hindu temple of Central Indiana a Carnatic Vocal Concert by Vid. Akshay Padmanabhan ! Hope to see you all there. Date: Saturday, April 18th, Time: 4 pmVenue: Hindu Temple of Central Indiana, basement hall.Concert is free to attend!

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

🌍 YOGA FOR HEALTH, HAPPINESS, PROSPERITY & GLOBAL PEACE 🧘‍♀️A Transformative Wellness Experience✨ Reconnect • Rejuvenate • Realign ✨Join us for a powerful and holistic yoga program designed to enhance physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner peace.🌿 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS🧘‍♂️ Session 1: Yoga Practice (90 Minutes)Gentle Warm-Up & Body PreparationAsana Practice (Strength, Flexibility & Balance)Pranayama (Breathwork for Calm & Focus)Mudra & Bandhas (Energy Activation Techniques)Guided Relaxation & Meditation

We have a very useful and informative panel discussion with leading legal practitioners scheduled at HTCI with curated topics that will address current concerns and anxieties of immigrants. Do not miss this opportunity and invite family/friends and circulate amongst groups and people who would benefit from this very timely presentation.

MAHAVIR JAYANTI: 31st March 2026 | Tuesday On this sacred day, let us honor Lord Mahavir’s teachings of Ahimsa and compassion. May we live by his message of “Live and Let Live”, spreading peace and kindness to all. Jai Jinendra! MAHAVIR JAYANTI CELEBRATIONS: 4th April 2026 | Saturday As we welcome the season of Spring, this year’s Mahavir Jayanti will be observed on Tuesday, March 31st. Our community will come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, at the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI). To honor the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, both the Digamber and Swetambar traditions will hold Prakshal and Pooja ceremonies: Swetambar Snatra Pooja • Preparation starts at 10:00 AM • Pooja begins at 10:30 AM Digamber Pooja/ Prakshal • Begins at 10:00 AM near the Jain section of the temple Following these poojas, we will join together for a combined Aarti and Swami Vatsalya (community meal). Those participating in the Swetambar Vidhi Pooja are welcome to bring: • Fal (fruits) • Navadhya (mithai) • A few flowers Please wear clean pooja attire (clothes that have not been worn while eating). We are also seeking volunteers to assist with setup and arrangements. If you’re available to help, please let us know! We look forward to celebrating together in devotion, peace, and unity. 🙏

Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam: The Divine Union That Blesses Kali Yuga By: Sharmila Sanka In this age of Kali, when the world is filled with uncertainty and the six inner enemies often cloud our thoughts and actions, the greatest refuge is the divine name of Lord Venkateswara, Srinivasa. Holding on to His name brings peace, strength, and clarity in times of confusion. In moments of both material and spiritual poverty, the supreme blessing is the grace of Goddess Padmavathi, the embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi. Chanting the divine names of Srinivasa and Padmavathi together is itself a great boon in this age of Kali, bestowing peace, prosperity, and inner fulfillment. Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam is the sacred celebration of the divine union of Prakrithi and Purusha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu, manifesting as Padmavathi and Srinivasa. This celestial wedding represents cosmic harmony, balance, and the sustaining principle of creation itself. In this divine confluence, love becomes eternal, dharma is established, and prosperity and peace flow into the lives of devotees who witness and participate with devotion. The sacred story of Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam is a reminder of divine love and destiny. King Akasa Raja, who had no heirs, once performed a sacred yagna. While preparing the land, his plough revealed a radiant lotus, within which lay a divine child. The king lovingly named her Padmavati, the one born of the lotus. In time, Lord Srinivasa expressed to His mother Vakuladevi that only by marrying Princess Padmavati would His purpose be fulfilled. He revealed her divine origin and His promise from a previous birth to wed her. With divine will and sacred effort, their celestial wedding was performed, a union destined and blessed. Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam is not merely a wedding celebration. It is the sacred union of Prakruthi and Purusha, the coming together of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu in this Kali Yuga. It symbolizes eternal love, harmony, and the balance that sustains life. Witnessing this divine union is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and harmony in family life, and to remove obstacles in marriage and relationships. When Brahma, Shiva, and all the devas themselves gathered with joy to witness this celestial wedding, should we not feel equally blessed to be part of it? Let us come together with devotion and enthusiasm to participate in the Padmavathi Srinivasa Kalyanam at HTCI. Let us offer our prayers at their divine feet, chant their sacred names, and immerse ourselves in this celebration of grace. In doing so, may we cleanse our hearts, invite divine blessings into our lives, and experience true joy, peace, and fulfillment.