Temple Blog

🌍 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.

Navagrahas: The Cosmic Guides of Our Inner and Outer Journey Ups and downs, the rise and fall in one’s life, are understood in Vedic astrology as being influenced by the anugraha -grace of the Navagrahas, the nine celestial forces. Moving through the twelve houses at different phases of our lives, these grahas shape our joys and sorrows and influence how we respond to life’s circumstances. More than mere planets, they are subtle cosmic energies that play a profound role in guiding human life and destiny. It is said that when one is blessed with the Lord’s supreme grace, even the Navagrahas cannot disturb one’s life. This is indeed true. But the question is, have we reached that unwavering state of absolute faith and surrender? Until we arrive there, we strive to earn the grace of the Navagrahas so that we may live with peace, health, prosperity, and spiritual progress. Why do we seek the grace of all the grahas? What role do they play in our lives? How do we benefit from their blessings? Who are these Navagrahas? What is that simple yet powerful shloka that invokes all nine celestial forces governing our existence? Adityaya cha Somaya Mangalaya Budhaya cha Guru Shukra Shanibhyas cha Rahave Ketave Namah Aditya (Surya) is the giver of life, health, and vitality. His rays shine endlessly, teaching us the essence of selflessness. His grace is ever available; it is for us to become deserving enough to receive it in abundance. Chandra (Moon) represents the mind. “Chandrama manaso jatah.” The Moon is born of the Cosmic Mind. Our emotions, thoughts, and mental stability are governed by Him. Even the crops we grow and the food we consume are nurtured under His influence. Mangala (Kuja or Mars) embodies energy, strength, and courage, the driving force we need to face the challenges of everyday life. Budha (Mercury) blesses us with intelligence, communication, and discrimination, enabling us to think clearly and make wise decisions. Guru (Jupiter) is the planet of wisdom and knowledge, the remover of ignorance. Even when other grahas are unfavorably placed, Guru’s grace can uplift and protect. Faith in the Guru and surrender to His guidance lead to victory and inner expansion. Shukra (Venus) grants prosperity, comfort, beauty, and the finer joys of life. He governs material well-being and harmonious relationships. Shani (Saturn), often misunderstood, is a compassionate teacher. He refines us through discipline and life lessons. When ego arises, when wealth blinds us, or when we forget humility, Shani gently reminds us. If we remain unaware, those reminders may become stronger. Yet every lesson from Shani ultimately leads to growth and inner maturity. Rahu and Ketu, the shadow grahas, move in an anti-clockwise direction unlike the other seven. Though they do not possess physical form, their influence is profound. Rahu represents desires, ambitions, and worldly attachments. He amplifies cravings and can create confusion, yet also drives growth through experience. Ketu represents detachment, spirituality, and liberation, guiding us inward and reducing our attachment to the material world. Together, they reveal karmic patterns and shape our evolution, Rahu through engagement with the world and Ketu through detachment from it. These cosmic energies exist within us as subtle centers called nava grandhis, reflecting the universe within the human body. When we align ourselves with the Navagrahas outside, we harmonize the energies within. It depends on how we respond to their blessings and life lessons. When we live consciously, learn from our experiences, replace pride with wisdom, serve selflessly, and offer ourselves with humility and reverence, the grace of the Navagrahas naturally flows into our lives. One of the most powerful rituals to earn their grace is by participating in the Navagraha Homam. More than a ritual, it is an opportunity to align with these divine forces through prayer, gratitude, and surrender. Let us do our part with sincerity and devotion. As we offer our prayers, may we gain resilience in challenges, wisdom in our actions, and the strength to walk forward with purpose and spiritual awareness. -by Sharmila Sanka

Gangaur ProcessionTraditional Gangaur PujaRajasthani Folk Music & DanceGangaur VisarjanRajashtani FoodThe Gangaur Festival is one of the most important and vibrant festivals of Rajasthan, celebrated in honor of Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the symbol of marital happiness, love, and devotion. It is observed by women, especially newly married and unmarried girls, who pray for the well-being of their husbands or for a good life partner.The festival lasts for about 16–18 days, beginning the day after Holi. Women dress in traditional attire, apply mehendi, and worship beautifully decorated idols of Gauri and Lord Shiva. The celebrations include singing folk songs, carrying decorated pots, and participating in colorful processions.Gangaur is especially grand in cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, where processions feature traditional music, dance, and royal-style displays. The festival reflects Rajasthan’s rich culture, devotion, and the importance of marital harmony.

Attukal Pongala is a 10-day festival celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February–March) at the Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. During this sacred festival, more than 1.5 million women devotees gather to prepare and offer Pongala to Sri Bhadrakali.

NAVAGRAHA HOMAM @ 9AMGanapathi Sthapana PunyahavachanamKalasa PujaNavagraha PujaNavakshari JapaAavurthi/Aahuti Poornahuti

Sri Rama Navami – When Dharma Took Birth on Earth Sri Rama Navami is not merely the celebration of the birth of Lord Rama for a day; it is the celebration of the birth of Dharma for life. On this sacred day, Rama descended upon the earth to restore dharma and to uproot greed, arrogance, and jealousy represented by the demon king Ravana. Rama’s birth was not just an event in time; it was the dawn of righteousness meant to guide humanity for generations to come. Born on Navami-the ninth day in the month of Chaitra, the life of Rama reminds us that Dharma ultimately prevails over untruth and unrighteousness. To such a divine embodiment of truth, on this Rama Navami, let us offer ourselves through Nava Vidha Bhakti-the nine forms of devotion that express the fullness of love for the Lord. Rama’s life blessed humanity with the great Ramayana. Yet the story of Rama is not merely history; it is a timeless guide for righteous living. Though divine, Rama chose to live as an ideal human, despite facing life’s greatest challenges-fourteen years of exile instead of coronation, separation from his abducted wife Sita, walking with thorn-pricked bare feet in the forest, and almost losing his devoted brother Lakshmana, fighting a great war with the support of the mighty yet humble servant Hanuman and the vanara army who chose to stand by Rama’s dharma instead of Ravana’s might and power. Through every trial, Rama showed humanity how to live with truth, duty, and self-control. Rama stands as the perfect example of the ideal human being—Maryada Purushottama, the embodiment of righteous conduct. In every situation, He upheld truth without compromise. For this reason, the world celebrates His birth with joy and reverence. Sri Rama Navami should therefore not be seen merely as a day of celebration; it is a sacred reminder of how we must live our lives with values. It inspires us to walk the path of Dharma even when faced with challenges. On this auspicious day, HTCI will celebrate this divine occasion with abhishekam to Rama Parivar followed by the sacred Ram Janmotsav Puja, to let the devotees immerse themselves in the essence of Rama’s Dharma and Sat Karma. To celebrate Rama’s divine life and dharma and to commemorate the sacrifices of Sita, devotees around the world observe Sita Rama Kalyanam, the divine union of Rama and Sita. Their wedding symbolizes the union of Dharma and divine love. HTCI is no exception, offering devotees the opportunity to participate in this sacred ceremony, followed by Kanjika Puja, where nine young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Divine Mother. On the day of Rama’s coronation to become the king of Ayodhya, Rama made a choice that continues to inspire humanity even today. Instead of accepting the deserved throne, He chose the tough path-Dharma by honoring His father’s promise to His wife Kaikeyi. Even when exiled, He accepted it without resentment, demonstrating that duty and righteousness must guide every decision in life. Rama’s story reminds us that although we face hardships and challenges in our daily lives, and although it may sometimes appear that unrighteousness is winning, the ultimate victory always belongs to those who follow Dharma. This victory of righteousness is celebrated through Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, symbolizing the coronation of Dharma. The mighty and prosperous Ravana symbolizes our inner weaknesses—anger, ego, greed, and uncontrolled desire to harm others. His defeat represents the destruction of these inner enemies through the power of Dharma embodied by Rama. Rama’s life reminds us that character is greater than scholarship, wealth, or power, and that truthfulness, humility, and compassion define true greatness. On this sacred Sri Rama Navami, let us reflect on what Rama stood for and what He fought for. Let us experience the sweetness of chanting “Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama,” whose sacred vibration has the power to purify our hearts and transform our lives. May the name of Rama lead us to His holy feet, or better still, may it make our hearts His eternal abode, and may we grow worthy of a place in His divine heart. By: Sharmila Sanka