Temple Blog

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.

Pita and Jagadpita: Celebrating the Seen and the Unseen Protector-Sharmila Sanka From the loving presence of Pita, who nurtures and protects his family, to Jagadpita, the Divine Father who watches over all creation, fatherhood is a sacred expression of strength, guidance, sacrifice, and unconditional love. While one stands beside us through life's journey, the other walks with us always through His grace, protection, and boundless compassion. On this Father's Day, we offer our gratitude to both the earthly father and the Heavenly Father, celebrating their enduring role as our protectors, guides, and sources of inspiration. A father is the silent strength of a family, the unwavering pillar who stands firm through every joy and challenge. While his love may not always be expressed in words, it is revealed through his sacrifices, guidance, protection, and steadfast actions. His reassuring presence gives courage, confidence, and stability to those who depend on him. If a human father can offer such strength and security, how much greater is the love and protection of Jagadpita, the Divine Father of all Creation? The Lord watches over His children with boundless compassion, protecting them in times of need and guiding them with wisdom. At times, He may appear stern, but only to lead us toward righteousness and spiritual growth. Throughout our sacred scriptures, we find beautiful examples of reverence for fatherhood. Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya honored their father, Lord Shiva, through respect and devotion. Luv and Kush upheld the values of their father, Lord Rama, through obedience, noble conduct, and by spreading the essence of Ramayana to the world. Hanuman, the embodiment of devotion and strength, adored Lord Rama as his divine father and source of inspiration drawing immense power through the constant chanting of Rama Nama. When great devotees and divine beings themselves celebrate the strength and greatness of fatherhood, we too should pause to honor and express gratitude for the fathers in our lives. On this Father's Day, the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana joyfully celebrates both the Earthly father and the Heavenly Father. We invite devotees to offer a special Archana to Jagadpita in the names of their fathers and father figures, praying for their health, happiness, strength, and divine blessings. May all fathers be blessed with the courage to lead, the wisdom to guide, and the strength to stand as firm rocks for their families. As we honor them today, may we also remember Jagadpita, the Divine Father whose love, protection, and grace sustain us always. Happy Father's Day to every Pita, and our loving gratitude to Jagadpita, the unseen protector of all.

It was truly a blissful and spiritually uplifting experience to witness the Sarvadevata Abhishekam and anniversary celebrations this past weekend. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the devotees, volunteers, sponsors, and well-wishers who joined us and made this special occasion memorable.On this auspicious day, we are delighted and proud to announce the date of the Bhoomi Pooja and Groundbreaking Ceremony for our Southeast Expansion Project.Over the past decade, our temple community has grown tremendously. With this growth, we have increasingly faced challenges accommodating devotees, especially during major festivals and occasions when multiple events take place simultaneously.Our current facilities no longer adequately support the needs of our growing congregation. We do not have a dedicated dining hall for serving prasadam and hosting community gatherings, and our kitchen requires expansion to provide a larger and more efficient workspace for volunteers. In addition, we face significant storage limitations for our palki, pooja mandapams, pooja materials, and other temple equipment.After careful planning and prayerful consideration over the past several years, we have identified our highest priorities for this phase of development:• New Dining Hall• Expanded Kitchen and Volunteer Work Area• Storage Barn for Temple Equipment and MaterialsWith the blessings of Ishvara, we have developed a financially responsible plan, secured loan pre-approvals, and are now ready to move forward.We are pleased to announce that the Bhoomi Pooja and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Southeast Expansion Project will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026.We cordially invite you, your family, and friends to join us for this sacred and historic occasion as we begin this important journey with the blessings of Ishvara.This project would not be possible without the support, generosity, and blessings of devotees like you. We humbly request your participation through your presence, prayers, and sponsorship.May Ishvara bless you and your family with health, happiness, and prosperity. We sincerely request you to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime milestone in our temple's history.With prayers for a prosperous beginning,Board of Trustees,Executive Committee,Advisory Committee and Volunteers

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