When Indianapolis Became Ujjain: A 24-Hour River of Devotion at HTCI

Like the sacred Ganga that flows eternally from the matted locks of Lord Shiva, the temple halls of HTCI were immersed in an unbroken stream of devotion on Maha Shivaratri. It was not merely a two-hour or four-hour gathering. It was a continuous outpouring of faith for full 24 hours. Even as midnight passed and darkness deepened, the enthusiasm of devotees only intensified. The longing to behold the Lord transcended time, fatigue, and the chill of the night.

The Grand Maha Shivaratri celebrations unfolded across all four Yamas with profound reverence and spiritual grandeur. The Abhishekam to the sacred Shivalinga was deeply moving. Each offering made with precision, devotion, and sacred chant. The resonant vibrations of Rudram and melodious bhajans filled the air while the priests, within the sanctum sanctorum, adorned the Lord with meticulous care and heartfelt love.

Then came a breathtaking moment. As the curtains parted after the elaborate alankaram inspired by the revered Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain, the entire temple seemed to pause in awe. Two eyes felt insufficient to absorb the splendor before us. Lord Shiva, radiant amidst the glow of multiple harathi lamps, stood in majestic beauty. The atmosphere was electric with devotion. Gasps of wonder and silent tears of joy reflected the profound spiritual impact of that divine darshan.

Such magnificence did not happen by chance. It was the result of thoughtful planning and tireless dedication by the Temple Board and Executive Committee. The priests practiced the Mahakaleshwar decoration multiple times in the weeks leading up to Shivaratri, spending long hours perfecting every detail purely out of love for the Lord. Their humility was deeply touching. As some of the Temple Board members beautifully reflected, the Lord who created the universe in a mere instant could have orchestrated this celebration effortlessly but instead, He blesses His devotees with the sacred opportunity to serve as His instruments and hence it is important to remain humble and devoted for the blessed opportunity.

The success of this grand event was a testament to the devotion, discipline, and unity of HTCI’s servant leaders and hundreds of volunteers. From those managing parking in the cold night air, to the kitchen volunteers serving tirelessly with warm smiles; from the puja committee and IT teams to the registration desk, fundraising volunteers, facilities crew, dining services, Abhishekam coordinators, and several other volunteers' every act of service was worship in action. Many unnamed volunteers quietly stepped in wherever needed, embodying the true spirit of selfless seva. Surely, such humility and surrender must have brought a divine smile to Lord's lips.

Throughout the celebration, the powerful chant of the Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” reverberated through the temple, awakening the Shiva within each of us. With over 5,000 devotees participating and more than 10,000 eyes beholding the grandeur of Mahakaleshwar alankaram, it felt as though Indianapolis had transformed into Ujjain itself.

HTCI did not merely host a festival; it created a sacred experience. Through Rudram chanting, Abhishekam, bhajans, sponsorships, and countless acts of service, devotees were offered a rare and blessed opportunity to witness, to serve, and to surrender. On this Maha Shivaratri, devotion did not just fill a temple. It flowed like the Ganga, timeless and purifying, reminding us that when hearts unite in faith, any place can become a holy kshetra.

By: Sharmila Sanka