Summer 2013 issue
HTCI Chairman’s Message
Building Committee Update Phase III Construction Update
Dear Friends and Devotees of HTCI,
Shilpies arriving in September
I’m sure that you all are enjoying great summer weather. It is time for me to give you a brief update of our Temple project. As I mentioned in our last newsletter, we have been trying hard through various avenues to obtain visas for Shilpies (Temple Artisans) to Indianize the Temple both inside and out. At last ten of them got visas at the Chennai Consulate on August 26th and will be here by September 10, 2013. The Shilpies will immediately start working outside until the weather changes. Meanwhile, we are hoping to obtain visas for twelve more Shilpies in a month or two. These Shilpies may join us by the end of this year. All the Shilpies together are expected to complete the work both inside and outside of three major Shrines by June 2014 for us to celebrate partial Kumbhabhishekam in July of 2014. The team of Shilpies (22) will stay with us to finish the work on the remaining Shrines and Rajagopuram in the year 2015 for final Kumbhabhishekam. Afterwards we all can enjoy the full potential of our Temple.
The building committee is pleased to announce that 10 Shilpies will be arriving at the Temple in September to begin phase III construction. As you know, the phase III construction involves “Indianization” of the external Vimanam (elevations), wall, Rajagopuram as well as all the internal shrines. The detailed ornamentation work involves the creation of various religious symbols and figurines that traditionally will decorate the place of worship. The entire project is expected to take up to 30 months. Our goal is to focus on the most important elements at first so that we can plan for Kumbhabhishekam and occupancy of the main temple in June 2014!! We have also applied for visa for additional 12 Shilpies. We cannot however predict how long it will take, but we are doing everything we can to expedite the process.
The Shilpies will be housed within the temple premises in the lower level. As they begin to settle down, we will need some volunteers in facilitating their stay. The cost of the final phase of the Temple Project We will depend on the community volunteers to help including materials and labor is estimated to be the Shilpies. two million dollars. This means that we must There are two things we need from the community raise the amount over the next 20 months but immediately we need one-half million dollars PLEASE RESPECT THE CONSTRUCTION AREA. to get started. On behalf of the Temple, I THESE WILL BE HARD HAT AREAS. ONLY wholeheartedly thank you all for having helped APPROVED PERSONNEL ARE ALLOWED. the Temple project so far. We have invested so THIS IS THE TIME TO OPEN YOUR CHECK BOOK. much money and energy on this project that we IF YOU HAVE ANY UNFULFILLED PLEDGES, cannot go back or take a pause, this is a very THIS IS THE TIME. THE LAST MINUTE IS UPON crucial time so please come forward and help US. NO NEED TO WAIT. WE DEPEND ON YOUR us out. We request all of our community SUPPORT.
members to donate liberally. If you redeem
Srinivasan Chandrasekhar Chairman, Facilities Committee
Chairman’s Report continued on page 3
Temple Information Address: 3350 North German Church Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235 Phone: (317) 891-9199 • Email: webmaster@htci.org • Website: www.htci.org Temple Timings: Mon to Fri: 6 PM - 8 PM; Sat & Sun: 9 AM - 8 PM
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HTCI Board of Trustees 2012-2013 Chairman Sathyanarayana R. Marri 765-362-8026 Vice Chairman Rama Belagaje 317-815-5524 Secretary Arun Jain 317-566-0449 Treasurer Venkat Rao 317-846-8086 Fund Raising Vijayapal Reddy 317-843-8482 Facilities Srinivasan Chandrasekhar 317-849-0753 Education & Communication Ram Bhargava 317-862-2228 Public Relations Atul Bhargava 317-201-3277 Human Resources Ravi Pattar 317-862-7871 Social & Charitable Activity Prabhakar Kasarabada 317-241-4818 Long Range Planning Kannan Natarajan 317-566-9399
HTCI Executive Comm. 2012 - 2013 President Anil Bajpai 317-873-5621 Vice President/President-Elect Ambat Babu 317-490-0392 Secretary Sathyaraj Chawan 317-440-0133 Treasurer Mohan Sarda 317-705-9695 Joint Secretary/Treasurer Ravi Dinakaran 317-213-6920 Pooja Coordination Committee Krishna Padmanabhan 317-258-5356 Kitchen Committee Shanti Pathak 317-844-0466 Communication Committee Vijay Narayan 317-490-1628 Maintenance Committee Sathya Murthy Tulasiraman 317-753-9521 Youth Activity Coordinator Hansa Dave 317-490-4910 Function Coordination Committee Rajendra Kedlaya 317-270-4850
TEMPLE CURRENT HOURS: Please contact to schedule services Monday-Friday ..........................6 PM - 8 PM. Krishna P. at 317-258-5356 or Saturday and Sunday............. 9 AM - 8 PM. <mailkpk@yahoo.com>
Membership Please become a member and here is the info for you HTCI has two categories of members: patron/life members and regular members. You can become a Life Member by paying a one time fee of $1500.00 or you can donate $10,000 or more (cumulatively) to become a patron. Annual membership is for the calendar year; $100 per family, $50 per individual and $15 per student. Membership entitles to certain benefits such as voting rights in the election of temple office bearers, participating in temple programs like balagokulam, cultural activities, free calendar, one archana and you are also helping your temple to be stronger since the strength is measured by its members. Please download the form from the website, fill it up and mail the form along with your check (payable to HTCI) to the address mentioned below. You can also pay online at www.htci.org. Please send your Membership forms with your check to: Mohan Sarda, HTCI Treasurer 3350 North German Church Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235 All the donations and the puja services receipts are emailed, if you are not receiving your receipts or your email address or residence address is changed please report to the temple to serve you better.
Priest Services
For all special services by one of our temple priests, either at the temple or outside at your home or other locations, please call Mr. Krishna P. at (317) 258-5356 <mailkpk@yahoo. com> or Mr. Anil Bajpai at (317) 250-1431 or send an email to seva@htci.org. You can also download the pooja services form from here, fill it up and email the form to seva@htci.org.
Kitchen Services
Annadan is a Mahadan, you can sponsor Lunch any Saturday or Sunday. For “Annadan” or Kitchen sponsorship to volunteer or donate grocery please contact Mrs. Shanti Pathak, Kitchen Coordinator, at (317) 844-0466 or send an email to pathakgee@sbcglobal.net. Lunch is served EVERY Saturday and Sunday from Noon - 2:00pm.
To join any of these classes at the temple contact: Balgokulam & Chetana (Youth) Classes - Hansa Dave <kdave@sbcglobal.net> 317-889-7328 Hindi Classes - Anita Mahesh Gupta <guptamahesh412@gmail.com> 317-291-0718 Sanskrit Classes- Sanjay Kalluparambil <sanjay.kalluparambil@gmail.com> 646-722-0785
Membership Committee Tripti Vyas 317-459-5530 Library Committee Jagannath Pandey 317-842-9902
Newsletter Editorial Committee (2013 – 2014) Ram Bhargava 317-507-4378 Vijayapal Reddy 317-843-8482 Siva Kumpatla 317-571-1807 Madhu Bhargava 317-507-1843 Indu Vasudevan 317-571-0963 Nikhil Jain, Kamana Gupta & Bhavi Sarda
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? WANT TO MEET PEOPLE?
Seva is at the heart of our tradition. Your Seva makes your temple stronger. Then join the temple volunteer pool. Your temple is primarily a volunteer organization. You can assist in numerous activities at the temple as helping in the kitchen (cooking, cleaning and serving food), front desk, gardening, making garlands, event coordination, maintenance, etc. Thanks to all the volunteers who are continuously helping in these areas. 2
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HTCI Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report
HTCI cordially invites everyone for SRI GANESH CHATURTHI on September 8th (Sunday) 2013
Dear Devotees, Our temple is going through a serious but exciting transition. Long wait to welcome Shilpies from India to complete the final phase of our temple construction is almost over. Shilpies should be here before our Temple Fest on September 14th, 2013.
Pooja Timings Sep 8th 2013, 11:15 AM: Kalasha Sthapana, Sri Mahaganapati Pratishtha, Pooja, Aarti and Prasad (Sponsorship: $31) (Geeta Session at 10am)
You are aware that our priests had decided to move on with their lives. Prasad ji had served this temple for over six years and we are all aware of his dedication and excellent services. However, due to changed family circumstances he decided to accept a part time position that leaves him enough time to take care of his family. Priest Bhatt ji could not adjust to Indianapolis and had decided to leave long before even Prasad ji declared his intentions.
Sep 8th - Sep 13th Evenings: Bhajans will be there everyday and we encourage different regional groups to bring Prasad and sponsor the event. Sep 14th (Saturday) 3:00 PM: Ganesh Visarjan after Temple Fest For more info call
It is a wonderful opportunity to start over and have new ideas and expertise to take or temple further. We are very actively pursuing every lead to hire the competent and community friendly priests who can strengthen our community and provide a variety of new services. We have interviewed several priests and are in final phase of extending offers. One of the future priest who is a native of Nepal and had visited our temple last year has his Visa approved and we are expecting him here even before Shilpies arrival. On behalf of the executive committee, I personally request you to have some more patience, keep supporting your temple and come forward to help us go through this time. We need volunteers not only for temple activities but also to coordinate the Shilpies activities. At this juncture, your temple needs your undivided attention and support. Please come forward and help with the expertise you can bring in. Thank you, Anil Bajpai
Anil Bajpai (317)250-1431 * Jay Pandey (317)340-0918 * KP (317)258-5356
Central Indiana has a long history of honoring our religious diversity. In a world where religious differences too often separate people and communities, Hoosiers have learned to work together to understand and respect our growing multi-faith society. On Sunday October 13, 2013 Indianapolis is celebrating Festival of Faiths in downtown Indianapolis to learn about our religious heritage and share the joy of our many unique faith traditions. The Festival will take place inside the Indiana World War Memorial as well as outside on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Plaza located on the corner of Meridian and Michigan Streets. Most religions are going to be represented at the festival and it is a great opportunity for us to represent our way of life as well. It is also an opportunity to showcase the journey and progress we have made with our temple.
Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report continued from page 1 past pledges immediately that will take care of our immediate needs. You all are very busy people with various life demands, so before you forget while this topic is fresh on your minds, please write a check for our Temple so that we may continue making progress with our project.
There will be sacred performances, history and religious significance from all groups. Congregations will have an opportunity to share stories and invite others to join in their efforts to strengthen our community. The outdoor space will also feature fun activities for youth and families. We encourage you to get involved and share the treasures. For additional information contact Ananth Kini at 317-430-5464.
God Bless You All, Satyanarayana R. Marri, MD HTCI Chairman 3
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OUR TEMPLE HTCI - PICTURES FROM PHASE II CONSTRUCTION
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Corporate Events • Private Events • Weddings
Youth Corner
HTCI Hindu Heritage Camp
The 2013 HTCI Hindu Heritage Camp was a tremendous success! The annual 3 day family camp at Versailles State Park took place from August 23rd to 25th and featured great food, fun, friendship and learning as well. There was morning yoga, talks, outdoor games, Hindu Jeopardy, campfire with s’mores and songs, midnight teen pizza party and much more! Our guest of honor was Swami Parmatmananda Saraswati from Rajkot who spoke to approximately 100 children, teens and adults about Hindu philosophy and its relevance to modern life. The weather was wonderful and we enjoyed eating in the dining hall, playing outside and staying together faith better in in cabins in the middle of the beautiful state park. We order to defend were reminded that we must understand our Hindu it and that we must support our temple since it is our spiritual home and the center of our Hindu community life. We hope that even more people will enjoy this event next year. Thank you. Submitted by Nikhil Jain & pictures by Sanjay Kalluparambil
As a Hindu Youth at our Temple
Hindus that distinguish us from our American friends. In fact, based on all that we have learned, Chetna designed a full presentation (including a tour of our temple) for groups of students (and adults!) from other religious communities or schools. Aside from that huge achievement, we organize Soup Kitchens, car washes, and occasionally we work in the kitchen to make and serve lunch for the devotees. All the while forming relationships within our group, and with everyone we met. Somehow along the way, the kids in Balagokulum became our little siblings, the adults became our mentors, and above all, the temple became our temple. We always need an outlet, and the temple is the best place to let loose while learn more about ourselves at the same time. Outside of our meetings, you may see us stacking chairs, folding laundry, helping in the kitchen, or decorating the temple for special events. We may look different, and we may go about our projects differently, but we’re a team. I can speak for all of us when I thank everyone who has given us a chance to work alongside them. It’s not always convenient to have a tail follow you around, asking questions and making mistakes, but we couldn’t ask for any better guidance – even though we may have been texting or giggling as you spoke. Someday when we are in charge of the next step at the temple, you will see that what you have taught us has been invaluable. Thank you.
On behalf of the Chetana group at HTCI Namaste, My name is Shivani Bajpai, and I am a proud member of our temple’s youth group. At a glance, we come together every second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 am to study the Gita from our textbooks (last year we studied the Mahabharat), and discuss upcoming initiatives we lead in the temple. With 20 other youth between 12 and 18 years of age, we have grown to become a prominent part of our temple community. However Chetana is much more than an hour and a half long meeting. While we may be the average restless, talkative, and easily distracted teens, we are also the “American-born Hindu teens” who are making a strong effort in learning where we came from. It seems to be a common concern among Indian uncles and aunties that these “aaj kal ke bache” are lost in the American culture experience. After being a part of Chetna for 6 years, I can surely say that any uncle or aunty that have seen us “bache” at work knows that we are more invested in understanding our Hindu sanskriti and sanskaars than it may seem. After all, the yoga and meditation trend that has taken the world by storm came from our Vedas. If we don’t understand how much we have to be proud of, who will? Discussions, presentations, and explanations have helped us gain a confidence in being 6
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Thus spake Bhagwan Sri Krishna (in Bhagavad-Gita As It is) emphasizes that ‘we should not consider ourselves the causes of the results of our activities’ since it makes us attached to the results and thereby making us the enjoyers or sufferers of those results. On the other hand, if we do our duties unattached, we are above the enjoyment or suffering – this is the path to liberation. We can relate the wisdom of this shloka to many aspects of our lives since at each stage of our lives we have duties to perform and if we perform those without attachment to the (material) gains, those disinterested obligatory duties prevent us from binding to material existence and the associated pleasures or sufferings. This shloka also has a hidden message of selflessness. Since our lives start with debt to our parents (for their love and upbringing) and society (for providing education/training), it is our duty to repay this debt by helping the parents and society without thinking about our own gains or expecting anything in return – this is selflessness!
- Lord Krishna, Bhagavad Gita [Chapter 2, Shloka 47] Karmani evadhikaras te: you have the right (adhikara) to do the work (karmani) only Maa phaleshu kadachana: you do not have the right to its fruits (phala) Maa karma phla-heturbhuh: never let the fruits be your motive or reason (hetu) for doing the work Maa te sangostv akarmani: never get attached to not doing the work (akarmani) Meaning: “You have the right to do your prescribed duty or work, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never let the fruits of action be your motive in doing the work, and never be attached to not doing your work”. This is one of the most famous and important shlokas of Bhagavad Gita since it summarizes the philosophy of “karma”. Lord Krishna conveys this message to Arjuna when he was unwilling to fight with people who were his near and dear. Krishna explains to Arjuna that his duty is to fight without worrying about the result of the war and emphasizes that he (Arjuna) should never let the fruit (victory or defeat) be the purpose of his action (fight). The message in simple terms is that we should keep on performing our duties without getting attached to the results. We should not worry about whether we get something or not by performing our duty, that is, we should have a neutral mindset. Swami Prabhupada
by Siva Kumpatla HTCI celebrated Shri Krishna Janmashtami on Wednesday, August 28th with full enthusiasim. It was a good gathreing with full of Bhakti waiting for midnight to celebrate the Bhagwan’s birthday. The devotees sang bhajans and mantras for almost 4 hours. Jhanki of Bala Krishna in a beautiful decorated swing was superb.
Music Students Raise Funds for HTCI India’s classical art forms are spiritual in nature and this connection was beautifully made at a program held on Saturday, August 10, by the music students of Lakshmi Varanasi. The program included Carnatic and Hindustani music, Bharata Natyam and an exciting percussion demonstration by the tabla students of Sri Anup Raychowdhury. The program, which was also the inauguration of the Sangeetha Manikyam school of music, was held in support of HTCI. The children were excited to help organize and publicize the program as well as perform, knowing that their efforts would help shape the future of their Temple. The event raised more than $6,700 for the final phase of Temple construction. Thanks to all the young performers, their parents and teachers!
SAMSKRITA CLASSES
CONDUCTED AT THE TEMPLE
We live in the United States of America. Americans respect people who are confident and knowledgeable about their own culture and those who have a positive identity. In order to understand our culture and form a Hindu American identity, a basic knowledge of Samskritam is desirable. Often considered the mother of many Indian languages, Sanskrit (aka Samskritam) is an essential tool for understanding the diverse culture and ancient heritage of India. Classes have also been started for Kids of Balagokulum. For info call Sanjay Kalluparambil <sanjay.kalluparambil@ gmail.com> 646-722-0785.
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Hindu Temple of Central Indiana 3350 North German Church Road Indianapolis, IN 46235
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2013 Temple Fest
Dear Devotees: On Saturday, September 14th, First, we would like to sincerely thank you for your compliments 2013, from 9:00am-4:00pm, and feedback on the very first issue of our Newsletter. It was the HTCI will be hosting its annual temple the work of a dedicated and passionate team with sincere input festival. This daylong event will feature from many of you. We are pleased to bring to you this second prayers, artistic and cultural performances, issue of “Nivedana”, which has a good blend of updates and Hindu Temple of Central Indiana vendors and booths, and various other messages from various sections of our community. As indicated Hindu Temple ofWe Central Indiana Saturday September 14, 2013 displays and organizations. will also earlier, we have an excellent line-up of items that we would 10:30 A.M. 3 P.M. have community leaders and speakers. like to cover through this medium to cater to the awareness Saturday September 14, 2013 Food and drinks will be available all day fun and interest of your whole family. In addition to providing the A -day of family 10:30 A.M. 3 P.M. and there will betoactivities as taste the future information on concluded events, status of temple construction, celebratefor ourchildren heritage and Hindu Temple of Central Indiana A day of family fun well. Please come out and support the ongoing programs and upcoming events, the newsletter will our heritage and taste the future! to celebrate Temple. also cover several other features depending on the availability Saturday September 14, 2013 We look forward to seeing you there! A.M. - 3 P.M. of space. In this issue, in addition to messages, programs Hindu Temple of 10:30 Central Indiana ALL ARE WELCOME. FREE ADMISSION. and updates, we have incorporated a section “Thus spake Sri A day of family fun September 14, 2013 Krishna” where we have featured a concise discussion of the Saturday to celebrate our heritage and taste the future! A.M. - 3 P.M.your heritage A fun10:30 day to celebrate message of the Gita and the explanation of a powerful shloka with family. from Gita (ancient wisdom) as well. In youth corner, Shivani A day of family fun Bajpai, portrayed an honest picture of our youth’s efforts in to celebrate our heritage and taste the future! understanding our roots and the role our temple is playing in their lives. This is your newsletter. In order to continue and sustain this newsletter and to make it as informative as possible on all fronts, we request your help. Please contribute items to any of the sections of the newsletter and also encourage your children to do so. This indeed is service to our temple and our community. Please contact Mrs Madhu Bhargava if you are s UPCOMING EVENTSs interested in contributing to the newsletter. All articles/items Ganesh-Vinayaka Chaturthi & Geeta Session..... Sun, September 8 Navaratri Celebrations 9 day festival followed by Dusshera for inclusion in the next issue of newsletter should be sent to ............................................................... Sat, October 5 – Sun, October 13 Mrs Madhu Bhargava by email to madhu@bharprinting.com. Sankatahara Chaturti & Karva Chowth..................... Tue, October 22 Thank you. Deepavali........................................................................... Sat, November 2 AnnaKut & Govardhan Pooja.....................................Sun, November 3 - Your Newsletter Editorial Committee
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“The views and opinions expressed in the articles published in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HTCI, its office bearers or the editorial committee.” 8
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