temple & aarti timings · 2019. 11. 19. · started with hartalika teej. ganesh festival...

Temple & Aarti Timings

Temple timings:

Weekdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Weekends 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Mondays Tuesdays Fridays Saturdays Sundays

Shiva Abhishekam

7:15 PM

Hanuman Chalisa

7:15 PM

Lalitha Sahasranama

7:15 PM

Suprabhatam Venketeshwara

Abhishekam Vishnu Sahasranama

Stotram

9:00 AM

Lakshmi Narayan

Abhishekam

10:00 AM

*** In the event of inclement weather, please check the website or call 215-997-1181 ***

Table of Contents & Upcoming Major Events

Table of Contents

Editorial Board Message ....…. 3

Religious Committee …………… 4

Health & Human Services …… 6

Education Committee ..……….. 7

Cultural Committee ……………. 8

Women’s Group………………….. 9

Youth Group………………………… 10

Bharatiya Vidyalaya……………… 11

Special Needs Group …………… 14

PSVA Recognition …………….… 15

A Special Note to Devotees … 16

Membership Information .….. 17

Requesting a Puja ..……………… 19

Hall Rental Information ………. 20

Upcoming Major Events

Karva Chauth ……………….….. October 17, 2019

Dhanteras ……………………….. October 25, 2019

Kali Chaudas ……………………. October 26, 2019

Chopda Puja ……………………. October 27, 2019

Diwali / Deepavali …………… October 27, 2019

Nutan Varsh/Govardhan Puja … Oct. 28, 2019

Kartika Masam Begins …….. October 28, 2019

Bhai Dooj/Jain Mangalik .... October 29, 2019

Annakoot …………………….… November 3, 2019

Daylight Savings Time ….… November 3, 2019

Tulsi Vivah ……………………... November 9, 2019

Margasira Masam Begins …….... Nov. 27, 2019

Dhanur Masam Begins ….. December 16, 2019

Pushya Masam Begins …... December 26, 2019

New Year’s Eve Puja

& Bhajans …………..… December 31, 2019

Aarti timings:

Hindu Aarti 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM daily

Jain Aarti 11:45 AM and 6:45 PM daily

Message from the Editorial Board

Dear Devotees,

As summer came to an end and with the arrival of fall,

there was reinvigoration at the Temple with the return of many

festivals that everyone has come to love and enjoy. From Gauri

and Jaya Parvati Vrats to the celebration of Krishna’s birth

(Janmashtami), from welcoming Lord Ganesh to the 10-day

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival to the 9 days of Navratri, the Temple has come to life offering

various pujas and cultural activities. As you read through the Newsletter, you will come to

find that many of the committees of Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center came together

as a community supporting and bringing success to the events. And we are not done yet.

In the upcoming weeks, we will be celebrating Diwali and the New Year. Planning for this

major event is in full swing with the intent of providing all the devotees, their loved ones

and friends, the opportunity to participate in the various religious and cultural programs

and pujas. In addition to our Fireworks, this year there will also be a Diwali Mela with

various vendors on site (please see the Diwali Mahotsav Flyer for additional details). On

this note, I would like to end by wishing everyone and their families a wonderful and safe

Diwali, and a healthy and prosperous New Year (Nutan Varshabhinandhan). I hope to see

you all soon at the Temple.

Hari Om

Rutuke Patel

Editor-In-Chief

BTI / BCC Quarterly Newsletter

P.S. We are still looking for volunteers to help out with the Public Relations and

Communications Committee. No experience is needed. If interested, please reach out to

me at [email protected] or at 267-664-5085.

Editorial Board

Editor-In-Chief Rutuke Patel

267.664.5085

[email protected]

Religious Committee - Hindu

Gauri Vrat was celebrated by

Devotees from 12th to 18th of July

along with Jaya Parvati Vrat. Hindola

was celebrated from July 20th to

August 18th. The Balgopal swing was

decorated with colored threads,

fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers

etc. Sudarshan homa was conducted

in the outside tent on the 21st. This

event was well attended, small kids

along with adults enjoyed going under the abhishek water. Sudarshana means Good Vision.

Performance of this homa gives release from disease, removes negative energies at home

and around us.

In the month of August, Rig and Yajur Upakarma was conducted in the BCC hall. It is

an occasion to start the study of Yajur Veda. Krishna leela bhajan were conducted by

Marathi Mandal group which was well attended by devotees and the music was

mesmerizing. Krishna Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav was celebrated in a grand scale.

Bhajans were going after

midnight with lots of energy.

September month

started with Hartalika Teej.

Ganesh Festival started on the

2nd with lots of music, dance

and enthusiasm. The Temple

was filled with decorations and

everyone was in a festive

mood. For 10 days Ganeshji

was decorated with different

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Religious Committee - Hindu

alankar after abhishekam. The highlight

of the festival was Ganesh Vivah and

Vijay yatra. On Visarjan day, everybody

said farewell to Ganeshji. Gauri Avahan

and Visarjan was also an integral part of

the festival. Onam was celebrated on

September 14th, lighting a lamp

decorated with flowers and all the

ladies danced around it singing devotional bhajans and songs. On September 15th Ganesh

Puja followed by bhajans were conducted by Navodaya Kannada Kootu of Philadelphia. The

hall was filled with the music of Veena, Mrundanga and bhajans. Sharath Navaratri began

on September 29th and will go on until October 7th. During this time Ma Durga will be

worshipped in nine different forms. Vijaya Dashami will be celebrated as the victory of good

over evil by performing Ravan Dahan.

A new initiative has been undertaken in the temple since mid-September after the

Ganesh festival. Every Wednesday devotees are able to come to the temple and sing

bhajans in the evening. This will now become a routine and all devotees are welcome to

come and participate.

In September on the last

day of Pitru Paksha which was

on September 28th the Hiranya

Shraddha Puja was held in the

Sun Room of the old priest

quarters, next to the temple.

Devotees were able to attend

and perform Shraddham of their

ancestors.


Religious Committee - Jain

Jai Jinendra,

Upon conclusion of this year's Paryushan and Das-Lakshan Maha Parva, we take this

opportunity with our hands folded with humility to ask for your humble forgiveness.

Paryushan / Das Lakshana is the celebration of spiritual awareness. Unlike most

other festivals which aim to bring people together, this Jain festival aims to take us nearer

to our soul. As an annual event, Shwetambar Jains observe Paryushan for eight days &

Digambar Jains observe it for ten days. The festival is a time for self-analysis and soul

searching. Jains exercise self-discipline and do penance to purify their souls to the best of

their individual capacities. During the auspicious occasion, Jains forgive others for their

mistakes, ask forgiveness from others, and resolve to lead a spiritually cleaner life in the

future.

Daily events at the temple from August 30 to September 2, 2019 included Astha

Prakari Seva Puja, Pratikraman, & Bhavana (reciting religious Stavans) followed by Aarti &

Mangal Divo.

Pratikraman is a ritual during which Jains repent (prayaschit) for their sins and

non-meritorious activities committed knowingly or inadvertently during their daily life

through thought, speech or action. It refers to combination of six avashyaks (essential

rituals), being Samayik (state of total equanimity), Chauvisantho (honoring the 24

Tirthankars), Vandana (offering salutations to sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns)),

Pratikramana (introspection and repentance), Kayotsarga (meditation of the soul) and

Pratyakhyan (renunciation).

Astha Prakari involves eight items to perform puja of a Tirthankara in the temple.

Each item represents a specific religious virtue, and one should reflect on it while

performing puja.

1. Jal Puja: Water symbolizes the ocean

2. Chandan Puja: Sandal-wood symbolizes knowledge

3. Pushpa Puja: Flower symbolizes conduct

4. Dhup Puja: Incense symbolizes monk-hood life

5. Dipak Puja: Candle symbolizes a pure consciousness




6. Akshat Puja: Rice symbolizes last birth

7. Naivedya Puja: Sweet symbolizes food

8. Fal Puja: Fruit symbolizes of Moksha or liberation

Source & more detailed reading @ https://www.sacred-texts.com/jai/8puja.txt

There was Swapna Darshan celebration followed by Swamivatsalya (Lunch) on

August 31, 2019. Trishala Mata, the mother of Lord Mahavir had 14 dreams before his

birth. All these dreams indicated that the child to be born would be very strong,

courageous, and filled with virtues. He would be very religious and would become a great

king / spiritual leader. He would reform and restore the religious order and guide all the

creatures of the universe to attain salvation. He would also be liberated.

1. Elephant symbolizes exceptionally high character. The four tusks signified that he would

guide the spiritual chariot with its four components: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen

2. Bull symbolizes religious and a great spiritual teacher. He would help cultivate the

religion

3. Lion symbolizes powerful, strong, fearless, almighty, and capable of ruling the world

4. Laxmi Ji symbolizes great wealth and splendor. He would be a Tirthankar, the supreme

benefactor of all

5. Garland of Flowers symbolizes fragrance of his teaching will spread throughout the

universe, and he would be respected by all

6. Full Moon symbolizes would bring the peace to the world. He would help the spiritual

progress of entire humanity at large

7. Sun symbolizes supreme knowledge and would dispel the darkness of the delusions

8. Flag symbolizes banner of the religion. He would reinstate the religious order

throughout the universe

9. Silver Urn symbolizes perfection in all virtues, and would be full of compassion for all liv-

ing beings. He would be a supreme religious personality

10. Lotus Lake symbolizes beyond the worldly attachment. He would help liberate human

beings who were tangled in the cycles of birth, death, and misery

11. Milky Sea symbolizes serene and pleasant personality. He would achieve the infinite

perception and knowledge and would escape from worldly life which is the ocean of birth,

and death, and the misery. This would lead his soul to the Moksha



12. Celestial Air Plane symbolizes all of the Angels in the heaven would respect, honor, and

salute her son’s spiritual teachings

13. Heap of Gems symbolizes infinite virtues and wisdom, and he would attain the supreme

spirit

14. Smokeless Fire symbolizes reform and restoration of the religious order. He would remove

blind faith and orthodox rituals. He would burn or destroy his karmas, and attain salvation

Source & more detailed reading @ https://www.oshwal.org.uk/14-auspicious-dreams-

swapna-of-trishala-mata/

Samvatsari Pratikraman by Sakal Sangh was performed on September 2, 2019. Kids &

Digambar Pratikraman is also held on the same day at the private residence. First seven days

are days of attainment, and the eighth day of Samnvatsari is one of salvation. On this day a

unique custom is observed, where Jains ask every individual they may have offended,

knowingly or unknowingly, for forgiveness by saying "Michhami Dukkadam". Michhami

(Forgive) means to be fruitless, and Dukkadam (Dushkrut) means bad deeds.

KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA: We forgive all the living beings,

SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME: We seek pardon from all the living beings,

MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU: We are friendly towards all the living beings,

VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI: And we seek enmity with none,

MICHHAMI DUKKADDAM!: And we ask for forgiveness from all!

Chaitya Paripati is one of the celebrations of Jainism where Jain Devotees (Shravak/

Shravika) makes a pilgrim (Jatra) to a Chaitya (Temple). Venerating the Lord is one of the

duties of a seeker on the occasion of Paryushan Maha Parva. Continuing the euphoric spirits

experienced during the Paryushan Maha Parva, members of the Jain Sangh embarked on a

day-long Chaitya Paripati on September 22, 2019. As they revered the Divine, aspirants were

effortlessly drawn towards their universal compassion, noble virtues and exalted state.



8:00 AM departed for Franklin Township: Jain Center of New Jersey, Somerset, NJ - Seva

Puja and Navkarsi (Breakfast)

11:30 AM departed for Mahudi Dham: Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple, Egg Harbor City, NJ -

Darshan, Bhavana and Swamivatsalya (Lunch)

3:00 PM departed for Cherry Hill: The Jain Sangh Temple, Pennsauken Township, NJ -

Darshan, Bhavana and Swamivatsalya (Light Dinner)

6:00 PM arrived back at Bharatiya Temple

Whole Sangh is very appreciative of the various leaders & community members of

the visiting temples for great welcome, enthusiasm & seva extended.



Upcoming Jain Events,

- Tuesday October 29, 2019: New Year Mangalik Puja, temple to open at 6:45 AM, Manglik

Puja starts at 7:00 AM, followed by Astta Prakari Puja, & Navkarshi (Breakfast)

- Friday November 1, 2019: Gyan Pancham Aradhna 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

- Wednesday November 6, 2019: Bhavana 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Monthly - first Wednesday)

- Sunday November 10, 2019: Snatra Puja 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Monthly - second Sunday)

If you are not getting Jain community emails, or would like to be added to the list,

please request at '[email protected]'. For any labh/sponsorship opportunities, please

reach out to Jain committee members. Let there be peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.

Sandhya Jain (650) 248 8448 Jayesh Shah (732) 421 7863 Vaishal Sheth (484) 683 5815

Health & Human Services Committee

At Bharatiya Temple, the Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) conducted

its third blood drive this year on August 24, 2019 and collected 19 pints which can save

up to 57 lives. The drive was a summer special American Red Cross (ARC) sponsored

“Leaders save lives program” which was led by our youth leader, Shree Dave. ARC saves

approximately 16 million lives per year in the USA alone (approximately 2 lives saved per

second). HHS also arranged 2 flu vaccination clinics in collaboration with the

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival committee, East Norriton Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy

during the 2019 Ganesh Festival.

For youth who wish to take opportunity for scholarship / leadership, please visit

https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/hosting-a-blood-

drive/leaders-save-lives/LeadersSaveLives_TermsConditions_Summer2019.pdf

Lastly, we will be conducting one more blood drive for the year on November 9,

2019 at the Bharatiya Cultural Center Hall from 10 AM to 3 PM. We are also working on

arranging 2 more flu vaccination clinics as well as a CPR Training Program for November

and not to forget, a driver safety training program for our community with the help of

AARP. More information will be released as they get finalized. Please encourage adults

and youth to take part in these upcoming and important programs.

Chairperson: Sai Kumar Buddai 267.481.4411 [email protected]

HHS Committee

Advisor: Dr. Akkaraju Sarma

Chairman: Sai Buddai, PhD

Co-Chair: Babu Medi, PhD

ARC Coordinator: Brittany Palsmier

Committee Members (13): Anjan Dave, Devdas

Pothen, Gayatri Shenoy, Jay Shah, Mrs. Kameswari

Akkaraju, Manisha Jain, Meena Durbha, Pushpa

Kukawada, Radha Gunturi, Srinivas Reddy

Siddapureddy, Seethram Alladi, Udit Pandya.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/hosting-a-blood-drive/leaders-save-lives/LeadersSaveLives_TermsConditions_Summer2019.pdf

https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/hosting-a-blood-drive/leaders-save-lives/LeadersSaveLives_TermsConditions_Summer2019.pdf

Education Committee

Bharatiya Temple Education Committee along with Sushuma Kriya Foundation hosted

a Meditation and Initiation event on Aug 24th 2019 on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Pujyasri Aathmanandamayi Maathaji (Ammagaru) of the Sushumna Kriya Yoga (SKY)

accepted our invitation to grace the occasion to talk about Sushunma Kriya Yoga.

Ammagaru was greeted to Purna Kumbha swagatam by our temple priests. Program

started with brief introductory biography of Ammagaru. Renowned Kuchipudi dancer and

disciple of Ammagaru, Sruthi kirthy anchored the evening program. She also performed a

couple of dances on Lord Krishna and Ammagaru. Later Ammagaru explained about

Sushuna Kriya Yoga and initiated attendees into 21 minute prakriya (process).

Program was well attended by more than 200 people from all section of our

community. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick also was present. Ammagaru was felicitated by

our temple and was awarded the memento of "Vishwa Kriya Yoga Guru" by our BT

community. A couple of our temple community

members also shared their personal experiences

and benefits of having practiced this technique

for a few years. Later Ammagaru personally

blessed the attendees of the event. Everyone felt

very happy to attend such a spiritually awakening

event. Attendees were served packed dinner by

our BT Education Committee volunteers.

We hope to see our community members for future events and also hope to see

Ammagaru and SKY foundation at our temple in future years. For your information, SKY

meditation is practiced every week at our Bharatiya temple as part of Sunday Bharatiya

Vidyalaya activity from 10AM to 12 Noon in priest quarters. For further details, please

contact Hemalatha Chintalapati (610-239-7839 or

[email protected]). Thanks to all our BT

volunteers and SKY team for facilitating this

event.

Future Events: College Education Seminar in

October. Please look out for details from Temple

weekly email.

Chairperson: Mallik Budhavarapu 267.549.5848 [email protected]

Cultural Committee

Chairperson: Manisha Jain 215.620.0010 [email protected]

Bharatiya Cultural Committee

helped, planned and executed a very

successful Onam festival at Bharatiya

Temple with the help and support of Ravi

Menonji. Upon invitation we also

performed at the Pran Pratistha event in

New Jersey at Umiya Dham Temple with

14 families. It was very well appreciated

and trophies were distributed. Bharatiya

Cultural Committee was also very

fortunate to be able to invite Pt. Birju

Maharajji’s granddaughter Shinjini

Kulkarni for a beautiful 2 hour Kathak

recital which was very well attended and

appreciated. These are the highlights of

just a few engagements we had over the last three months. Please stay tuned for

information on dance and singing classes which we are initiating in the near

future. Thanks to all the committed volunteers without whom this all is not possible.

Women’s Group

Chairperson: Mital Mehta 267.328.8742 [email protected]

Women’s Group helped out with parking during Philadelphia Ganesh festival. We

also had an opportunity to sponsor prasad during Navratri. We continue to have our

Book Club gathering once every 2 months. Our upcoming events are Manna on the

Main Street food drive, karva chauth celebration at Bhartiya Temple, women’s health

care seminar, laughing yoga and Holiday potluck. So please stay tuned for updates for

the upcoming events. You can follow us on Facebook or sign up for email to stay

connected.

Youth Group

Chairperson: Preeti Tailor 215.868.4831 [email protected]

With a very busy and festive season

at the Temple, the Youth Group got

opportunity to help and participate in the

various events. Many of our young team

members joined various subcommittees of

the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival and even

went further to assist and clean up once

the festival was over. They then joined

hands with great enthusiasm for Navratri

and helped out with the Procession and

sthapana of Mataji. This same level of

energy was also seen on Community Day,

providing help with photography, setup of

food tables and assisting with henna, just to

mention a few.

Bharatiya Vidyalaya

Bharatiya Vidyalaya started its 15th year with Yoga, prayers and all three classes on

August 25th – Religion, Culture and Language. As of September 30th, 189 students had

registered for the 2019-20 Bharatiya Vidyalaya program.

A Typical Bharatiya Vidyalaya Day: As part of the program, on Sundays, students

and parents start with Yoga, Bhagavad Geeta chanting and prayers at 9:30 am, followed by

students attending classes and parents attending Yoga and meditation. Some parents

attend the Bhagavad Geeta discussion group at the same time. At 12:00 pm, many

students and parents attend Bhagavad Geeta chanting practice in a classroom and other

students and parents attend Aarati in the Temple Hall upstairs.

Volunteers: Almost all the 50 teaching volunteers and 20 non-teaching volunteers

from the previous year are enthusiastically continuing for running the program from

August 2019 through May 2020. A few new parents are joining the Vidyalaya team of

volunteers. All volunteers are fully PA Law compliant. Students study Hindu and Jain

religion, Indian Culture and one language of their choice out of the seven Indian languages

that the program offers.

Celebration of Occasions: On many Sundays, parents and volunteers sponsor lunch

to celebrate their child’s birthday, or to celebrate another occasion. To keep the rich

tradition alive, on a child’s birthday, students

sing a birthday song in Sanskrit before

proceeding for lunch.

Online registration system: Online

registration system was updated during

summer for registrations during the 2019-20

session. Parents use the system for applying

for registration of a child as well as payment

of the Vidyalaya fees.

Janmashtami: On August 24th, the

occasion of Krishna Bhagavan Janmashtami,

15 Bharatiya Vidyalaya students and parents

sang melodious bhajans and chanted chapter

18 of Bhagavad Geeta in the deity hall.

Volunteers trained students in advance for

the bhajans.

Chairperson: Praveen Sharma 215.361.0145 [email protected]

Students before singing melodious bhajans in the deity hall on August 24th

on the occasion of Krishna Bhagavan Janmashtami

Bharatiya Vidyalaya


Philadelphia Ganesh Festival: On

September 2nd, the first day of the

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival Procession,

16 vidyalaya girls performed a lazium

dance throughout the procession. This

was an enriching cultural experience for

the girls and their families as they all

learned about this new dance form and

the new dress up. People in the

procession cheered up the team and

complemented the girls for a great

performance. People enjoyed taking

pictures and videos with girls. On

September 12th, the last day of

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival, a Bharatiya

Vidyalaya team of 13 students performed

dance in the Ganesh Bhagavan Visarjan

procession.

Senior class students under the

guidance of volunteers helped with selling

pizza and soda at the stall during the

Anand Bazaar in Philadelphia Ganesh

Festival on September 7th and 8th.

Additionally, they answered questions

from the visitors about Bharatiya Vidyalaya

program.

A team of Vidyalaya volunteers and

parents helped with parking, hall seating, procession and other programs during

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival from September 2nd through September 12th.

Open House: Parents enthusiastically attended the Open House on September 15th.

Volunteers presented an overview of Vidyalaya and answered parents’ questions about the

Vidyalaya program.

Vidyalaya girls getting ready to perform a lazium dance throughout the Ganesh Bhagavan Welcome Procession on September 2nd, 2019

Vidyalaya students getting ready to perform a dance during the Ganesh

Bhagavan Visarjan procession on September 12th, 2019

Bharatiya Vidyalaya


Durga Ma Procession: Over 60

students participated in dances for Durga

Ma on September 29th, the first day of

Navaratri. The dances were performed

with songs in praise of Durga Ma playing

in the background. These included songs

in Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu and

other languages. Volunteers trained

students in advance.

Community Day: Volunteers have

been training the senior class students for

volunteering as guides for the visiting

dignitaries on October 5th, the Community Day. Additionally, volunteers are working for

setting up a Bharatiya Vidyalaya showcase stall on the Community Day.

Bhagavad Geeta Chanting Competition: Keeping the tradition alive from previous

years, over 30 students and parents are participating in the training for chanting Bhagavad

Geeta. The training is for preparing them for an offsite chanting competition in April on

behalf of Vidyalaya. This year, the topic of the competition is Chapter 1, Arjun Vishaad

Yoga, Lamenting the Consequences of War. In Chapter 1, Arjun represents common people

and their dilemma while performing their duty in daily life. Volunteers encourage students

to understand the message from what they chant.

Here is an example verse. This verse shows us that when the end draws near,

egoistic people indulge in vain glory instead of being humble in evaluating their situation.

अपर्याप्तं तदस्मयकं बलं भीष्मयभभरक्षितम ्| पर्याप्तं त्विदमेतेषय ंबलं भीमयभभरक्षितम ्|| 10||

aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam

paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣhāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣhitam

Duryodhana said to Dronacharya, his teacher:

The strength of our army is unlimited and we are safely marshalled by Grandsire

Bheeshma, while the strength of the Pandava army,

carefully marshalled by Bheem, is limited.

Bharatiya Vidyalaya youngest boys and girls participated in Marathi Dance for

Navaratri Procession.

Special Needs Group

Chairperson: Vijaya Raminani 267.640.7599 [email protected]

The Special Needs Group (SNG) of BCC had 2 successful activities this past quarter.

We would like to start of by thanking Kiran Kothapalli (President) and the members of

Telugu Association of Greater Delaware Valley (TAGDV)

which extended the invitation to our group for a picnic they

had held on August 24, 2019. Three families including my

daughter and her kids attended the event and were

welcomed with open

arms. Our children had a

wonderful time playing

with other children.

Ravi’s bubbles were a

great hit. Ravi enjoyed

watching the kids pop the

bubbles.

For our second event, we took a wonderful trip to Longwood Gardens on September

21, 2019. Seven families attended the event, which were also new to our group. We had a

great time, and better yet, got to know one another. The children had wonderful time with

the mesmerizing scenery, the vivid colors and varying fragrances of the blooming flowers

and not to mention the soothing sounds of the waterfalls.

SNG is planning a holiday party on December 14, 2019, so please save the date. All

are welcome. Stay tuned for more details.

PSVA recognizes two BTI / BCC Volunteers

We would like to congratulate Dr. Akkaraju Sarma and Heera Kalidindi (Bharatiya

Vidyalaya student) on being recent recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award

(PSVA). In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the

PSVA to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national

identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in

every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The PVSA

has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their

time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. Dr Sarma and

Heera, congratulations once again, as we look up to you both as mentors and a reminder

on the importance of selfless service and dedication.

Awards received by Dr. Akkaraju Sarma

Awards received by Heera Kalidindi

A Special Note to Devotees from Dr. Akkaraju Sarma

This is an informational note to all readers. As www.b-temple.org expands, we have

been offering the annual Janao (when the sacred thread is changed annually), we had

Samuhika Pitru puja on September 28, 2019. We had two batches and about 20 families

participated in the sun room, guided by Pundit Jayesh Pandya. We had at this service

remembered not only one’s parents but also those we lost in the family on both parents

side, their siblings, and others relevant, who are all in divine abode One can do further

research on this Pitru puja, but for general reader, it is the time when the departed

anticipate their families to reach them. Thus, even thought 30 families formally did the

puja, they reached out to many more departed atmas. A few pictures here. In this context,

we have annual Yajurveda upakarma (other Vedas too) that was held on August 14, 2019

when about 25 families participated. We had Pundits Jayesh and Vishnu guide us in North

Indian Traditions while Pundits Seshasai and Umamaheshwara in South Indian traditions.

Everyone enjoyed these immensely. We hope to see even more devotee participations in

2020 & later years.

Becoming a Member of BTI / BCC

Benefits of becoming a Trustee, Patron or Life Member

• All mailings including Brochures, newsletters and calendar. • Complementary Pujas performed at the temple for you and your

family member on birthdays. • Discounted or complimentary admission to selected events. • One time per calendar year, receive a 20% discounted fee for Hall

rental (Max discount of $100) • Eligible for Board of Director’s position.

All donations to Bharatiya Temple and Bharatiya Cultural Center are tax deductible!

Bharatiya Temple Tax ID: 23-2959416 Bharatiya Cultural Center Tax ID: 76-0706802

For additional information regarding membership and to download

application forms, please visit the Temple website.

Membership Categories

Annual Membership $100

Life Member $1,200

Patron $5,000

Grand Patron $10,000

Senior Trustee $25,000

Taking Advantage of Corporate Matching

Each year, companies and businesses support nonprofits by distributing hundreds of

millions of dollars in matching gift donations. Most companies match 1:1; some companies

match 2:1 and even 3:1. Several of our supporters take advantage of this initiative and we

are grateful for their support. Please check with your organization's HR department and

follow their established procedures for matching funds.

The matching process can also be found on our website:

https://b-temple.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BCC-Corporate-Matching-Contribution-

Process.pdf

To view a List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs, you can visit:

https://www.1800runaway.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate-match-

directory.pdf

https://doublethedonation.com/tips/matching-grant-resources/list-matching-gifts-

companies/

If your company matches, then please direct your donation to Bharatiya Cultural

Center and follow up with your Company’s HR department.

Thanking you in advance for your support!!!

Puja Request

If you are requesting specific priests for your puja, this will only be confirmed by Ramana Kanumalla and not by the priests themselves. Please keep in mind that:

• All services (except Archana, Abhishekam & Vehicle Puja) must be scheduled in advance.

• All private puja services are charged on an individual puja basis. • Mileage charges will apply for all outside pujas. For a complete list of Pujas and prices, please visit the temple website.

Volunteers Needed

The Temple is always in need of help and volunteers! If there is a committee

that interests you, please reach out to the respective chairperson. If there is an

event that you would like to help out in, please refer to the respective flyer and get

in touch with the contact person(s) listed. If you can only volunteer for a day or even

a few hours, it will be greatly appreciated! Please reach out to the contact person for

the event based on your availability.

To schedule a Puja or inquiries pertaining to this, please contact:

Ramana Kanumalla

267-396-PUJA (7852)

[email protected]

Bharatiya Temple Hall Rental Information

Hall Rental

$500 for 4 hours +$75/additional hour (Fridays evenings,

Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays)

OR

$300 for 4 hours + $50/additional hour (weekdays)

Education Room

Rental

$100 for 2 hours +$50/additional hour (Friday evenings,

Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays)

OR

$50 for 2 hours +$25/additional hour (weekdays)

Kitchen Rental $50 for warming food. Food cooking is not permitted.

Audio Equipment

Rental $100

Wedding $1,000 for all day—includes all of the items above

Cleaning $75—this includes sweeping and mopping only; you still

have to pick up trash

Discounts

(once/year)

20% or maximum $100 for Life Members of BTI/BCC

20% or maximum $100 for nonprofit organizations

10% or maximum $100 for annual members of BTI/BCC

For additional information or to download the rental agreement, please visit the

Temple website.

For Hall Rentals or inquiries pertaining to this, please contact:

Dixal Patel

610-291-7493

[email protected]

About BTI / BCC

Mailing Address P.O. Box 463 Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Physical Address 1612 County Line Road Chalfont, PA 18914

Phone: 215-997-1181

Email: [email protected]

Priest services: Ramana Kanumalla 267-396-7852 [email protected]

Hall Rental

Dixal Patel 610-291-7493 [email protected]

Connect with the Community and the Temple

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Bharatiya Temple App You can download this FREE app by simply scanning the barcode or by searching “Bharatiya Temple” in iTunes (Apple) or Play Store (Android).

With this app you can easily view upcoming events, view monthly calendar, request hall rental, request priest services, listen to bhajans, post pictures, send a message, etc.

If you choose to receive notification, you will receive real-time information about parking situation at the temple, temple closings due to inclement weather and reminders about special events at the temple.

Temple Priests

Sri. Vishnuji Sri. Jayeshji Parshad Vassyal Pandya

Sri. Seshasai Sri. Umamaheshwara Rompicharla Shivam

temple & aarti timings · 2019. 11. 19. · started with hartalika teej. ganesh festival...

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