Stepping through the gates of the Valley Hindu Temple is like stepping into a rich decoration of Hindu traditions. Established in 1996, this place of worship has become a cornerstone for the community, offering a unique and welcoming space for spiritual exploration.
Upon entering the temple, you’re greeted with the opportunity to perform a holy ‘abhisheka’ ritual on the largest Shivling in North America. But hold on! The Valley Hindu Temple offers more than just a grand Shivling. Within the temple’s heart is a captivating display of numerous deities sharing the same platform, a concept that is generally unusual in traditional Hindu temple designs. This unique arrangement represents the Valley Hindu Temple’s inclusive spirit and openness.
The temple is located on Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, about a 10-minute drive from Northridge Park.
The Valley Hindu Temple extends its services beyond being a site of worship. It cultivates a lively community through various programs to deepen spiritual practice, promote physical well-being, and celebrate significant cultural events. Programs are available for different age groups to ensure effective participation of all.
The temple provides two types of programs for senior citizens, as stated below.
Weekly Offerings for Spiritual Growth
Mondays: Starting the week by seeking blessings through the ‘Shiva Abhiseka’ and ‘Aarti’ ceremony on Monday (from 7:15 PM onwards) is an enriching experience. This sacred ritual involves bathing the Shivling and offering prayers for spiritual growth and well-being.
Fridays and Sundays: As you unwind from the week or prepare for the new one, you can participate in Yoga Classes led by Ashokbhai Patel. These classes, held every Friday and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, offer a chance to strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and cultivate inner peace through the practice of yoga.
Observing Hindu Traditions
The Valley Hindu Temple honors significant dates on the Hindu calendar, promoting a sense of community and shared traditions.
Ekadasi: This holy day observed on the eleventh day of the waxing and waning moon phases is often dedicated to fasting or following a vegetarian diet.
Amavasya: The new moon day, Amavasya, holds special significance in Hinduism. The devotees can participate in specific rituals or pujas (worship ceremonies) observed on this day in the temple.
Weekly Offerings for Spiritual Growth:
Mondays: Participating in the ‘Shiva Abhiseka’ and ‘Aarti’ ceremonies on Monday (from 7:15 PM onwards) will give a positive start to your week and help you seek divine guidance in your life.
Fridays and Sundays: Destress and recharge your mind and body with dynamic yoga classes led by the experienced Ashokbhai Patel (7:00 PM to 8:30 PM). Yoga’s calming poses and breathing techniques will help you melt away anxiety and improve your focus.
Sanskrit Learning sessions
Sundays: Learning Sanskrit offers youth a unique opportunity to connect with their heritage, unlock the deeper meaning behind Hindu texts and traditions, and develop a strong foundation in this fascinating ancient language, all while enriching their minds and expanding their cultural understanding.
Apart from all these, the youth can also participate in Hindu traditional days like Ekadasi and Amavasya through rituals and pujas.
The Valley Hindu Temple has various programs intended to nurture your child’s love for learning and culture.
Learning sessions:
Mondays: From 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, kids can join the interactive Hindi classes.
Fridays: Every Friday, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the SFVG conducts engaging Gujarati classes for kids.
Sundays: Chinmaya Mission Bal Vihar offers Hindi classes for kids every Sunday from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. These classes introduce kids to the rich heritage and traditions of Hinduism.
Astrology is one of the most fascinating elements of Hindu rituals and teachings. The astrologers at our temple are experts in Vedic astrology and will provide you with consultations on your life. These include:
Birth Chart (or Kundli) reading: This chart is created by carefully judging the position of planets at your birth time and provides insights related to your personality, strength, and potential challenges.
Life path guidance: By analyzing your birth chart and current planet positions, the astrologer will provide you with guidance on your life path. This could involve discussions about future upcoming opportunities, areas of growth, and overall well-being.
Q: What are the darshan timings of the temple?
Ans: The Valley Hindu Temple welcomes devotees for darshan, a sacred opportunity to view the deities, throughout the week. Mornings are dedicated to prayer and reflection, with darshan timings running from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If evenings suit your schedule better, the temple offers darshan again from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Weekends provide extended hours for darshan, allowing you to visit the temple on Saturday and Sunday at your convenience.
Q: Where is the temple located?
Ans: The temple is situated on Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, California (approximately a 10-minute drive from Northridge Park).
Q: How can we donate to the temple?
Ans: The temple takes donations via its websites, which provide online choices for recurring or one-time payments. You can also donate in person during darshan hours.
Q: Is there a dress code for visiting the temple?
Ans: While there’s no strict dress code, respectful attire that covers shoulders and knees is generally recommended.
Q: Is the Valley Hindu Temple open to all?
Ans: The Valley Hindu Temple embraces all people, regardless of faith. Their welcoming spirit is even reflected in the unique arrangement of their deities on a single stage. Whether you’re looking for spiritual discovery, cultural connection, or a serene atmosphere, the temple welcomes all.