Javascript

Javascript is not enabled on this browser. To experience the site with all its features, either turn on Javascript or use a browser where Javascript is enabled.

Temple Etiquette - HTCC
HTCC
Panchangam 

Temple Etiquette

HTCC Temple is a place of worship. We follow the Sanathana Dharma (Indian Vedic traditions practiced for over 2000 years) to preserve the aura of peace and sanctity of our Temple, which are conducive for worship and prayers. Keeping those Vedic traditions in mind, HTCC requests your cooperation in following certain guidelines when you are visiting the Temple. Please remember this is your Temple and our intent is to ensure everyone has a peaceful experience during his or her visit.

Main Mandir, Sanctum Sanctorum and other Shrines

  • Main Mandir (hall) is where regular poojas and rituals are conducted everyday. We request devotees to follow these guidelines while they are participating in poojas and rituals.
  • Please remain silent as soon as you enter the Main Hall.
  • Please do not enter the Sanctum Sanctorum (garbha gudi) or other shrines. Priests only are allowed to enter into the Sanctum Santorum and other shrines. The Sanctum and other shrines were purified during the Kumbhabhishekam and will be maintained with the same sanctity.
  • Please do not touch the deities or lean over into the shrines. We appreciate if you do not step beyond the Dwarapalakas (and not past the steps where there are no Dwarapalakas) of the Sanctum Santorum.
  • Please do not block the central aisle of the main mandir. This allows a full view for those devotees who are standing/sitting at the entrance of the mandir.

Pooja, Prayer and other rituals

  • All poojas and rituals follow certain set procedures as per Vedic traditions. Priests or the HTCC coordinator would explain the procedure before the start of the pooja or other rituals. If you have any questions, please wait till the end of the event and then ask the HTCC coordinator or Priests for clarifications.
  • Please remain silent during the pooja and other rituals. Slow talking and discussions would distract other devotees who are participating in pooja/rituals. Please be sensitive to those around you who may be praying quietly.
  • Please remain silent during the pooja and other rituals. Slow talking and discussions would distract other devotees who are participating in pooja/rituals. Please be sensitive to those around you who may be praying quietly.
  • While a pooja is going on in front of one of the shrines or the Sanctum Santorum with worshippers sitting/trying to listen, we request that you refrain from ringing the bells or lifting your children up to do so. This would distract the other devotees and also the Priests who are conducting the pooja.
  • We request that you ring the bells, blow conches and play other instruments only during the Maha Mangala Aarathi and during other pooja procedures.
  • All conversations and greetings can be exchanged either in the corridor or in the Kitchen area. Even then, please keep your voice low.
  • Please restrain your children from running around inside the main mandir or around the Sanctum Sanctorum. We suggest you bring some coloring paper and crayons so that they remain silent during the pooja. Encourage children to play in the Play area, which is located on the south side of the Temple.
  • If you have to leave in the middle of a pooja, please do so quietly without causing any disturbance to other devotees.

Participating in Vedic Chanting and Bhajans

  • Chanting of Vedic Mantras and Slokas is the backbone of all poojas at the Temple. You are welcome to participate in the chanting. We provide copies of popular slokas in English and other Indian languages. Please check with the HTCC Coordinator or the priests if you need a copy of the slokas before the beginning of the pooja.
  • Bhajans are sung at every pooja event. You are welcome to sing your favorite bhajan, a classical or a devotional song. Please encourage your children to participate in bhajans.

Pradakshina Procedures

  • Pradakshina is a process of going around the Sanctum Sanctorum, 3 times only, to get the blessings of the Lord.
  • Please always go around clockwise, starting at the left side of the sanctum and complete on the right side and come to the front of the Lord.
  • Please do not do a pradakshina during a pooja ritual.
  • Please do not allow children to run around the sanctum during the pradakshina.

Prasadam and Offerings

  • Prasadam offered to Lord is always cooked in the Temple kitchen.
  • Food cooked at home will not be offered to the Lord. If you wish to prepare the Prasadam, please bring the ingredients and prepare it at the Temple kitchen.
  • You can bring fresh fruits and flowers to offer during the pooja.
  • You can bring flower garlands for the poojas.
  • Following food items are not allowed at the Temple kitchen:
    • All types of non-vegetarian food
    • Egg
    • Mushroom
    • Garlic
    • Onion, etc
  • Please clean the kitchen area and utensils used for preparing prasadam after you prepare it.
  • Please do not eat the prasadam in the main hall.

Attire

  • Please wear traditional Indian clothes if possible.
  • Wearing shorts (for any one over 12 years of age) is not advised.
  • No footwear is allowed inside the Mandir. Please leave all footwear in the designated area.

Sponsorships/Donations

  • HTCC Sponsor items include poojas, special events, Pradhana Sponsor, Food, Flowers, Silver articles and various other services.
  • Always please put all your cash or check donations in the Hundi.

Photography, Videography, and Cell Phones

  • Videography and photography are not allowed inside the main hall of the Temple.
  • Please switch your cell phones and beepers to vibration mode as soon as you enter the main hall of the Temple.

Food and Drinks

  • Food and drinks are not allowed in the main hall of the Temple.
  • Alcohol and smoking are not allowed anywhere in the Temple complex and surrounding areas.
  • If your child is eating/carrying a food item, please make sure you stay outside the main hall until the child finishes his/her food item, before entering into the main hall.
  • Please do not eat the prasadam in the main hall. You are welcome to eat prasadam in the corridor or the in the Lunchroom.

Cleanliness

  • Please help us maintain the Temple campus clean and tidy.
  • If you bring flowers or fruits, please unwrap and discard the plastic bag in the dustbin. Please do not leave them on the steps of the Sanctum Santorum.
  • Please help volunteers in spreading the floor mats and also folding and putting them in place after the event.
  • Chairs are available for the disabled and elderly people. Please do not leave the chairs in the main hall after using them. Please put them back in a designated area before you leave.

Final Note

HTCC offers these suggestions to provide an environment of devotion and sanctity for all the devotees. We need your cooperation in maintaining these traditions as much as possible. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or comments on these guidelines, please contact one of the Board Members.