Hindu Temple of Rochester 120 Pinnacle Road, Pittsford, NY 14534-1008 http://www.hindutempleofrochester.com Telephone: (585) 427-8091 Jan, Feb, Mar 2016 Newsletter #1 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President Om P. Gupta 585-385-1020 Vice President Satya Agarwal 585-381-5746 Secretary Ramana Adibhatla 585-329-3698 Treasurer Chetna Chandrakala 773-704-8817 Cultural Secretary Madhavi Devarakonda 585-242-9447 Communications Secretary Aruna Bhargava 585-586-2146 Educational Secretary Raje Sathasivan 585-802-0119 Facilities Secretary Vinod Bajaj 585-442-2525 Past President Sanjay Mathur 585-666-0608 Priest L.V. Govind 585-427-8091 President s Column! Hari OM! I am extremely honored that you have bestowed your trust in me to lead a very capable and dedicated EC team for the year 2016, members of which are listed in this newsletter. First of all, please join me in thanking our 2015 Cultural Secretary Kusuma Vulapalli, Education Secretary Jyothi Bhagavatula, and past President Ashok Gupta who have served their terms and will not be continuing in 2016. They have served the temple well with dedication in their respective roles. Even though we will miss them in EC but we will rely on them for mentoring and supporting their replacements. We should also thank Sanjay Mathur, our 2015 President for his leadership in the past few years and as he reported in the last newsletter so much has been accomplished by the EC during 2015. During 2016 we plan to build on where we left in 2015 and areas needing further improvement and our strategic major focus will be as follows: Continue to seek and listen to how well we are fulfilling our devotee s diverse needs. Your feedback is important to us and I ask that you fill out the survey in this newsletter and we will act on as we implemented last year on most of your suggestions. We will also have established a single point of contact, Ramana Adibhatla to assure your suggestions and/or complaints of dissatisfaction have been responded to by the responsible EC member in a timely manner. Our main roles remain to fulfill with best of our ability devotees diverse religious needs which include celebration of our religious festivals/pujas, fulfillment of requested pujariji services, conducting of Education classes for the next generation, and community outreach. We recognize that we need to expand our role in fulfilling humanitarian needs which include helping those who may be in ill-health or grieving families whose loved one may have passed away. Some volunteers have offered to help us in this new area of emphasis. In order to properly and consistently achieve the temple roles defined above, we will need to work efficiently and by working smart. For that we will put in operation documented policies, procedures & compliance list, centralized electronic, financial and member data base, improved interactive website for puja/hall bookings and payments, effective EC and support/work group meetings, training of support teams for backing up busy Secretaries, and effective communication and preventative maintenance system. In order to build on success stories and lessen the load on busy EC, we will be looking to emphasize more on temple sponsored host family organized events. Temple is blessed with many volunteers helping doing so many chores. We salute them. We will focus on implementing effective volunteer management to perform variety of duties for our growing temple. This includes identification of a capable volunteer coordinator and leaders. We plan to continue to support health initiatives started early this year; yoga classes, health walk and also have put together offering of pilgrimage tours to India; one to North and one to South during the year. You can go together as a family and with friends and learn from historic temples of India and beauty and culture which surrounds them. You can see more information in this newsletter for the first offering. We plan to do cost/benefit analysis of adding resource to generate efficiency in bookings, temple and puja coverage, and improve temple administration. As you are aware, Board of Trustees under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Anil Sawhney is proceeding ahead to complete the final Phase IV which includes Shikhar, Kitchen and other needed external and internal facility improvements. The town of Henrietta has approved our temple s application for Shikhar with a few minor conditions. The Board of Trustees is currently involved with raising funds to complete this final Phase IV and your support is appreciated. We will need your continued support and trust in order for us to achieve the focus and goals stated above. Please continue to provide your volunteer support as our teachers and so many volunteers do for which EC, Board of trustees and temple is extremely thankful. I have absolutely no doubt that we will continue to work as one team standing together hand-in-hand for the good of our beloved temple. Under our Pujariji s continued guidance for which we are thankful, our promise is: We will do our best and let us together make 2016 as a memorable year for our temple so that it is there for generations to follow. Happy New Year! Yours Sincerely, O.P.Gupta President, 2016 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Surendar Johar Anil Sawhney (C) Bal Narang Nagin Shah Don Shetty VOLUNTEER GURUS Sunetra Deore Aruna Bhargava Radhika Ramesh Kusuma Vulapalli Manika Mohan Meera Sampath Nidhi Singh Madhavi Dixit Anita Kumar Kusum Shah Mukta Mande Kiran Verma Rakesh Roshan Lakshmi Rao Virendra Gupta Rajesh Mehrotra Manoj Rajgarhia Jaimala Thanik Rajashree Bhagwat Suma Potini Sandhya Nambiar Arti Talwar Alka Phatak Jyothi Bhagavatula Raje Sathasivan Meenakshi Bansal Priyanka Singh Sandhya Sarlashkar Sangeetha Ramkumar Manisha Srivastava Sastry Bhagavatula
Temple needs your SUPPORT! By becoming a member or renewing your membership. By taking an active part in the administrative team or Temple committees. By attending and participating in the functions/events. By taking advantage of Temple services -- Special pujas, Language, Balvihar and Dance classes. By volunteering to teach classes (Temple s Volunteer Gurus ). By volunteering and signing-up for regular help. By volunteering and signing-up to help during special pujas. By extending your strong, consistent financial support. Your Temple needs to be financially strong to serve you. SINCERE REQUEST FROM EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Please be considerate arrive on time for Pujas and finish your prayers within the Temple hour maintain silence while you are in the prayer hall don t let the children run around put your shoes on the racks don t eat in the prayer hall clean up after you treat Temple property with care Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Temple Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00AM - 11:30AM & 6:00PM - 8:30PM Sat & Sun 9:00AM -12:00 Noon & 4:30PM - 8:30PM Wednesday Temple Closed, except on Special Occasions. COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS: HTOR EC BoT LRPC AGBM Hindu Temple of Rochester Executive Council Board Of Trustees Long Range Planning Committee Annual General Body Meeting The dates and times of the events are subject to change. For more information, please visit the Hindu Temple of Rochester Web site at : www.hindutempleofrochester.com
Vaishno Devi: Located in the mighty Trikuta Mountains at a distance of 60 kilometers from Jammu, is the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. One of the most visited and worshipped pilgrimages in India Prayag: Prayag, where river Ganga and Yamuna meet, is one of the ancient pilgrimage centers of India. Prayag is situated in Allahabad. Prayag is venerated in the hymns of the Rig Veda. Source: http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-pilgrimage Please support the temple s efforts in being eco-friendly by choosing paperless delivery of the newsletter. You can let us know your choice on the membership form or send contact the secretary.
Hindu Temple of Rochester Calendar of Festivals and Events 2016 Phone: (585) 427-8091 http://www.hindutempleofrochester.com January (Temple Closed 6, 20 & 28) Jan 1 New Year s Day Puja, Ganesh Abhishekam Jan 2 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Jan 7 Pradosham Jan 8 Hanumath Jayanthi 6:00PM Jan 9 Sunderkand Jan 13 Lohri, Bhogi Jan 14 Uttarayana Punyakala begins; Pongal, Makara Sankranti, Radha Krishna Abhishekam Jan 15 Kanuma, Andal Kalyanam Jan 17 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Jan 19 Sri Vishnu Utsava Murthi Abhishekam Jan 21 Pradosham Jan 22 Sri Durga Abhishekam Jan 23 Jan 24 Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Poornima, Satyanarayana Puja Akhanda Ramayan Paath starts Akhanda Ramayan Paath ends Thai Poosam Celebrations, Murugan Abhishekam 7AM 8:30AM 11AM 5:30 PM Jan 27 SankatHhara Chaturthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam 6:30 PM February (Temple Closed 3, 10, 17 & 24) Feb 5 Pradosham Feb 6 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Feb 11 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Feb 12 Vasantha Panchami, Saraswati Puja Feb 13 Sunderkand Feb 14 Ratha Saptami, Vishnu Murthi Parikrama Feb 18 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Sri Rama Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Feb 19 Pradosham Feb 21 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Poornima Satyanarayan puja Feb 26 SankataHara Chaturthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Feb 27 Sri Durga Abhishekam Feb 28 4 th Sunday Puja March (Temple Closed 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) Mar 5 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Mar 6 Gayatri Havan Pradosham Mar 7 Maha Shivaratri, Shiva Chalisa (108x) 5:30AM Rudram (11x) All night Mar 10 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Mar 12 Sunderkand Shri Shiva Kalyana Utsavam 6PM Mar 13 Kardayan Nombu Mar 17 Sri Rama Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Mar 18 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Mar 20 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Pradosham Mar 22 Poornima, Satyanarayan Puja Panguni Uttaram, Holika Dahan 7:00PM Mar 26 Holi Celebrations Sankatahara Chaturthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam 11:00AM Mar 27 4 th Sunday Puja - Murugan Kalyanostavam April (Temple Closed 6, 20 & 27) Apr 2 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Apr 3 Pradosham Apr 7 Durmukhi Nama Chandramana Ugadi Vasantha Navarathri Begins Apr 9 Sunderkand Apr 12 Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Apr 13 Durmukhi Nama Souramana Yugadi, 6:00PM Vishu, Chittirai Baisakhi Durga Astami, Kanya Puja Apr 14 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Apr 15 Sri Rama Navami, Vasanta Navarathri ends Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Apr 16 Sri Sita Rama Kalyanostava 6PM Apr 17 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Sri Vishnu Utsava Murthi Abhishekam Apr 19 Pradosham Apr 21 Hanuman Jayanthi Poornima, Satyanarayana Puja, 6:00PM Apr 23 Sri Durga Abhishekam Apr 24 4 th Sunday Puja Apr 25 Sankatahara Chathurthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam May (Temple Closed 5, 11 & 19) May 4 Pradosham May 7 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam May 10 Sri Rama Parivar Utsava Abhishekham May 12 Radha Krishna Abhishekam May 14 Sunderkand Balvihar Annual Day 4PM May 15 Sri Murugan Abhishekam HTOR Annual Health Walk May 16 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam May 18 Pradosham May 20 Poornima, Satyanarayan Puja May 21 Volunteer Day May 22 4 th Sunday Puja, Hindi Class Annual Day May 25 Sankatahara Chathurthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam May 28 Sri Durga Abhishekam June (Temple Closed 1, 8, 16, 22 & 29) Jun 2 Pradosham Jun 4 Venkateshwara Abhishekam Jun 7 Sri Ram Parivara Murthi Abhishekam Jun 9 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Jun 11 Sunderkand Jun 15 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Jun 17 Pradosham Jun 19 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Kuchipudi/Mridangam Annual Day Poornima, Satyanarayana Puja Jun 21 World Yoga Day Jun 23 Sankatahara Chaturthi; Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Jun 25 Sri Durga Abhishekam Jun 26 4 th Sunday Puja
July (Temple Closed 6, 13, 20, & 27) Jul 1 Pradosham Jul 2 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Jul 4 Sri Rama Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Jul 9 Sunderkand Jul 14 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Jul 15 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Dakshinayana Punya kala begins Jul 17 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Pradosham Jul 18 Guru Poornima, Satyanarayan Puja 7PM Jul 23 Sri Durga Abhishekam Sankatahara Chaturthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam 6PM Jul 27 4 th Sunday Puja Jul 28 Adi Krittika Murugan Abhishekam Jul 31 Pradosham * - Samuhik Special Satyanarayana Pooja August (Temple Closed 3, 10, 25 & 31) Aug 1 Sri Rama Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Aug 5 Adi Pooram, Murugan, Andal/Krishna Abhishekam Aug 6 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Aug 11 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Aug 12 Sri Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam Aug13 Sunderkand Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam 6:00PM Aug 15 Pradosham Aug 17 Poornima, Satyanarayana Puja, Raksha Bandhana, Yajur Upakarma, Rig Upakarma Aug 18 Gayathri Japam/Havan Aug 21 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Sankatahara Chathurthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Aug 24 Sri Krishna Janmastami Aug 27 Sri Durga Abhishekam Aug 28 4 th Sunday Puja Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Aug 29 Pradosham September (Temple Closed 7, 21 & 28) Sep 3 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Sep 4 Swarna Gowri Vratam, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, Ganesha 5:00PM Abhishekam, Ganesha Vrat Puja Sep 8 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Sep 10 Sunderkand Sep 11 Sri Ganesha Visarjan Sep 12 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Sep 14 Pradosham Sep 15 Poornima, Satyanarayan Puja Sep 17 Mahalaya Paksha begins Sep 18 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Sep 19 Sankatahara Chaturthi, Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Sep 24 Sri Durga Abhishekam Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam 6PM Sep 25 4 th Sunday Puja Sep 27 Pradosham Sep 30 Mahalaya Paksha ends Hindu Temple of Rochester Calendar of Festivals and Events 2016 Phone: (585) 427-8091 http://www.hindutempleofrochester.com October (Temple Closed 12, 19 & 26) Oct 1 Venkateshwara Abhishekam Devi Navarathri Begins Oct 7 Garba 8PM Oct 8 Sunderkand Mata Ki Chowki 4:30PM Oct 9 Durga Astami, Kanya Puja Oct 10 Maha Navami Oct 11 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Vijaya Dasami, Ravan Dahan 5:00PM 7PM Devi Navarathri ends Oct 13 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Pradosham Oct 15 Poornima; Satyanarayan Puja 6PM Oct 16 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Oct 18 Sankatahara Chaturthi; Sri Ganesha Abhishekam; Karva Chauth 7PM Oct 21 Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Oct 22 Durga Abhishekam Oct 23 4 th Sunday Puja Oct 27 Dhanteras, Pradosham Oct 28 Naraka Chatusdasi Oct 29 Deepavali/Deepavali Celebrations November (Temple Closed 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30) Nov 1 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Skanda Shashti 6PM Nov 10 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Radha Krishna Abhishekam 10 AM 6:30 PM Nov 12 Sunderkand Pradosham 6PM Nov 13 Karthika Poornima, Satyanarayana Puja Nov 17 Sankatahara Chaturthi; Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Nov 18 Sri Ram Parivar Murthi Abhishekam Nov 19 HTOR Annual Banquet 6PM Nov 20 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Annual General Body Meeting 1PM Nov 25 Tulsi Vivah Nov 26 Sri Durga Abhishekam Pradosham 6PM Nov 22 4 th Sunday Puja December (Temple Closed 7, 14, 21 & 29) Dec 3 Sri Venkateshwara Abhishekam Dec 8 Radha Krishna Abhishekam Dec 9 Sri Vishnu Murthi Abhishekam Dec 10 Sunderkand Dec 11 Pradosham Dec 12 Karthika Deepam Dec 13 Poornima; Satyanarayan Puja Dec 15 Sri Rama Parivar Murthi Abhishekam 6PM Dec 16 Sankatahara Chaturthi; Sri Ganesh Abhishekam Dec 18 Sri Murugan Abhishekam Dec 24 Sri Durga Abhishekam Dec 25 4 th Sunday Puja Dec 26 Pradosham Dec 28 Hanumath Jayanthi 6:00PM
HINDU TEMPLE OF ROCHESTER Satisfaction Survey 2016 Please circle the number that corresponds with your level of agreement on the following statements 1=Strongly Disagree; 3=Neutral; 5=Strongly Agree 1) Overall, I am satisfied as a member of HTOR and plan to continue to contribute to HTOR. 1 2 3 4 5 2) HTOR cares about its members and meets our spiritual and religious needs. 1 2 3 4 5 3) I have a good understanding of the mission and vision of HTOR and believe it drives Temple s decisions. 1 2 3 4 5 4) I receive the information I need about planned projects and decisions and have observed orderly policies and procedures being followed. 1 2 3 4 5 5) I understand the process of becoming a HTOR volunteer 1 2 3 4 5 6) As a volunteer, I am satisfied how my skills are utilized and plan to continue to be a volunteer and encourage others to do so. N/A 1 2 3 4 5 7) I feel like I am part of a team helping to fulfill the mission of the temple 1 2 3 4 5 8) HTOR meets the needs of its young members and continually makes efforts to involve potential young members in activities 1 2 3 4 5 9) I am happy with the religious pujas and functions HTOR conducts. 1 2 3 4 5 10) I am happy with the educational classes and programs HTOR conducts. 1 2 3 4 5 11) HTOR listens to member concerns and responds to their concerns/questions in a timely manner 1 2 3 4 5 12) In dealing with HTOR on a function, sponsored puja, fundraising, AGBM or other occasions, tell us about a good or bad experience you may have had and your idea on how to further improve. ( ) Good experience ( ) Bad experience I participate in HTOR programs and activities as a ( ) Member ( ) Non-member HTOR appreciates members input. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey. This will help us understand how members feel about HTOR at this point in time and guide us on areas which need focus in 2016 as EC and BoT establish 2016 objectives, goals and processes to achieve them. Please send your survey to the following address or drop them at the drop box at the temple. ----------------------------------- fold along this line, complete and mail the form to the address below ------------------------------ From: To: Hindu Temple of Rochester, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20061 Rochester NY 14602 0061
Hindu Temple of Rochester Membership Form (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) FAMILY: $50.00 STUDENT: $25.00 SINGLE: $35.00 SENIOR CITIZEN FAMILY ( 62 yrs.): $35.00 LIFE MEMBERSHIP: $1000.00 (Can be paid in 4 installments. Contact President / Treasurer for more information) Make check payable to: Hindu Temple of Rochester (mail to: P.O.BOX 20061 Rochester, NY-14602-0061) (Please write "Membership 2016" in the memo area on the check) Please PRINT all the information to keep our records updated. Thank you! Last Name: First Name: Street Apt.# City State Zip Phone#: Spouse s Name: Check this box if address has changed Check this box for other information change Payment method CREDIT CARD CHECK Email address (Please PRINT clearly): Please support the temple in its environment friendly consciousness goal by choosing the option of paperless delivery of the newsletter. The newsletter is also available for download from the temple website. I am interested in volunteering at the temple Please send me the newsletter by e-mail ONLY Please send me the newsletter by U.S. Mail ONLY **** Please complete the survey form and the membership form **** -----------------------------------Complete membership form and include the form with your check ------------------------------
ABHISHEKAM SCHEDULE (Suggested Sponsorship $31) Sri Ganesha Every Monday & 10:00am Sankata Hara Chaturthi 6:00/6:30pm Sri Venkateshwara & Sri Padmavathi 1 st Sat 10:00 am Sri Ram Parivar & Sunderkand Puja 2 nd Saturday 10:00 am Lord Murugan Sri Valli & Devayani 3 rd Sunday 10:00 am Maa Durga 4 th Saturday 10:00 am * 4 TH Sunday Puja 4 th Sunday 10:00 am Sri Hanuman & Sri Kartikeya Every Tuesday 10:00 am Sri Shiva & Sri Parvati Every Monday & 10:00am Every Pradosham 6:00/6:30 pm Sri Radha Krishna 2 nd Thursday 6:30 PM * Sri Vishnu Murthi Every Shukla Ekadasi 6:30 PM * Sri Rama Parivar Every Punarvasu Star 6:30 PM * * Time changes posted in the calendar/schedule For sponsorship of the above events : Please contact our cultural secretary Madhavi Devarakonda @ 585-242-9447 or email: culturalsecretary@hindutempleofrochester.com
Holy Cities on Ganga River Ganga is worshipped and venerated as Goddess in Hindu religion. In Hinduism, there are many myths and stories about the descent of River Ganga on Earth. According to Hindu mythology, Bhagirath, a descendant of King Sagara, brought River Ganges on the Earth. It is said that Bhagirath led the way and river Ganga followed him, reaching the spot where lay the ashes of his ancestors. Finally, the water of River Ganga liberated the souls of Bhagirath's ancestors. For ages, River Ganga has been at the center of the economic, social, cultural and religious life of the people, especially in North India. Over a period of time, many cities grew and developed on the banks of the holy river, Ganges. Two head streams, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi merge together at Devprayg to give birth to Ganga. From the great Himalayas, the Ganges descends on the plains in Haridwar. Haridwar is an important and holy center of Hindu pilgrimage and one of the four venues of the Kumbha Mela (the other three being Ujjain, Prayag and Nashik). Thousands of Hindu pilgrims gather at Haridwar to take holy dip in the Ganges on pious occasions. Other important cities on the Ganges include Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna. Of these cities Allahabad or Prayag and Varanasi hold great significance for the Hindus. Prayag (Allahabad) is also an important pilgrim center for the Hindus and one of the four venues of the great Kumbha Mela. River Ganga and River Yamuna merge at Prayag (Sangam or union). Perhaps the most popular and venerated of all the cities located on the banks of river Ganga is Varanasi. Varanasi is also known as Kashi or Benaras. Varanasi is considered as the cultural capital of India and attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims and visitors from all parts of the world. Varanasi has been a traditional center of learning of philosophy, Sanskrit, astrology and religion. Source: http://varanasicity.com/cities-on-ganga/index.html
Hindu Temple of Rochester, Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20061 Rochester NY 14602 0061 Phone: (585) 427-8091 www.hindutempleofrochester.com Newsletter: January March 2016 Non Profit Organization US Postage Paid Rochester, NY Permit NO. 372 If the code next to your name does not have 2016 or LM, PLEASE renew your membership by filling out the enclosed form and returning with your check. Thanks. Mark your calendars for!! New Year s Celebration January 1, 2016 Hanumath Jayanthi January 8, 2016 Makara Sankranthi January 14, 2016 Akand Ramayan January 23-24, 2016 Vasanta Panchami February 12, 2016 Ratha Saptami February 14, 2016 Gayatri Havan March 6, 2016 Maha Shivarathri March 7, 2016 Apply/Renew Hindu Temple Annual Membership for 2016 Bal Vihar Hindi Class Tamil Class Weekly Learning Activities Mridangam Class Dance Class Yoga Class Sundays 9:30AM Sundays 10:45AM Sundays 2:30PM Sundays 9:30AM Sundays 3:00PM Tuesdays 6:00PM Sri Shiv Parvathi Kalyanostava March 12, 2016 Holi March 22, 2016 Holi Celebrations March 26, 2016