Around the main event volunteers are busy making it all happen. Driven by a dedicated and inspiring group of youngsters the coordination would make any general proud. As a dear friend remarked to me: “In most temples the parents bring their kids along. Here the kids bring their parents to the temple.”
Sri Haran, founder and head of the Sri Vidya Temple is behind this. His willingness to teach Hinduism to all those that come here regardless of age, caste or class has earned him a dedicated group of students. Haran Aiya, as he is better known to everyone, has a way of educating and empowering the youth that they keep coming back to this temple. Where most temples struggle Sri Haran has certainly met with great success. Hinduism will certainly thrive, and thrive well, another generation in Rochester.
Sri Rajarajeswari, the central deity of the Sri Vidya Temple
The sanctum of the temple. A unique feature of this temple is the opportunity for devotees to touch the idols as part of their worship as well as personally perform the abishekam usually each Saturday and on festival days.
The Ganesha shrine on the left greets all visitors at the entrance to the temple.
The sprawling grounds hosts many small shrines including this Ganesha shrine built on a deck under a large shady tree.
Cooking for hundreds is no easy task. I’ve always wondered how they know how much salt to add?
Lots and lots of rice.
