The value of temples open daily

[Vinayaka]

Of the 10 or so temples in my city, 4 are open daily, twice a day. What a gift from God this is! To celebrate a birthday on the actual day, to go just because you feel like going, to get some balance to the overwhelming non-Hindu cultures we live in, to do a longer temple-going penance, to celebrate a 10 day festival, and so much more.

I've noticed more and more in America, how the larger temples are open 9-9 on weekends. How thoughtful of the trustees, to think of how this accommodates so many differing needs, most probably the out-of-town visitor who has to commute 3 hours to be in the presence of God, or the pilgrim just wanting to stop in on his way through. (I wish the temple I attend did this.)

Life, religious life (to me its the same thing) is 24-7, God never sleeps, so having this is such a boon.

My heartfelt appreciation to all boards, temples, and priests who are able to enable this.

 

[Aupmanyav]

The door being closed never posed a problem for people in my native city. People would just bow in front of the closed door knowing very well that God has listened to them. But, of course, one we misses the spectacle. That is why we find Hindus bowing when they pass in front of a temple irrespective of whether the door is open or closed.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

Here too, the Paris temple is open all day... It's truly a blessing.

When I was living in Mumbai, there was a small street temple outside my building. One day, came home for work too late: doors were closed...
The priest was sitting at his window. He tossed me the keys and told to just bring them back when I was done.

The house of God is not palace, but the house of a friend: it is never really closed if you ever need.

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Vinayaka]

The door being closed never posed a problem for people in my native city. People would just bow in front of the closed door knowing very well that God has listened to them. But, of course, one we misses the spectacle. That is why we find Hindus bowing when they pass in front of a temple irrespective of whether the door is open or closed.

This reminds me of the first trip to India I made. In the South there are temples and shrines almost as plentiful as power poles, so I started just doing namaskarams out the window. That lasted about 2 days, until I figured I might as well just stay in that pose.

Lots of people do do that here, on off hours. They'll leave stuff outside, ot just break a coconut and leave.

 

[Vinayaka]

There is a city that is 5 hours from here that has a Sunday only temple. They're expanding too, and I haven't been for several years. I know they've gotten used to this Sunday only idea, and all the festivals are shifted from the actual panchangam to the 'nearest Sunday'. I wonder what would happen if they opened it all day, or if they realise how valuable that could be.

Then, there is another even smaller city with an even smaller temple, that is open daily, and it's only for an hour in the evening. So they've found 6 families or individuals to volunteer one night a week each to open it from 7 until 8. I went to their grand opening a few years back, and strongly spoke to the main guy about the value of that. Have to make a pilgrimage back up there soon, and it'll be interesting to hear if anyone comes.

Here, for the temple I'm attached to back when we had a tiny rented space, even then someone went and lit the lamp for a few minutes every day. God was not forgotten about.

@Jaya ... you live in Paris now?

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

@Jaya ... you live in Paris now?

Vanakkam Vinayakaji ,

Yes, I do ! Moved there around september, when I started working.
Now teaching 26, 9y/o parisian boys and girls...
Might as well say that I have 26 childrens now ! XD

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Jainarayan]

Here, the temple is open 8:30-11:30 am and 4:30-8:30 pm M-F. It's open all day on weekends and holidays. For example, if Christmas were on a Wed. the temple would be open weekend hours but follow the regular daily puja schedules.

 

[Vinayaka]

Vanakkam Vinayakaji ,

Yes, I do ! Moved there around september, when I started working.
Now teaching 26, 9y/o parisian boys and girls...
Might as well say that I have 26 childrens now ! XD

Aum Namah Shivaya

Nice. That's a nice age, I taught 4th grade for awhile. They still think teacher is God, or in your case Goddess. Do the boys have crushes on you?

 

[Vinayaka]

Here, the temple is open 8:30-11:30 am and 4:30-8:30 pm M-F. It's open all day on weekends and holidays. For example, if Christmas were on a Wed. the temple would be open weekend hours but follow the regular daily puja schedules.

Yes, I like that stat holiday extra opening too. Just makes sense.

 

[Jainarayan]

Yes, I like that stat holiday extra opening too. Just makes sense.

My guess is that because most businesses are closed on the major holidays, people are off from work. It provides an opportunity to go to temple other than on a weekend, or rush after work.

 

[Vinayaka]

My guess is that because most businesses are closed on the major holidays, people are off from work. It provides an opportunity to go to temple other than on a weekend, or rush after work.

For sure. I used to make a point of going on Dec. 25 just to balance out the sense of being blanketed or overwhelmed by the majority festival, but now that I'm retired and don't have to go out as much its not as bad.

As the volunteer landscaper, I see people dropping in here a lot when its not open, on stat holidays. They often ask me if I can let them in for a peek.

 

[Aupmanyav]

.. but follow the regular daily puja schedules.

Puja schedule cannot be interfered with even if there is no visitor. That is the pujari's responsibility. It is a living idol.

 

[ShivaFan]

The Devi Temple here where I mostly go (Durga) is open six days of the week, 9am to 5pm Sunday and Monday, 9am to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday except Wednesdays. Though it is also open on Wednesdays during special festivals, and beyond 7pm on such festivals.

The Shiva Murugan Temple is open Monday through Friday 10am to Noon then 6pm to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 9pm.

The Hare Krishna Temple is open 7 days a week 430am to 1pm and 415pm to 9pm but the doors are unlocked between 1pm and 415pm, and guests in some cases can stay over night. There are Sunday feasts.

Ganga Maa (Holy Ganges River) at Varanasi, India, is open 24x7 and never closes.

The Sikh Gurdwara where I sometimes go is open 7 days a week 12am (yes AM) to 9pm. It is only closed for 3 hours 9pm to Midnight.

The Jain Temple I go to is open 7am to 130pm then 630pm to 9pm Monday through Friday, 8am to 9pm Saturday and Sunday.

There is a brand new Hindu Temple of unknown origin that is only 5 minutes from my house that is gated and appears to be North Indian but anyone can come, however it looks like they give food to the poor because already regular "homeless" wait outside the gated court yard for food in the early afternoon. It is not a yoga center, it is clearly a Temple but I have not visited it yet, it is brand new but in a smaller, older standalone building with a small courtyard and gated in front of the courtyard which is the entrance. Once I find out more, I may mention it.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

The Temple I attend is over 7 days a week from 9am-9pm. There's only one Pandit too! Needless to say he is very dedicated.