Background

Hindu Temple of Virginia (BALAJI TEMPLE) was registered as an organization on 5 December, 2009 in Loudoun County, VA

In Jun 2010, IRS approved the 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization status for HTVA(Balaji Temple).

By the end of March 2010, 10.5 acres land  has been purchased to build the temple by Chairman Sriman SAMUDRALA VENKATACHARI along with generous support from donors. Due to few restrictive covenants, building a temple and  performing puja and other activities couldnt start immediately. So HTVA(Balaji Temple) started leasing a 6000.sq.ft warehouse located at 22510 S. Sterling Blvd., Suite #120, Sterling, VA 20164 for temporary period of time until the permits and funds for temple construction are in place.

Goals of the Organization

1. To provide a dedicated space for worship, prayer, and devotion to the divine. This includes regular rituals (puja), offerings, chanting, and other devotional activities aimed at expressing love, reverence, and surrender to the deity or deities enshrined in the temple. Through such acts of devotion, individuals cultivate bhakti (devotional love), which is seen as a path to spiritual liberation.

2. To help individuals grow spiritually and work towards self realization.By engaging in practices such as meditation (dhyana), study of scriptures, listening to spiritual discourses, and participating in group prayers, individuals work towards self-realization — the understanding of the true nature of the self (atman) and its connection to the divine (Brahman). The temple serves as a guide to lead individuals toward moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara)

3. To preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Hinduism. It is a place where ancient rituals, festivals, and sacred traditions are kept alive and passed down through generations. This includes the celebration of religious festivals like Diwali, Navaratri, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and many others, which are important not only for religious observance but also for reinforcing cultural identity

4. To provide religious education and spiritual guidance. We often hold classes, discussions, and lectures on Hindu philosophy, the scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, the Upanishads, and other texts), and the teachings of great saints. This allows individuals to deepen their understanding of dharma (righteous living), the purpose of life, and the nature of reality.

5. To foster community and social cohesion. HTVA is a place for individuals to come together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Temple serves as venues for social gatherings, religious discussions, and community events

6. To encourage moral and ethical living.Hinduism places a strong emphasis on living a virtuous life in accordance with dharma (righteous duty). Temple serves as center where individuals can learn about and practice moral values such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), santosha (contentment), tapas (self-discipline), and compassion. The temple becomes a moral compass, reminding people of their duties toward themselves, their families, their society, and the environment.

7.To provide social service and charitable activities. We organize events to provide food (prasadam), medical aid, education, and financial assistance to the underprivileged. This reflects the principle of dana (charity), which is an important aspect of Hindu practice.

8. To foster personal transformation and peace. HTVA provides a sacred space for individuals to connect with their inner selves and experience peace and stillness. Meditation, prayer, and silent reflection in the temple help individuals quiet the mind, reduce stress, and foster a sense of tranquility. The temple encourages a process of inner purification, where individuals work on overcoming negative tendencies, emotional imbalances, and ego-driven desires. The ultimate goal is to cultivate an attitude of detachment, wisdom, and surrender to the divine will.

9. To establish connection to the divine and cosmos. The temple is considered a cosmic representation of the universe, with its layout, architecture, and rituals designed to reflect the spiritual order of the cosmos. The very act of entering a temple is believed to help an individual transcend the mundane and enter a space of spiritual purity, where they can directly connect with the divine (Brahman or the specific deity of the temple). Through the idol or image of the deity enshrined in the temple, devotees believe they can receive the divine’s blessings and grace. The rituals, prayers, and offerings performed in the temple are acts of surrender to the divine will, creating a space for the divine to manifest and guide the devotees.

10.To inspire the practice of Dharma. A central goal of Hindu temple is to inspire and encourage the practice of dharma—righteousness, ethical conduct, and moral duty—both on an individual and collective level. The temple reinforces the understanding that one's duty in life is determined by their role in society (varna) and life stage (ashrama), and helps individuals align their actions with the cosmic order.

About Temple

Hindu Temple of Virginia (HTVA) is a dream project of two priests, They have been in the service of Lord for many long years and are rendering expert priestly services to the Hindu community for the last 20 years. Many of our gurus who believed in 'Sanathana Dharma' had followed the Vedic practices thoroughly. They taught and trained many young disciples in Aagamas and Vedas and thus they passed on the treasure of knowledge to the next generations. It was a gigantic task and they accomplished it with due devotion and dedication. They preferred temples as the main centers for these activities.

Our acharya HH Sri Sri Sri Bhagavath Ramanujacharya Swami had set an example for this culture. He was the one who had established a code for the performance of temple rituals in the shrines of Srirangam, Tirumala etc., as per our Aagama Sasthras. Since then, the temples became the main learning centers.

HTVA also follows the same ideology laid down by our Jagadgurus and focuses on training able kids and adults in our Sasthras and scriptures and mold them into perfect Agama pundits.

The prime principles of HTVA are: