The Hindu Temple of Virginia (Balaji Temple) was incorporated on December 5, 2009, by Sri Ubhaya Vedanta Srimaan Narasimhacharya Swamy Samudrala and Srimaan Venkatacharya Swamy Samudrala. Their goal was to connect people with God and serve the Hindu community in Northern Virginia by addressing their religious, cultural, and educational needs. In June 2010, the IRS determined that HTVA is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, all contributions and gifts made to the Hindu Temple of Virginia are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations. In June 2016, HTVA acquired 2.5 acres of land located at 44805 Acacia Lane, Sterling, VA.

Srimaan Venkatacharya Swamy Samudrala (Head Priest) graduated in the ancient Vedic Shastra, Sri Pancharaatra Agama Shastra, from an institution founded by the renowned spiritual guru Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji at Jaggayyapet, Krishna District, AP, India. He trained many young disciples in Agamas and Vedas in India. After relocating to the United States, Srimaan Venkatacharya Swamy Samudrala served thousands of Hindu families at their residences and workplaces, fulfilling their religious and spiritual needs. He aspired to serve the community further by building a temple (In Sanskrit - "Purasya hithaha purohithaha"). He firmly believes that temples are centers for teaching, practicing, and preserving Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Laws) for this and future generations.

After acquiring the land, HTVA obtained permits within seven months. However, due to certain covenants, priests were unable to perform day-to-day activities for the idols on the purchased land. While waiting for the resolution and construction funds, HTVA leased a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse located at 22510 South Sterling Blvd, Suite #120, Sterling, VA 20164. This space was used to perform pujas and daily activities for the idols, and HTVA continued to serve Hindu families in Northern Virginia. HTVA has consistently offered free archanas (prayers through priests), free sloka classes (education), and free satwik prasadam (food) to all devotees and will continue to do so for many years to come. At this location, many generous donors and devoted volunteers came together to assist with daily operations. In 2018, Silanyasam and Vigraha Prathishta ceremonies were also performed. As the temple began to gain momentum in raising funds for construction, the pandemic in 2020 caused another setback by halting new construction work. During this challenging time, the management team disbanded, and many loyal and supportive members moved on or transitioned to other phases of life. Despite these difficulties, Srimaan Venkatacharya Swamy Samudrala (Head Priest) ensured that daily services to Sri Lakshmiprasanna Venkateswara Swamy continued without interruption.

In January 2024, a group of devout volunteers and donors formed a new team and began setting small, achievable goals to help realize HTVA’s vision. HTVA’s vision is to build a peaceful and divine place for worship and provide Hindu religious, educational, and cultural resources to all interested individuals. By the grace of God, we are making progress with the temple construction and hope to relocate to our new address at 44805 Acacia Lane, Sterling, VA as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading the history of our temple. Please visit us and receive the blessings of Sri Lakshmiprasanna Venkateswara Swamy