Hindu Temple Of Florida
Miami , FL
About:
The Temple demonstrates the unity in diversity – the core belief of the Hinduism through installation of various Gods and Goddesses for devotees to worship. It is written in our scriptures, "EKO DEVAHA VIPRAHA BAHUDHA VADANTI" meaning, "The God is one – wise men give different names".
On the second floor of the Temple, the presiding deity Lord Satya Narayana (Lord Vishnu), in his resplendent grace is at the center of the west wall. Goddess Lakshmi with her beaming brilliance, and Ram Parivar including Shri Ram, Lakshaman, Sita Devi, and Hanuman are on His right. To His left are Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Lingam and Shri Krishna with His consort Radha Devi. Facing Him to his left are Lord Subramanya, and Godesses Valli and Devasena. Facing Him to his right is Lord Ganesha giving blessings. Columns on the south wall exhibit figurines of five of the ten avatara (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. Columns on the north wall exhibit figurines of five forms of Lord Shiva. The exterior walls of the temple are also well decorated with mural such as Nataraja (Shiva), Vishnu, Geetopadesh (bestowing Geeta to Arjun by Shri Krishna) and Gyanopadesh (bestowing knowledge of Vedas by the Lord to rishis).
The Temple was built in the original Hindu architectural style in 1996. There is highly ornate Raja Gopuram (main entrance gate) at the second floor level - believed to be one of the tallest in the country. The grand staircase is flanked at the ground level by Shri Jay and Shri Vijay dwarpalaks (gate keepers).
The community hall is on the first floor, complete with a performance stage. Since the Temple's inception the community has benefitted in retaining the culture heritage and religious way of life. Temple has three well trained priests to perform all religious services as prescribed in the Agama Shastra (original scriptures). The Temple also has Prasad Sadan to serve food. The Temple helps in educating the community religiously, culturally, socially, spiritually and academically. The community services include, free Vidyalaya (Sunday school) where students prepare for SAT English, SAT Math, public speaking, essay writing, comparative religion; Shloka (holy verses), Gita study, Yoga, and languages such as Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.
Temple also provides educational tours to schools, colleges and churches for diversity education and provides well educated experts for classroom lectures upon request.The Temple has several committees for devotees, volunteers and youth to participate in various activities and have a fulfilling spiritual and religious experience.The Temple is centrally located at 5509 Lynn Road, Tampa, FL 33624 in Carrollwood with easy access to highways.