Temple & Aarti Timings Temple timings: Aarti timings:

Weekdays Hindu Aarti 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM daily 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Jain Aarti Weekends 11:45 AM and 6:45 PM daily 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Mondays Tuesdays Fridays Saturdays Sundays Lalitha Suprabhatam Abhishekam Chalisa Sahasranama Venketeshwara Narayan 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM Abhishekam Abhishekam Sahasranama 10:00 AM Stotram 9:00 AM *** In the event of inclement weather, please check the website or call 215-997-1181 *** Table of Contents & Upcoming Major Events

Table of Contents Upcoming Major Events Editorial Board Message ....…. 3 ……………….….. October 17, 2019 Religious Committee…………… 4 ……………………….. October 25, 2019 Health & Human Services …… 6 Chaudas ……………………. October 26, 2019 Education Committee..……….. 7 Chopda ……………………. October 27, 2019 Cultural Committee……………. 8 / Deepavali …………… October 27, 2019 Nutan Varsh/ … Oct. 28, 2019 Women’s Group………………….. 9 Kartika Masam Begins …….. October 28, 2019 Youth Group………………………… 10 /Jain Mangalik .... October 29, 2019 Bharatiya Vidyalaya……………… 11 Annakoot …………………….… November 3, 2019 Special Needs Group …………… 14 Daylight Savings Time ….… November 3, 2019 PSVA Recognition…………….… 15 Tulsi Vivah ……………………... November 9, 2019 A Special Note to Devotees … 16 Margasira Masam Begins …….... Nov. 27, 2019 Membership Information.….. 17 Dhanur Masam Begins ….. December 16, 2019 Requesting a Puja..……………… 19 Pushya Masam Begins …... December 26, 2019 Hall Rental Information………. 20 New Year’s Eve Puja & …………..… December 31, 2019

Page 2 Message from the Editorial Board

Editorial Board Dear Devotees, As summer came to an end and with the arrival of fall, Editor-In-Chief there was reinvigoration at the Temple with the return of many Rutuke Patel 267.664.5085 festivals that everyone has come to love and enjoy. From Gauri [email protected] and Jaya Vrats to the celebration of ’s birth (Janmashtami), from welcoming Lord Ganesh to the 10-day Philadelphia Ganesh Festival to the 9 days of Navratri, the Temple has come to life offering various pujas and cultural activities. As you read through the Newsletter, you will come to find that many of the committees of Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center came together as a community supporting and bringing success to the events. And we are not done yet. In the upcoming weeks, we will be celebrating Diwali and the New Year. Planning for this major event is in full swing with the intent of providing all the devotees, their loved ones and friends, the opportunity to participate in the various religious and cultural programs and pujas. In addition to our Fireworks, this year there will also be a Diwali Mela with various vendors on site (please see the Diwali Mahotsav Flyer for additional details). On this note, I would like to end by wishing everyone and their families a wonderful and safe Diwali, and a healthy and prosperous New Year (Nutan Varshabhinandhan). I hope to see you all soon at the Temple.

Hari

Rutuke Patel Editor-In-Chief BTI / BCC Quarterly Newsletter

P.S. We are still looking for volunteers to help out with the Public Relations and Communications Committee. No experience is needed. If interested, please reach out to me at [email protected] or at 267-664-5085.

Page 3 Religious Committee - Hindu

Gauri Vrat was celebrated by Devotees from 12th to 18th of July along with Jaya Parvati Vrat. Hindola was celebrated from July 20th to August 18th. The Balgopal swing was decorated with colored threads, fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers etc. Sudarshan was conducted in the outside tent on the 21st. This event was well attended, small kids along with adults enjoyed going under the abhishek water. Sudarshana means Good Vision. Performance of this homa gives release from disease, removes negative energies at home and around us. In the month of August, Rig and Yajur was conducted in the BCC hall. It is an occasion to start the study of Yajur Veda. Krishna leela were conducted by Marathi Mandal group which was well attended by devotees and the music was mesmerizing. and Nand Mahotsav was celebrated in a grand scale. Bhajans were going after midnight with lots of energy. September month started with Hartalika . Ganesh Festival started on the 2nd with lots of music, dance and enthusiasm. The Temple was filled with decorations and everyone was in a festive mood. For 10 days Ganeshji was decorated with different

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 4 Religious Committee - Hindu alankar after abhishekam. The highlight of the festival was Ganesh Vivah and Vijay . On Visarjan day, everybody said farewell to Ganeshji. Gauri Avahan and Visarjan was also an integral part of the festival. was celebrated on September 14th, lighting a lamp decorated with flowers and all the ladies danced around it singing devotional bhajans and songs. On September 15th Ganesh Puja followed by bhajans were conducted by Navodaya Kannada Kootu of Philadelphia. The hall was filled with the music of Veena, Mrundanga and bhajans. Sharath began on September 29th and will go on until October 7th. During this time Ma will be worshipped in nine different forms. Vijaya Dashami will be celebrated as the victory of good over evil by performing Ravan Dahan. A new initiative has been undertaken in the temple since mid-September after the Ganesh festival. Every Wednesday devotees are able to come to the temple and sing bhajans in the evening. This will now become a routine and all devotees are welcome to come and participate. In September on the last day of Pitru which was on September 28th the Hiranya Shraddha Puja was held in the Sun Room of the old priest quarters, next to the temple. Devotees were able to attend and perform Shraddham of their ancestors.

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 5 Religious Committee - Jain

Jai Jinendra, Upon conclusion of this year's Paryushan and Das-Lakshan Maha Parva, we take this opportunity with our hands folded with humility to ask for your humble forgiveness. Paryushan / Das Lakshana is the celebration of spiritual awareness. Unlike most other festivals which aim to bring people together, this Jain festival aims to take us nearer to our soul. As an annual event, Shwetambar Jains observe Paryushan for eight days & Digambar Jains observe it for ten days. The festival is a time for self-analysis and soul searching. Jains exercise self-discipline and do penance to purify their souls to the best of their individual capacities. During the auspicious occasion, Jains forgive others for their mistakes, ask forgiveness from others, and resolve to lead a spiritually cleaner life in the future. Daily events at the temple from August 30 to September 2, 2019 included Astha Prakari Puja, Pratikraman, & Bhavana (reciting religious Stavans) followed by Aarti & Mangal Divo. Pratikraman is a ritual during which Jains repent (prayaschit) for their sins and non-meritorious activities committed knowingly or inadvertently during their daily life through thought, speech or action. It refers to combination of six avashyaks (essential rituals), being Samayik (state of total equanimity), Chauvisantho (honoring the 24 Tirthankars), Vandana (offering salutations to (monks) and sadhvis (nuns)), Pratikramana (introspection and repentance), Kayotsarga (meditation of the soul) and Pratyakhyan (renunciation). Astha Prakari involves eight items to perform puja of a Tirthankara in the temple. Each item represents a specific religious virtue, and one should reflect on it while performing puja.

1. Jal Puja: Water symbolizes the ocean 2. Chandan Puja: Sandal-wood symbolizes knowledge 3. Pushpa Puja: Flower symbolizes conduct 4. Dhup Puja: symbolizes monk-hood life 5. Dipak Puja: Candle symbolizes a pure consciousness

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 6 Religious Committee - Jain

6. Akshat Puja: Rice symbolizes last birth 7. Naivedya Puja: Sweet symbolizes food 8. Fal Puja: Fruit symbolizes of or liberation Source & more detailed reading @ https://www.sacred-texts.com/jai/8puja.txt

There was Swapna Darshan celebration followed by Swamivatsalya (Lunch) on August 31, 2019. Trishala Mata, the mother of Lord Mahavir had 14 dreams before his birth. All these dreams indicated that the child to be born would be very strong, courageous, and filled with virtues. He would be very religious and would become a great king / spiritual leader. He would reform and restore the religious order and guide all the creatures of the universe to attain salvation. He would also be liberated.

1. Elephant symbolizes exceptionally high character. The four tusks signified that he would guide the spiritual chariot with its four components: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen 2. Bull symbolizes religious and a great spiritual teacher. He would help cultivate the religion 3. Lion symbolizes powerful, strong, fearless, almighty, and capable of ruling the world 4. Laxmi Ji symbolizes great wealth and splendor. He would be a Tirthankar, the supreme benefactor of all 5. of Flowers symbolizes fragrance of his teaching will spread throughout the universe, and he would be respected by all 6. symbolizes would bring the peace to the world. He would help the spiritual progress of entire humanity at large 7. Sun symbolizes supreme knowledge and would dispel the darkness of the delusions 8. Flag symbolizes banner of the religion. He would reinstate the religious order throughout the universe 9. Silver Urn symbolizes perfection in all virtues, and would be full of for all liv- ing beings. He would be a supreme religious personality 10. Lotus Lake symbolizes beyond the worldly attachment. He would help liberate human beings who were tangled in the cycles of birth, , and misery 11. Milky Sea symbolizes serene and pleasant personality. He would achieve the infinite perception and knowledge and would escape from worldly life which is the ocean of birth, and death, and the misery. This would lead his soul to the Moksha

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 7 Religious Committee - Jain

12. Celestial Air Plane symbolizes all of the Angels in the heaven would respect, honor, and salute her son’s spiritual teachings 13. Heap of Gems symbolizes infinite virtues and wisdom, and he would attain the supreme spirit 14. Smokeless Fire symbolizes reform and restoration of the religious order. He would remove blind faith and orthodox rituals. He would burn or destroy his , and attain salvation Source & more detailed reading @ https://www.oshwal.org.uk/14-auspicious-dreams- swapna-of-trishala-mata/

Samvatsari Pratikraman by Sakal Sangh was performed on September 2, 2019. Kids & Digambar Pratikraman is also held on the same day at the private residence. First seven days are days of attainment, and the eighth day of Samnvatsari is one of salvation. On this day a unique custom is observed, where Jains ask every individual they may have offended, knowingly or unknowingly, for forgiveness by saying "Michhami Dukkadam". Michhami (Forgive) means to be fruitless, and Dukkadam (Dushkrut) means bad deeds.

KHAMEMI SAVVE JIVA: We forgive all the living beings, SAVVE JIVA KHAMANTU ME: We seek pardon from all the living beings, MITTI ME SAVVA BHUTESU: We are friendly towards all the living beings, VERAM MAJJHAM NA KENVI: And we seek enmity with none, MICHHAMI DUKKADDAM!: And we ask for forgiveness from all!

Chaitya Paripati is one of the celebrations of Jainism where Jain Devotees (Shravak/ Shravika) makes a pilgrim (Jatra) to a Chaitya (Temple). Venerating the Lord is one of the duties of a seeker on the occasion of Paryushan Maha Parva. Continuing the euphoric spirits experienced during the Paryushan Maha Parva, members of the Jain Sangh embarked on a day-long Chaitya Paripati on September 22, 2019. As they revered the Divine, aspirants were effortlessly drawn towards their universal compassion, noble virtues and exalted state.

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 8 Religious Committee - Jain

8:00 AM departed for Franklin Township: Jain Center of New Jersey, Somerset, NJ - Seva Puja and Navkarsi (Breakfast) 11:30 AM departed for Mahudi Dham: Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple, Egg Harbor City, NJ - Darshan, Bhavana and Swamivatsalya (Lunch) 3:00 PM departed for Cherry Hill: The Jain Sangh Temple, Pennsauken Township, NJ - Darshan, Bhavana and Swamivatsalya (Light Dinner) 6:00 PM arrived back at Bharatiya Temple Whole Sangh is very appreciative of the various leaders & community members of the visiting temples for great welcome, enthusiasm & seva extended.

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 9 Religious Committee - Jain

Upcoming Jain Events, - Tuesday October 29, 2019: New Year Mangalik Puja, temple to open at 6:45 AM, Manglik Puja starts at 7:00 AM, followed by Astta Prakari Puja, & Navkarshi (Breakfast) - Friday November 1, 2019: Gyan Pancham Aradhna 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday November 6, 2019: Bhavana 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Monthly - first Wednesday) - Sunday November 10, 2019: Snatra Puja 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (Monthly - second Sunday) If you are not getting Jain community emails, or would like to be added to the list, please request at '[email protected]'. For any labh/sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Jain committee members. Let there be peace, harmony, and prosperity for all.

Sandhya Jain (650) 248 8448 Jayesh Shah (732) 421 7863 Vaishal Sheth (484) 683 5815

Chairperson: Nand Todi 215.699.0406 [email protected]

Page 10 Health & Human Services Committee

At Bharatiya Temple, the Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) conducted its third blood drive this year on August 24, 2019 and collected 19 pints which can save up to 57 lives. The drive was a summer special American Red Cross (ARC) sponsored “Leaders save lives program” which was led by our youth leader, Shree Dave. ARC saves approximately 16 million lives per year in the USA alone (approximately 2 lives saved per second). HHS also arranged 2 flu vaccination clinics in collaboration with the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival committee, East Norriton Pharmacy and CVS Pharmacy during the 2019 Ganesh Festival. For youth who wish to take opportunity for scholarship / leadership, please visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/rcb/hosting-a-blood- drive/leaders-save-lives/LeadersSaveLives_TermsConditions_Summer2019.pdf Lastly, we will be conducting one more blood drive for the year on November 9, 2019 at the Bharatiya Cultural Center Hall from 10 AM to 3 PM. We are also working on arranging 2 more flu vaccination clinics as well as a CPR Training Program for November and not to forget, a driver safety training program for our community with the help of AARP. More information will be released as they get finalized. Please encourage adults and youth to take part in these upcoming and important programs.

HHS Committee Committee Members (13): Anjan Dave, Devdas Advisor: Dr. Akkaraju Sarma Pothen, Gayatri Shenoy, Jay Shah, Mrs. Kameswari Chairman: Sai Buddai, PhD Akkaraju, Manisha Jain, Meena Durbha, Pushpa Co-Chair: Babu Medi, PhD Kukawada, Gunturi, Srinivas Reddy ARC Coordinator: Brittany Palsmier Siddapureddy, Seethram Alladi, Udit Pandya.

Chairperson: Sai Kumar Buddai 267.481.4411 [email protected]

Page 11 Education Committee

Bharatiya Temple Education Committee along with Sushuma Kriya Foundation hosted a Meditation and Initiation event on Aug 24th 2019 on the occasion of Janmashtami. Pujyasri Aathmanandamayi Maathaji (Ammagaru) of the Sushumna Kriya (SKY) accepted our invitation to grace the occasion to talk about Sushunma Kriya Yoga. Ammagaru was greeted to Purna Kumbha swagatam by our temple priests. Program started with brief introductory biography of Ammagaru. Renowned dancer and disciple of Ammagaru, Sruthi kirthy anchored the evening program. She also performed a couple of dances on Lord Krishna and Ammagaru. Later Ammagaru explained about Sushuna Kriya Yoga and initiated attendees into 21 minute prakriya (process). Program was well attended by more than 200 people from all section of our community. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick also was present. Ammagaru was felicitated by our temple and was awarded the memento of "Vishwa Kriya Yoga " by our BT community. A couple of our temple community members also shared their personal experiences and benefits of having practiced this technique for a few years. Later Ammagaru personally blessed the attendees of the event. Everyone felt very happy to attend such a spiritually awakening event. Attendees were served packed dinner by our BT Education Committee volunteers. We hope to see our community members for future events and also hope to see Ammagaru and SKY foundation at our temple in future years. For your information, SKY meditation is practiced every week at our Bharatiya temple as part of Sunday Bharatiya Vidyalaya activity from 10AM to 12 Noon in priest quarters. For further details, please contact Hemalatha Chintalapati (610-239-7839 or [email protected]). Thanks to all our BT volunteers and SKY team for facilitating this event.

Future Events: College Education Seminar in October. Please look out for details from Temple weekly email.

Chairperson: Mallik Budhavarapu 267.549.5848 [email protected]

Page 12 Cultural Committee

Bharatiya Cultural Committee helped, planned and executed a very successful Onam festival at Bharatiya Temple with the help and support of Ravi Menonji. Upon invitation we also performed at the Pran Pratistha event in New Jersey at Umiya Dham Temple with 14 families. It was very well appreciated and trophies were distributed. Bharatiya Cultural Committee was also very fortunate to be able to invite Pt. Birju Maharajji’s granddaughter Shinjini Kulkarni for a beautiful 2 hour recital which was very well attended and appreciated. These are the highlights of just a few engagements we had over the last three months. Please stay tuned for information on dance and singing classes which we are initiating in the near future. Thanks to all the committed volunteers without whom this all is not possible.

Chairperson: Manisha Jain 215.620.0010 [email protected]

Page 13 Women’s Group

Women’s Group helped out with parking during Philadelphia Ganesh festival. We also had an opportunity to sponsor prasad during Navratri. We continue to have our Book Club gathering once every 2 months. Our upcoming events are Manna on the Main Street food drive, karva chauth celebration at Bhartiya Temple, women’s health care seminar, laughing yoga and Holiday potluck. So please stay tuned for updates for the upcoming events. You can follow us on Facebook or sign up for email to stay connected.

Chairperson: Mital Mehta 267.328.8742 [email protected]

Page 14 Youth Group

With a very busy and festive season at the Temple, the Youth Group got opportunity to help and participate in the various events. Many of our young team members joined various subcommittees of the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival and even went further to assist and clean up once the festival was over. They then joined hands with great enthusiasm for Navratri

and helped out with the Procession and sthapana of Mataji. This same level of energy was also seen on Community Day, providing help with photography, setup of food tables and assisting with henna, just to mention a few.

Chairperson: Preeti Tailor 215.868.4831 [email protected]

Page 15 Bharatiya Vidyalaya

Bharatiya Vidyalaya started its 15th year with Yoga, prayers and all three classes on August 25th – Religion, Culture and Language. As of September 30th, 189 students had registered for the 2019-20 Bharatiya Vidyalaya program. A Typical Bharatiya Vidyalaya Day: As part of the program, on Sundays, students and parents start with Yoga, Bhagavad Geeta chanting and prayers at 9:30 am, followed by students attending classes and parents attending Yoga and meditation. Some parents attend the Bhagavad Geeta discussion group at the same time. At 12:00 pm, many students and parents attend Bhagavad Geeta chanting practice in a classroom and other students and parents attend Aarati in the Temple Hall upstairs. Volunteers: Almost all the 50 teaching volunteers and 20 non-teaching volunteers from the previous year are enthusiastically continuing for running the program from August 2019 through May 2020. A few new parents are joining the Vidyalaya team of volunteers. All volunteers are fully PA Law compliant. Students study Hindu and Jain religion, Indian Culture and one language of their choice out of the seven Indian languages that the program offers. Celebration of Occasions: On many Sundays, parents and volunteers sponsor lunch to celebrate their child’s birthday, or to celebrate another occasion. To keep the rich tradition alive, on a child’s birthday, students sing a birthday song in before proceeding for lunch. Online registration system: Online registration system was updated during summer for registrations during the 2019-20 session. Parents use the system for applying for registration of a child as well as payment of the Vidyalaya fees. Janmashtami: On August 24th, the occasion of Krishna Bhagavan Janmashtami, 15 Bharatiya Vidyalaya students and parents Students before singing melodious sang melodious bhajans and chanted chapter bhajans in the deity hall on August 24th 18 of Bhagavad Geeta in the deity hall. on the occasion of Krishna Bhagavan Volunteers trained students in advance for Janmashtami the bhajans.

Chairperson: Praveen Sharma 215.361.0145 [email protected]

Page 16 Bharatiya Vidyalaya

Philadelphia Ganesh Festival: On September 2nd, the first day of the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival Procession, 16 vidyalaya girls performed a lazium dance throughout the procession. This was an enriching cultural experience for the girls and their families as they all learned about this new dance form and the new dress up. People in the Vidyalaya girls getting ready to perform a procession cheered up the team and lazium dance throughout the Ganesh complemented the girls for a great Bhagavan Welcome Procession on performance. People enjoyed taking nd September 2 , 2019 pictures and videos with girls. On September 12th, the last day of Philadelphia Ganesh Festival, a Bharatiya Vidyalaya team of 13 students performed dance in the Ganesh Bhagavan Visarjan procession. Senior class students under the guidance of volunteers helped with selling pizza and soda at the stall during the Anand Bazaar in Philadelphia Ganesh Festival on September 7th and 8th. Additionally, they answered questions Vidyalaya students getting ready to from the visitors about Bharatiya Vidyalaya perform a dance during the Ganesh program. Bhagavan Visarjan procession on September 12th, 2019 A team of Vidyalaya volunteers and parents helped with parking, hall seating, procession and other programs during Philadelphia Ganesh Festival from September nd2 through September 12th. Open House: Parents enthusiastically attended the Open House on September 15th. Volunteers presented an overview of Vidyalaya and answered parents’ questions about the Vidyalaya program.

Chairperson: Praveen Sharma 215.361.0145 [email protected]

Page 17 Bharatiya Vidyalaya

Durga Ma Procession: Over 60 students participated in dances for Durga Ma on September 29th, the first day of Navaratri. The dances were performed with songs in praise of Durga Ma playing in the background. These included songs in Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Telugu and other languages. Volunteers trained students in advance. Community Day: Volunteers have Bharatiya Vidyalaya youngest boys and been training the senior class students for girls participated in Marathi Dance for Navaratri Procession. volunteering as guides for the visiting dignitaries on October 5th, the Community Day. Additionally, volunteers are working for setting up a Bharatiya Vidyalaya showcase stall on the Community Day. Bhagavad Geeta Chanting Competition: Keeping the tradition alive from previous years, over 30 students and parents are participating in the training for chanting Bhagavad Geeta. The training is for preparing them for an offsite chanting competition in April on behalf of Vidyalaya. This year, the topic of the competition is Chapter 1, Arjun Vishaad Yoga, Lamenting the Consequences of War. In Chapter 1, Arjun represents common people and their dilemma while performing their duty in daily life. Volunteers encourage students to understand the message from what they chant. Here is an example verse. This verse shows us that when the end draws near, egoistic people indulge in vain glory instead of being humble in evaluating their situation.

अपर्यꥍा तं तदस्मयकं बलं भीष्मयभभरक्षितम ् | पर्याꥍतं 配विदमेतेषय ं बलं भीमयभभरक्षितम ् || 10||

aparyāptaṁ tadasmākaṁ balaṁ bhīṣhmābhirakṣhitam paryāptaṁ tvidameteṣhāṁ balaṁ bhīmābhirakṣhitam

Duryodhana said to Dronacharya, his teacher: The strength of our army is unlimited and we are safely marshalled by Grandsire Bheeshma, while the strength of the Pandava army, carefully marshalled by Bheem, is limited.

Chairperson: Praveen Sharma 215.361.0145 [email protected]

Page 18 Special Needs Group

The Special Needs Group (SNG) of BCC had 2 successful activities this past quarter. We would like to start of by thanking Kiran Kothapalli (President) and the members of Telugu Association of Greater Delaware Valley (TAGDV) which extended the invitation to our group for a picnic they had held on August 24, 2019. Three families including my daughter and her kids attended the event and were welcomed with open arms. Our children had a wonderful time playing with other children. Ravi’s bubbles were a great hit. Ravi enjoyed watching the kids pop the bubbles.

For our second event, we took a wonderful trip to Longwood Gardens on September 21, 2019. Seven families attended the event, which were also new to our group. We had a great time, and better yet, got to know one another. The children had wonderful time with the mesmerizing scenery, the vivid colors and varying fragrances of the blooming flowers and not to mention the soothing sounds of the waterfalls.

SNG is planning a holiday party on December 14, 2019, so please save the date. All are welcome. Stay tuned for more details.

Chairperson: Vijaya Raminani 267.640.7599 [email protected]

Page 19 PSVA recognizes two BTI / BCC Volunteers

Awards received by Dr. Akkaraju Sarma

We would like to congratulate Dr. Akkaraju Sarma and Heera Kalidindi (Bharatiya Vidyalaya student) on being recent recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PSVA). In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the PSVA to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. Dr Sarma and Heera, congratulations once again, as we look up to you both as mentors and a reminder on the importance of selfless service and dedication.

Awards received by Heera Kalidindi

Page 20 A Special Note to Devotees from Dr. Akkaraju Sarma

This is an informational note to all readers. As www.b-temple.org expands, we have been offering the annual Janao (when the sacred thread is changed annually), we had Samuhika Pitru puja on September 28, 2019. We had two batches and about 20 families participated in the sun room, guided by Pundit Jayesh Pandya. We had at this service remembered not only one’s parents but also those we lost in the family on both parents side, their siblings, and others relevant, who are all in divine abode One can do further research on this Pitru puja, but for general reader, it is the time when the departed anticipate their families to reach them. Thus, even thought 30 families formally did the puja, they reached out to many more departed atmas. A few pictures here. In this context, we have annual upakarma (other too) that was held on August 14, 2019 when about 25 families participated. We had Pundits Jayesh and Vishnu guide us in North Indian Traditions while Pundits Seshasai and Umamaheshwara in South Indian traditions. Everyone enjoyed these immensely. We hope to see even more devotee participations in 2020 & later years.

Page 21 Becoming a Member of BTI / BCC

Membership Categories Annual Membership $100 Life Member $1,200 Patron $5,000 Grand Patron $10,000 Senior Trustee $25,000

Benefits of becoming a Trustee, Patron or Life Member

• All mailings including Brochures, newsletters and calendar. • Complementary Pujas performed at the temple for you and your family member on birthdays. • Discounted or complimentary admission to selected events. • One time per calendar year, receive a 20% discounted fee for Hall rental (Max discount of $100) • Eligible for Board of Director’s position.

All donations to Bharatiya Temple and Bharatiya Cultural Center are tax deductible! Bharatiya Temple Tax ID: 23-2959416 Bharatiya Cultural Center Tax ID: 76-0706802

For additional information regarding membership and to download application forms, please visit the Temple website.

Page 22 Taking Advantage of Corporate Matching

Each year, companies and businesses support nonprofits by distributing hundreds of millions of dollars in matching gift donations. Most companies match 1:1; some companies match 2:1 and even 3:1. Several of our supporters take advantage of this initiative and we are grateful for their support. Please check with your organization's HR department and follow their established procedures for matching funds.

The matching process can also be found on our website: https://b-temple.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BCC-Corporate-Matching-Contribution- Process.pdf

To view a List of Companies with Matching Gift Programs, you can visit: https://www.1800runaway.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate-match- directory.pdf https://doublethedonation.com/tips/matching-grant-resources/list-matching-gifts- companies/

If your company matches, then please direct your donation to Bharatiya Cultural Center and follow up with your Company’s HR department.

Thanking you in advance for your support!!!

Page 23 Puja Request To schedule a Puja or inquiries pertaining to this, please contact:

Ramana Kanumalla 267-396-PUJA (7852) [email protected]

If you are requesting specific priests for your puja, this will only be confirmed by Ramana Kanumalla and not by the priests themselves. Please keep in mind that:

• All services (except Archana, Abhishekam & Vehicle Puja) must be scheduled in advance. • All private puja services are charged on an individual puja basis. • Mileage charges will apply for all outside pujas.

For a complete list of Pujas and prices, please visit the temple website.

Volunteers Needed

The Temple is always in need of help and volunteers! If there is a committee that interests you, please reach out to the respective chairperson. If there is an event that you would like to help out in, please refer to the respective flyer and get in touch with the contact person(s) listed. If you can only volunteer for a day or even a few hours, it will be greatly appreciated! Please reach out to the contact person for the event based on your availability.

Page 24 Bharatiya Temple Hall Rental Information

For Hall Rentals or inquiries pertaining to this, please contact:

Dixal Patel 610-291-7493 [email protected]

$500 for 4 hours +$75/additional hour (Fridays evenings, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays) Hall Rental OR $300 for 4 hours + $50/additional hour (weekdays)

$100 for 2 hours +$50/additional hour (Friday evenings, Education Room Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays) Rental OR $50 for 2 hours +$25/additional hour (weekdays) Kitchen Rental $50 for warming food. Food cooking is not permitted. Audio Equipment $100 Rental Wedding $1,000 for all day—includes all of the items above

$75—this includes sweeping and mopping only; you still Cleaning have to pick up trash

20% or maximum $100 for Life Members of BTI/BCC Discounts 20% or maximum $100 for nonprofit organizations (once/year) 10% or maximum $100 for annual members of BTI/BCC

For additional information or to download the rental agreement, please visit the Temple website.

Page 25 About BTI / BCC

Mailing Address Temple Priests P.O. Box 463 Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Physical Address 1612 County Line Road Chalfont, PA 18914

Phone: 215-997-1181 Sri. Vishnuji Sri. Jayeshji Email: [email protected] Parshad Vassyal Pandya

Priest services: Ramana Kanumalla

267-396-7852

[email protected]

Hall Rental Dixal Patel 610-291-7493 Sri. Seshasai Sri. Umamaheshwara [email protected] Rompicharla Shivam Connect with the Community and the Temple Bharatiya Temple App You can download this FREE app by simply scanning the barcode or by searching “Bharatiya Temple” in iTunes (Apple) or Play Store (Android).

With this app you can easily view upcoming events, view monthly calendar, request hall rental, request priest services, listen to bhajans, post pictures, send a message, etc.

If you choose to receive notification, you will receive real-time information about parking situation at the temple, temple closings due to inclement weather and reminders about special events at the temple. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Page 26