Hindu Temple of Atlanta
Devotees congregate in thousands to witness Triple Celebration
By Ravi R Ponangi


Atlanta, GA: A huge congregation of devotees thronged the Hindu temple of Atlanta (HTA) to participate in the 6-day long celebrations of the annual Brahmotsavam, 20th anniversary of Hindu temple of Atlanta and 8th varshikotsavam of Siva temple. The triple celebration was held in the temple precincts from May 23 to 28 at Riverdale, Georgia.

The celebrations began with Dwaja Arohanam (the hoisting of the flag) on May 23. The white colored sacred flag, Dhwajapatam carrying the image of Garuda, the celestial carrier of the Lord, was hoisted atop the Dwaja Stambham by the priests during the auspicious hours on the morning of May 23. The hoisting of the flag (Dwaja Arohanam invokes the presence of the celestial Gods and demi-gods at the grand celebrations (Brahmotsavams) of the Lord.



Mythologies indicate that Lord Balaji is Utsava Priya (lover of festivities). Lord Balaji the presiding Lord at Tirumala Tirupati is known for daily festive rituals. Following this tradition, the Hindu temple of Atlanta at Riverdale (HTA) observes the six-day annual celebrations of the HTA during the Memorial Day weekend to attract over a couple of thousand devotees from all parts of the southeast.

The annual celebrations included Sri Lakshmi and Vishnu Sahasranama homas, rituals, Sthapana Thirumanjanam, Sri Padmavati Srinivasa kalyanam, cultural programs, bhajans and processions for the utsava murtis on different vahanas (divine vehicles).


Every day, the utsava vigrahas are adorned with different alankarams (ornaments) and utsava vigrahas are taken in a procession around the perimeters of temple premises on different vahanas like Hamsa vahana, Simha vahana, Garuda vahana, Aswa vahana and Chandra Prabha vahana as depicted in Lord Vishnu puranas (legends). This is an optic feast for the teeming devotees who believe that viewing this spectacle heralds prosperity for them. Each vahana has its own significance and conveys the Lord’s unspoken message in its own way.


On May 26, the Lord is taken on a procession seated on a decorated chariot also known as Rathotsavam on the fourth day of Brahmotsavam. The idols of Daruka (the charioteer of Lord Sri Krishna) and the four horses (Saibyam, Sugreevam, Meghapushpam and Valahakam) are placed in front of the decorated idols of the Lord and His consorts. The chariot is pulled along by devotees chanting Govinda! Govinda!. The deities are taken in the Aswa (horse) Vahana. It is believed that those who witness Rathotsavam will be freed from the cycle of life and death.

On May 27, the fifth day of the six-day annual celebrations, Pallaki Seva and Chakrasnana Mahotsavam in the morning and Dhwaja Avarohanam are performed in the evening. The Balaji vigraha in the main sanctum sanctorum was anointed with oil, turmeric powder and other auspicious ingredients and Abhishekam was performed. Sudarsan Chakram is given a bath in the specially erected place and devotees enjoy vasantosavam. The Garuda flag was then lowered. After alankarams and pujas, a large congregation of devotees witnessed Sayanotsavam (a ceremony putting the Lord to sleep at 9.30PM). Melodious Annamacharya kirtans and jola patalu were sung by devotees in praise of Lord Balaji and His divine consort, as priests gently rocked the cradle.


8th anniversary of Siva temple in Hindu temple of Atlanta was held from May 25-27 with Ganapati, Rama Lingeswara Abhishekams, Ganapati, Rudra homams, Sata Rudra yagam, durga deepa puja, Sri Chakra Puja, Siva Parvati kalyanam and prakarotsavam. 6 day annual celebrations concluded with group Satyanarayana puja on May 28. This was followed by trustees and officers of the temple accompanying temple priests in procession to the accompaniment of musical instruments. The procession left the priests at their quarters on conclusion of festivities - as a gesture to honor the temple priests.

On this occasion, temple priests and employees were recognized and honored for their committed services to the temple.

Hindu temple of Atlanta in Riverdale is a prominent Hindu temple which was built two decades ago in the Atlanta region. It has two separate temples - one for Lord Balaji and the other for Lord Siva. Both the complexes have shrines for other deities as well. For several years now, the towering pristine white Rajagopurams of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta in Riverdale (HTA) has beckoned devotees from all over Georgia and the South East.
The HTA complex has fulfilled over the years the spiritual aspirations of an ever growing Hindu community. Temple priests - apart from performing daily rituals, periodic celebrations and festivities in the temple - also visit individual homes and community gatherings to perform samskaaras like naming ceremonies, birth ceremonies, marriages and antya kriya karmas (last rites).


Over the years, the HTA has expanded its role to beyond mere temple administration. Since 1993, the temple has been organizing classes to impart religious teachings and cultural values to children as well as adults. What started off as weekend classes in the living rooms of priests has become an institution in itself. The classes are now held in HTA’s modern education complex that houses 17 rooms, a seminar hall and a commodious auditorium.

HTA conducts Bal Vihar classes for kids between the ages 4 and 16. HTA also has programs for adults, including a Sanskrit class, Upanishad class, Bhagvad Gita class, Bhagavatam and also yoga and meditation classes. Private dance and music classes are offered at nominal charge. Local danseuses impart dance lessons to various groups, while other prominent local musicians conduct violin and vocal classes.


HTA works closely with the Carnatic Music Association of Georgia (CAMAGA), by providing the temple auditorium for visiting artistes. The temple also hosts periodic discourses and performances by visiting scholars and artistes.
Apart from its role in fulfilling the growing religious and cultural needs of the community, the HTA also undertakes charity work with zeal. The temple raises funds in aid of national and international disasters. The funds are sent to the affected areas through local organizations.
The HTA, like several other temples in North America, serves as more than a religious outlet for the community. It is a cultural venue, a community meeting ground, an educational center and more.