The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago is a complex of two separate Hindu temples located in Lemont, Illinois. Founded in 1977, the complex contains a main temple and a small one. Visitors to the complex are welcome to worship in either one or both temples. If you are interested in visiting, you can find directions to the temples by reading on. Below is a list of things to do in Lemont.
Community service: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago is open seven days a week, and holds services every day except Sunday. The holiest day is Sunday, when many rituals are performed. The main event is the puja of Lord Rama, which takes place at 10am on that day. The second major celebration of the year, called Navarathri, is celebrated for nine days. The tenth day, called Vijaya Dasami, is a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga. Other festivals are celebrated throughout the year, including Holi, New Year’s Day, and Diwali.
The temple has a number of community service events throughout the year. The Humanitarian Committee of the temple organizes food donation drives and other community service events. During the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, the Humanitarian Committee of the temple donated $25,000 to the relief efforts. This donation was made possible because the Hindu temple invited Lemont’s mayor and police chief to an elaborate ceremony. The Humanitarian Committee also arranges food donation drives during Thanksgiving, and often invites officials to major events.
The temple is open to the public, and there are a number of events and programs held there. All of the Indian ethnic groups in the area hold cultural events at the temple. In recent years, an Oddisi dance performance was held simultaneously with the Telugu Association of Greater Chicago. Occasionally, the Vedanta Society and Chinmaya Mission sponsor lectures on bridging cultural divides. In addition to cultural programs, the temple also coordinates various educational events for its members. Some more information here.
The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago is a not-for-profit organization that has two separate temples and a spiritual center dedicated to Swami Vivekananda. The temple celebrates major Hindu holidays throughout the year, and offers a variety of cultural and humanitarian events. For example, the Hindu Temple hosts a Thanksgiving food donation drive and invites local government officials to the event. The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago has been a landmark in the community for more than 30 years. Check out Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Napveille, IL.
The temple has an impressive list of community activities. Its humanitarian committee holds events for people in the community, and its youth groups often organize community service projects. The humanitarian committee recently donated $25,000 to the United States’ embassy in India. The temple’s Humanitarian Committee also organizes food drives during the Thanksgiving holiday, and invites local government officials to major events. Its social programs are a great way to make friends with the Hindu community in the city.