About Us

History

For more than 30 years the Hindu community of Lubbock and surrounding area had contemplated having place in form of a temple that would meet every individual’s spiritual and the entire community’s cultural and social needs. Over the years numerous and sincere attempts have been made by various community members and leaders. After many trials and tribulations a group of highly motivated and focused individuals got together and put in action a plan to bring this long strived dream into reality which is now The Hindu Temple of Lubbock.

This dream of having a temple in Lubbock was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the entire community and is a successful effort to bring all aspects of Hinduism together.

Bhoomi Pujan

Temple’s Bhoomi Pujan ceremony was held on Saturday April 2, 2016 9:00 AM. The Puja was performed by pandit shri Murli Manohar.

Bhoomi Puja (Ground-breaking Ceremony) is performed before the construction of a home or building. Bhoomi Puja is usually carried out in the morning, which is considered most auspicious for this ceremony.

According to Hindu beliefs, by performing this ‘puja’ the right energy and natural elements surrounding the site can be propitiated. Usually the time chosen is in accordance to the ‘Vaastu Muhurtam,’ which is the time when the ‘Vaastu Purusha’ (energy surrounding the site) is believed to be in full strength.

For the Bhoomi Puja a ritualistic 64-part diagram denoting the ‘Vaastu Purusha’ is drawn in the north-eastern part of the construction site, using seeds and colored powders. Each part in this diagram denotes a deity. Chants and offerings are made to each deity. A pit is dug nearby and the first brick or stone is laid in it. An effigy of ‘Vaastu Purusha’ is made from straw and burnt to ward off evil spirits.

Grand Opening

Temple’s Grand opening ceremony was held on Saturday, September 10, 2016 9:00 AM. The Puja was performed by pandit shri Murli Manohar.

Opening Ceremony of a temple is a very divine and sacred activity. The ceremony is literally the bringing and awakening of the Deity within the stone or metal image. Such ceremonies include immersing the sacred image in water, rice, and flowers; bathing the sacred image in milk, yogurt, ghee and other sacred substances, and performing havans and pujas.

The purpose of the ceremony is not to establish the Deity within the image, but to awaken the mind of the participants, through the power of ritual, to the presence of divinity within the sacred image.

The actual installation takes place not in the stone or metal image, but in the minds and hearts of the participants. Divine energy is invoked and recited by priest and focused into kalasha water and subsequently transferred to the deities called 'Pratishta', the ritual of blessing an image to bring "life to temple".