Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago facts for kids

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) is a special Hindu temple complex located in Lemont, Illinois. It was built in 1977 and serves as a place for people to worship and learn about Hindu traditions.

The temple complex has two main temples:

• The Rama Temple is dedicated to Sri Rama, along with Sita, Lakshmana, Lord Ganesha, Sri Hanuman, Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji), Mahalakshmi, Sri Krishna, and Radha.
• The Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple honors Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Durga Devi, Lord Subrahmanya, Devi Parvathi, Nataraja, Ayappasamy, and Navagraha.

There is also a separate Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Center. This center is a peaceful place for meditation, yoga classes, and spiritual talks. On "Vivekananda Hill" nearby, you can see a 10-foot tall bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda. This statue is special because it was the first one of Vivekananda to be placed in a public spot in the United States!

Temple Design: A Blend of Ancient Styles

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago sits on a pretty, wooded hillside in Lemont, Illinois. It's an amazing example of Hindu devotion outside of India. The temple complex has four main parts: the Rama Temple, the Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple, a community center that connects them, and the Vivekananda Spiritual Center.

The Rama Temple: Chola Dynasty Style

The Rama Temple was built following the ancient style of the Chola dynasty. The Chola kings ruled parts of India around the 10th century. This temple mixes old and new design ideas perfectly. It has a grand 80-foot tower called a Gopuram, which is a strong symbol of Hindu faith. Below the main temple, there's a large hall used for cultural events.

The Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple: Kalinga Dynasty Style

North of the Rama Temple, you'll find the smaller Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple. This temple's design is inspired by the Kalinga dynasty, which was important around the 1st century B.C.E.

Exciting Festivals and Events

Many colorful festivals are celebrated at the temple throughout the year. Here are some of the main ones:

Rama Navami: Celebrating Rama's Birthday

Sri Ramanavami happens in April. It celebrates the birthday of Sri Rama, who is believed to be the seventh form of Sri Vishnu. It also remembers his marriage to Sita Devi.

Shiva Ratri: Honoring Lord Shiva

Shiva Ratri is celebrated in February or March. It's a day to honor Lord Shiva, who is said to have saved the world from poison.

Janmashtami: Krishna's Birthday Celebration

Janmastami celebrates the birthday of Sri Krishna, the eighth form of Sri Vishnu. People perform a special dance called Rasa Lila, which tells stories from Krishna's life. At midnight, a statue of Krishna is bathed and worshipped.

Deepavali: The Festival of Lights

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a famous "festival of lights." It celebrates Rama's return home after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Dussera: Victory of Good Over Evil

Dussera, or Dasara, is a ten-day festival. During this time, stories of Sri Rama are acted out, and a large figure of Ravana is burned. This festival is also called Navarathri and ends on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dasami.

Holi: A Festival of Colors

Holi is celebrated at the end of winter, usually in February or March. People throw colorful powders and water at each other! The festival ends with a bonfire called Holika Dahan, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Other important festivals at the temple include Ganesha Chaturthi, Makara Sankranthi, Brahmotsavam, the Summer Festival (Greeshma Mela), and New Year's Day.

Special Temple Occasions

The HTGC also holds special events. A very important one is the Kumbhabhishekam, which happens only once every 12 years (it took place in 1986, 1998, and 2007). In 2010, Sri Sri Ravishankar from the Art of Living Foundation opened the Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Center. In June 2011, the temple celebrated 25 years since the Sri Rama Temple was built with many religious and cultural programs.

Temple Facilities

Ganesh-Shiva-Durga Temple on the temple campus at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois

Vivekananda Statue on the temple campus at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois

HTGC-Sama-Rathi-Auditorium on the temple campus at The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois

The temple has an Auditorium and a Dining Hall on its lower level. There is also a Library with a media center for visitors to use.

Activities for Everyone

The HTGC offers many activities that are open to everyone:

• Talks and celebrations about spiritual leaders and Hindu teachings.
• Yoga classes to help you relax and stay fit.
• Cultural events during major festivals.
• Music and dance performances.
• Health Camps.
• Sunday School, where kids can learn languages, arts, and religion.
• Summer Festival and Walkathons.
• Meditation Sessions for peace and focus.