Differences between Hinduism in America and Hinduism in India
- Puja (Ritual) Practices: American Hinduism is more communal than Indian Hinduism. In America there are communal chants of the Hare Krishna mantras, singing of songs and worship of deities, followed by a meal. In India this is done individually. Puja in America is done on the weekends similar to a Sunday mass; in India they hold it daily.
- Yoga Practices: Yoga in America is a trendy fitness fad, used to stretch and increase flexibility. In India, yoga is a religious warm-up; it is more like meditation, used to break away from Earthly troubles so one can begin prayer. Hindu religious institutions can be classified as self-help institutions or ritual worship institutions. In India these co-exist simultaneously; in America focus jumps from one to the other.
- Temple differences: American temples have more communal space than Indian temples. Indian temples are made to look like mountain ranges, and entering them is similar to entering a cave. Little natural light comes in, and one walks through chambers until he or she reaches the "womb" of the temple for prayer. American temples are designed with very large communal areas, large windows and lots of light.
Hinduism of Central Texas
There are many Hindu worship sites in Texas, mostly centered around large metropolitan areas. Texas has more Hindu worship centers than most other states. Here is a list of Hindu worship sites in Texas by town.
| 17 - Houston 5 - Austin 5 - Dallas 2 - San Antonio 1 - Carrolton 1 - Conroe 1 - Helotes |
1 - Irving 1 - Midland 1 - Missouri City 1 - Pearland 1 - Round Rock 1 - Safford 1 - Temple |
Radha Madhav Dham
Located in South Austin, Radha Madhav Dham (formerly known as Bharsana Dham) provides a place for both devout Hindus and curious westerners to observe and learn about worship practices. Radha Madhav Dham practices Bhakti yoga, worshipping Krishna's female counterpart, Radha. The following is a brief explanation of the temple's facilities, adapted from the Radha Madhav Dham website.
"Radha Madhav Dham was established in 1990. Over 50,000 visitors from both Indian and Western communities participate annually in Radha Madhav Dham’s devotional teachings, religious programs, youth programs and celebrations.
The temple and ashram complex of Radha Madhav Dham is situated on a beautiful 200-acre property. It is designed as a representation of the holy land of Braj in India where Sri. Radha and Sri. Krishna appeared about 5,000 years ago.
Anyone who visits Radha Madhav Dham experiences the same divine serenity that was found in the ancient ashrams of the Saints of Vrindaban. It has become a place of pilgrimage for millions of devotees living in the western world."
Below is an interactive map indicating the temple's location. Its address is 400 Barsana Rd. Austin, Texas, 78737.
"Radha Madhav Dham was established in 1990. Over 50,000 visitors from both Indian and Western communities participate annually in Radha Madhav Dham’s devotional teachings, religious programs, youth programs and celebrations.
The temple and ashram complex of Radha Madhav Dham is situated on a beautiful 200-acre property. It is designed as a representation of the holy land of Braj in India where Sri. Radha and Sri. Krishna appeared about 5,000 years ago.
Anyone who visits Radha Madhav Dham experiences the same divine serenity that was found in the ancient ashrams of the Saints of Vrindaban. It has become a place of pilgrimage for millions of devotees living in the western world."
Below is an interactive map indicating the temple's location. Its address is 400 Barsana Rd. Austin, Texas, 78737.
Sources:
http://www.radhamadhavdham.org/
http://www.radhamadhavdham.org/about-Radha-Madhav-Dham
McGee, M. (1997). Hindu Temples in New York State. Retrieved 11 13, 2011, from Sacred Places.org.
Prentiss, K. P. (1997). The Pattern of Hinduism ans Hindu Temple Building in the U.S. Retrieved 11 13, 2011, from The
Pluralism Project.
Tamil Electronic Library. (2005, November 25). List of Hindu Temples and Religious Sites . Retrieved November 13, 2011,
from Tamil Electronic Library.com
http://www.radhamadhavdham.org/
http://www.radhamadhavdham.org/about-Radha-Madhav-Dham
McGee, M. (1997). Hindu Temples in New York State. Retrieved 11 13, 2011, from Sacred Places.org.
Prentiss, K. P. (1997). The Pattern of Hinduism ans Hindu Temple Building in the U.S. Retrieved 11 13, 2011, from The
Pluralism Project.
Tamil Electronic Library. (2005, November 25). List of Hindu Temples and Religious Sites . Retrieved November 13, 2011,
from Tamil Electronic Library.com