Hindu Worship Society Houston
State Texas
Website: https://www.hwstemple.org
The Hindu Worship Society (HWS) is a Hindu temple located in Houston, Texas. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Houston, founded in 1969.
More Information
History
The Hindu Worship Society (HWS) of Houston was established in 1969 by a group of early Hindu American residents. The temple was founded by a collective of individuals, not a single person, and key early figures included Raj Syal, Prabhat C. Sharma, and Ravi Goel.
- Founding and Early Years (1969-1970s): HWS holds the distinction of being the oldest Hindu temple in Houston. It was founded by a handful of Hindu Americans who sought a place to sustain and practice their traditions in the United States. The initial goal was to provide a central location for the community to pray and discuss common issues.
- Growth and Relocation (1980s): The society formally established its current location on Wirtcrest Lane in 1980. As the Hindu population in Houston grew, the congregation diversified, and eventually, the South Indian members formed the separate Sri Meenakshi Temple Society, while HWS primarily served the North Indian community.
Location and Contact Information
- Address: 2223 Wirtcrest Ln, Houston, TX 77055
- Phone Number: +1 (713) 957-4608
- Website: https://www.hwstemple.org/
- Email (General Information): HWS.Temple@gmail.com
- Pandit Ji’s Contact (mobile/text): (832) 278-0100
Hours
The temple is open to the public daily.
- Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Aarti at 1:00 PM)
Note: Thursday darshan is available by appointment only.
Deities
The main deities established in the temple from early on are Radha and Krishna.
The temple also features idols of and performs pujas (worship services) and yagnas (fire rituals) for a wide range of other gods and goddesses, including:
- Ganesha
- Shiva
- Vishnu
- Shree Ram (Rama)
- Hanuman
- Maa Durga Bhawani (Mata Rani)
- Lakshmi
- Saraswati
- Kali
- Parvati
The presence of multiple deities allows devotees from different traditions within Hinduism to find a place of worship and community.
Services and Activities
- Daily Aarti and Pujas: Performed daily, with a regular public puja on Sundays.
- Puja Services: HWS offers various puja services both inside and outside the temple. Contact the Pandit Ji directly for scheduling.
- Festivals and Events: The society hosts all major Hindu festivals and events throughout the year, including Diwali, Maha Shivratri, and more.
- Community Outreach: HWS has a HWS Youth Council and a HWS Children’s Council to teach about Hinduism and Indian culture, and help with personal development and volunteer opportunities.
- Accessibility: The temple is wheelchair accessible, including the entrance and parking lot.