Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple

Establishment and Founding

• They established the temple in 1986.
• Before the temple’s construction, Hindus in the Midwest traveled to Pittsburgh for an official temple, which highlighted a gap in the community’s access to places of worship.
• In 1985, nine families donated 20 acres of land for the temple’s construction.
• The architects designed the building not merely as a structure, but as a site of worship incorporating both modern engineering solutions and Agamic traditions. Agamic traditions are Hindu architectural principles.  One of the aims is to inspire future generations of temple builders.  

Architecture and Features

• The temple showcases a blend of traditional South Indian architectural styles and modern elements.
• It features a central shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) and smaller shrines for deities like Sri Devi, Bhoodevi, Ganesh, and Shiva.
• A unique feature, the provision for pradakshina (circumambulation) inside the temple, allows devotees to walk around the presiding deity and other major shrines.
• Visitors have noted the temple’s architecture, including intricate designs and vibrant colors, for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Community and Cultural Activities

• Beyond worship, the temple acts as a center for cultural and educational activities.
• It actively promotes and preserves various Indian art forms, hosting performances and nurturing artists.
• The temple’s cultural committee plays a major role in planning and presenting programs that complement the religious activities.

Services and Facilities

• The temple complex includes a dining hall serving South Indian cuisine, a library, and a gift shop.
• It offers priest services for various religious rituals and ceremonies.
• This temple also has a great kitchen where you can get hot South Indian foods like Dosa, Idli and other foods on Sunday afternoons

Community Involvement

• The temple’s growth and development have been significantly influenced by active community involvement. Other factors  include sharing knowledge, selecting the location, fundraising, and aligning with Agamic traditions, highlighting the community’s strong support and dedication.
• The temple’s mission includes providing a place for Hindus to worship in traditional style which many Hindus miss in USA.  Temple also offers religious, humanitarian, cultural, and educational resources, and promoting ideals for world peace and harmony through the tenets of the Hindu faith.

Recognition and Impact

• The temple’s design and construction served as a template and inspiration for other temples built throughout the United States after its completion, according to Millies Engineering Group.