Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Houston
State Texas
Website: https://houston.svg.org
The Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple is located at 10825 Clodine Rd in Richmond, Texas. This temple, also known as SSAUSM, is a community hub focused on Hindu culture and devotion.
More Information
History
The Vadtal Dham Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Richmond, Texas is an extension of the original Swaminarayan Sampraday’s Vadtal diocese, which was founded by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan.
Original Founder
The founder of the entire Swaminarayan Sampraday, and by extension the original Vadtal temple in Gujarat, India, was Sahajanand Swami, who later became known as Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. He established six key temples during his lifetime to institutionalize the movement.
Vadtal Gadi
To ensure the future management and spiritual guidance of his followers, Swaminarayan established two dioceses (known as gadis) in 1826: one in Ahmedabad and one in Vadtal. He appointed his two adopted nephews as acharyas (spiritual leaders) to head these dioceses:
- Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj for the Ahmedabad Gadi.
- Raghuvirji Maharaj for the Vadtal Gadi (Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi).
Houston Temple (SSAUSM) The Houston temple is part of the Shree Swaminarayan Agyna Upasana Satsang Mandal (SSAUSM), an organization under the authority of the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi of Vadtal, India. The Houston location began with local devotees gathering in homes, and the dream of constructing a formal temple was developed and brought to fruition with the guidance and blessings of the Acharya of the Vadtal Gadi, specifically Acharya Shree Ajendraprasadji Maharaj, with the current Bhavi Acharya Shree Nrigendraprasadji Maharaj also involved in the initial stages in Houston.
- Address: 10825 Clodine Rd, Richmond, TX 77407.
- Phone: +1 (832) 586-0554.
- Website: houston.svg.org.
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:30–8:00 p.m..
- Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:30–9:00 p.m..
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:30–8:00 p.m..
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:30–8:00 p.m..
- Accessibility: The temple offers a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, but the entrance is not wheelchair-accessible.
- Parking: Free parking is available inside the temple compound.
Community and services
- Atmosphere: Visitors describe the temple as a peaceful and divine place for worship. The facilities are noted for their high quality, including a spacious community hall and kitchen.
- Community engagement: The temple is a center for community engagement, offering weekly Satsang Sabha and cultural traditions. It is also known for its charity work and community service activities.
- Educational programs: Gujarati religious classes are offered for children.
- Reviews: Reviewers often praise the dedication of the staff and volunteers and the welcoming atmosphere. The temple is recognized for fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.