Finding a spiritual home is an important journey for anyone new to a city or culture. The Desi community in the United States is blessed with a multitude of options when it comes to selecting an appropriate place of worship and congregation, and Austin is no exception. With a thriving South Asian populace, and a progressive atmosphere that embraces the beauty and richness of Hindu spirituality, Austin is a great town for finding the religious group that supports and enriches your life. Newcomers or those seeking a fresh spiritual start can use this guide to learn about the best Austin Hindu temple for you.
View of Barsana Dham
Barsana Dham
The Barsana Dham, located on the aptly named Barsana Road, was founded in 1990, and opened in 1995 by His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati. The temple enjoys an ample construction with over 30,000 square feet surrounded by lush gardens, a holy pond, and an intricate tower marked with gleaming golden doors. The superb architecture is decorated with many fine stone carvings and evokes the traditional atmosphere of Hindu worship.
Devotional Meditation at Barsana Dham
Set in Austin’s “Hill Country,” the temple grounds are landscaped and adorned to resemble the holy land of Braj, in India; Govardhan Hill offers details such as beautiful flowers and foliage peppered with animal statuary to create a peaceful pastoral scene for reflection.
Picnicing at Barsana Dham
The congregational community at the Barsana Dham is small but very open to newcomers and curious visitors alike; services are available for everyone who believes in God. Children are welcome, though they must be accompanied by their guardians at all times; meat, pets, tobacco, and alcohol are not permitted on the temple property, nor is photography allowed inside the building. Schedule and contact information is available online. The joy and serenity of belonging to a spiritual community that fits your beliefs and enriches your way of life are qualities well worth waiting for; when your search is complete and you’ve found the Austin congregation right for you, your fulfillment will flourish.
When moving to a new place, it is important to find a home that is near your place of work, good schools, and a spiritual/religious center. Austin is a great place to raise a family or move to, because it is such an open minded community. Whether you are from Texas or other parts of the country anyone can find a place to fit in with those who share their interests.