If you are in the Chicago area and you would like to experience Hinduism at its purest, be sure to check out the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago. Founded by a community of Hindu immigrants in the late 1870s and early 1980s, this temple is built on the basic Hindu idea that all spiritual practices are valid. Its two temple buildings are devoted to a wide variety of deities intended to serve the needs of many different Hindu traditions.

The Grounds

Located on a bluff-hillside overlooking the Des Plains river valley in Lamont, IL, the Hindu temple of Greater Chicago features traditional Indian architecture and construction by master artisans and sculptors from India. The larger of the two is constructed in in a traditional temple architecture of the 10th century Chola dynasty. A blend of ancient style and modern practicality, it features an 80 foot tower of brilliant white, representing the majesty of the Hindu spirit. The second temple building is in the style of the 1st century BC Kalinga dynasty.

The two temples with their various altars are a representative cross-section of Hindu traditions and practices. The larger is dedicated to Rama, one of Hinduisms most prominent deities. In addition to Rama, this temple building also houses altars to Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, who feature prominently in the Hindu Religious epic the Ramayana, as well as altars to Ganesha, Venkateshwara, Mahalakshmi, Krishna, and Radha. The smaller temple, dedicated to Ganesha-Shiva-Durga, houses altars to Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, Subramanya, Parvathi, and Navagraha.

The complex provides an atmosphere that invites meditation. Within the two temples the several altars make it nearly impossible not to meditate, or at least stare in devotional rapture. Outside, the beautifully wooded 17.6 acres with several adjacent waterfalls is the ideal location for peaceful contemplation.

Daily Activities and Events

Designed with ease of community use in mind, this complex serves as a center for the many colorful cultural events in the Hindu tradition. Their yearly calender is packed with celebrations, holiday events, special worship and other services. There are also dozens of unscheduled events that are available to the community, such as the marriage ceremony and the baby’s first eating of rice ceremony.

In addition the temple offers many ongoing educational offerings. You can find classes on yoga, which cover not just physical exercises, but breathing and mental exercises as well; plus you can attend lessons on the Bhagavad-Gita and trainings in meditation. The crown jewel of the center’s educational programing is the Sunday school. It features classes for all ages covering all aspects of Hindu tradition and philosophy. It has instruction in several Indian languages including a class in Sanskrit pronunciation. Other offerings include astrology, dance, music, and vedic math classes.

Visitations and Tours

Of course, these cultural events and the educational offering are for those who are part of the community, but they haven’t left out the vacationing spiritualist! Temple tours are offered every day for groups of three or more between 10am and 11:30am by prior arrangement. Groups of thirty or more can request different times. This tour covers the entire complex with emphasis on the temples and altars. You’ll get a huge amount of information about the deities, architecture, and history of the complex and Hinduism in general. This is a valuable tour for anyone who wants to know more about Hindu history and practice. To arrange a tour, you may contact Mr. Krishnan at pkrishnan007_2000@yahoo.com.

They even have a four page visitors guide on their website designed for the person who has no knowledge at all about Hindu beliefs and practices. It can be viewed at the official site www.htgc.org.

Our Comments

In a nutshell, all there is to say about this destination can’t fit in a nutshell! The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago simply has too much going on to present it all. This is a marvelous temple complex which is perfect for spiritual sojourners of every interest, particularly those who are interested in how Hinduism is practiced by the average Hindu.

Visiting Hours & Location

The temple hours are from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. South of Chicago, it can be easily reached from I-55 and is about 25 miles southwest of Chicago.

10915 Lemont Rd
Lemont, IL 60439
Tel: (630) 972-0300
Fax: (630) 972-9111

For more information you are encouraged to visit their website: www.htgc.org.