Located in Calabasas, California, near Malibu, the Malibu Hindu Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. It was built in 1981 and is owned and operated by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California. The temple is devoted to the Hindu god Venkateswara.
The temple was constructed in the traditional South Indian style. It is frequented by followers of Hinduism in Southern California. It has two complexes – the upper complex is devoted to Lord Venkateswara and the lower complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple also houses shrines for other deities including Goddess Andal, Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda Deva.
It was established by Vasan Srinivasan, a civil engineer living in the Los Angeles area. He was instrumental in raising funds from local families, overseeing construction and bringing priests from India. Later, and until his death in July 2017, Indian American tax consultant Nadadur Vardhan served as president of the temple.
There are many festivals celebrated at the Malibu Hindu Temple. Maha Shivratri is one of the most significant festivals where thousands of devotees from nearby and surrounding areas assemble to worship the deity. The festival is held every year in November and is a major event for all the followers here.
This temple is located in the Santa Monica Mountains and it is a favorite among tourists. It is considered one of the best Hindu temples in the United States and people from all over the world come here to worship the Hindu gods.
The temple is open to visitors all day and night, and there are plenty of things for the whole family to do during their visit. You can take a tour of the temple, pray or meditate in one of the many outdoor spaces, or just spend some time sightseeing and taking in all that Malibu has to offer.
It is free to enter the temple but donations are appreciated. It is also recommended to wear modest clothes when visiting the temple as it is a sacred place for Hindus.
There is a kitchen in the basement level of the temple that is open on weekends and serves vegetarian lunch plates and snacks. It is a great spot to grab a quick bite for lunch and take in some of the beautiful views at the same time.
The temple is a popular destination for Hindu devotees in Calabasas and is a must-visit on your next trip to the city. It is a wonderful place to learn about the Hindu religion and to get a glimpse of its culture.