Located in California and passing along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the moderately sunny summers and cooler winters of San Diego city has suited quite well with the Indians living here. Things seem fine for every non-residential Indian, until a festival or a holiday comes up and we start missing the spiritual atmosphere and celebrations which is usually found back in the hometowns.
Lucky for the Indian Community in San Diego, there are so many temples in the city that conduct pujas, prayers and events all along the year, keeping alive the inner spiritual self.
- Shri Mandir (Black Mountain Road, San Diego, California)
Commonly known as Little India, the Black Mountain Road is filled with Indian shopping malls and restaurants. Any Indian in San Diego should definitely visit here to get a pinch of desi vibes. And while at it, never miss the beautiful Shri Mandir.
Located in huge square yards, the Shri Mandir is a temple with multiple deities. On one side of the spacious hall is a long marble counter with multiple arches where all the idols are placed adjacent to each other. Lord Shree Krishna along with Radha Ji and Lakshmee Ji, Lord Shiva along with Mata Parvathi and Ganesh Ji, Lord Rama and Sita along with Lord Lakshmana and Hanuman, Durga Maa, Lord Venkateswara and many more deities are all present in this one temple.
There is huge seating place in the hall inside the Shri Mandir which helps people to spend time in peace and reconnect with one’s God-consciousness.
- Hare Krishna Temple (1030 Grand Avenue, San Diego, California)
If you are near the Historic Heart of San Diego – the Gaslamp Quarter, then never forget to take a few lefts and rights and visit the Hare Krishna Temple. Started many years ago in New York, the ISKCON now has 54 temples spread all over the North and South of America. So yes, the ISKCON has made its establishment in San Diego too with the Hare Krishna Temple.
In a huge hall filled with the spiritual ambience of the almighty, the Hare Krishna Temple has a very grandeur look. The walls are filled with photos that wonderfully portray many stories of Lord Krishna. And in front are the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha Ji carved so beautifully with marble. With amazing costumes of Radha and Krishna every other day, the Hare Krishna Temple is filled with many events and activities all over the year.
- Shiva Vishnu Temple (16315 Pomerado Road, Poway, San Diego, California)
Well designed in the Indian style architecture, the shikhara and the walls of the Shiva Vishnu Temple are filled with carvings everywhere. The temple is known to be the Vedic Cultural and Spiritual Centre of San Diego. This temple seems to be the typical Indian, Hindu temple in every aspect. The idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Venkateswara, and Lord Ganesha are present inside, adjacent to each other.
Pujas and Abhisheks are conducted all along the year, celebrating all Hindu special days and festivals. Be it the Puri Jagannath Puja or the Abhishekas on Shani Thrayodashi, every occasion is performed traditionally by Hindu Pandits. You can even offer sarees to Goddess Mahalakshmi on Saturdays.
Many classical dance performances (like Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam) or traditional music kacheris take place all along the year.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual Centre (Miramar Square, San Diego, California)
Established more than 10 years ago, the San Diego Sai Baba Temple is one of the first temples of Lord Sai Baba in the city. It’s constructed in a very huge area along with an enormous parking space to accommodate as many people as possible. This temple is filled with devotees all along the week, especially more on Thursdays. The 5 feet 6 inches long idol of Lord Sai Baba inside the temple receives Aarti Seva 3-4 times a day and it is worth watching that sacred aarti ritual at least once.
The Shirdi Sai Baba Spiritual Centre has many priests who are friendly and open to talking with the devotees all the time. The priests are open to providing service at your homes for performing any Hindu rituals like Gruha Pravesham, Sri Sathyanarayana Swami Pooja, etc. There are also many services provided at the temple itself like Annaprashanam (1st feeding), Namakaranam (naming ceremony), etc.
- Chinmaya Mission (12249 9th St, Poway, San Diego, California)
Amidst a gorgeous flower garden (called the Chinmaya Blossoms Montessori) is the Chinmaya Mission. With its motto “To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time”, the Chinmaya Mission is the hub for several spiritual, cultural and traditional activities. This is the best place to let the Indian origins remain within us for both children and adults.
The Chinmaya Mission provides Bala Vihar classes for kids to know the Hindu culture, values and philosophy. It also has traditional dance classes and vocal music classes and conducts many games for children of all ages. Apart from that, the Chinmaya Mission organizes activities like bhajans, chanting, bhaashans, cultural events like skits, dances performances, kacheris, etc. and also has many special events on festival days.