Temple Facts
Nestled in the serene hills of Calabasas near Malibu, California, the Malibu Hindu Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual solace and cultural heritage. Built in 1981 by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, this temple is one of the largest and most popular Hindu temples in the United States. It showcases traditional South Indian architectural style and serves as a significant cultural and religious hub for the Hindu community.
Temple Timings
The temple is open to devotees and visitors at the following times:
- Weekdays:
- Morning: 9 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5 PM to 8 PM
- Weekends and Special Days:
- 8 AM to 7 PM
- Winter Evening Hours:
- 5 PM to 7 PM
Temple History & Story
The Malibu Hindu Temple, constructed in 1981, has since been a place of worship, cultural events, and community gatherings. The temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) in the upper complex, and Lord Shiva in the lower complex. The temple’s history is intertwined with the growing Hindu diaspora in Southern California, reflecting their devotion and efforts to create a space for worship and community.
Architecture & Features
The temple’s architecture is a stunning example of South Indian style, characterized by its intricate carvings and towering gopurams (gateway towers). The temple complex is divided into two main sections:
- Upper Complex: Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji)
- Lower Complex: Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Both sections are adorned with beautifully sculpted deities, ornate pillars, and detailed frescoes. The temple grounds also feature spaces for meditation, community events, and cultural performances, enhancing its role as a cultural and spiritual sanctuary.
Shrines & Why Worship the Goddess?
The Malibu Hindu Temple houses several shrines dedicated to various deities, with the primary shrines being for Lord Venkateswara and Lord Shiva. Devotees visit these shrines to seek blessings, perform rituals, and participate in various religious ceremonies. Worshipping here is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes, drawing devotees from across the region.
Poojas & Daily Events
The temple conducts various daily rituals and poojas (prayer ceremonies) that are central to Hindu worship. These include:
- Aarathi: Daily at 10 AM and 6 PM
- Archana: Personalized prayer offerings to any deity, available on a walk-in basis
- Abhishekam: Sacred bathing of the deities, performed on temple-scheduled days
Most Celebrated Festivals
The temple celebrates numerous Hindu festivals with great fervor and devotion. Some of the major festivals include:
- Makar Sankranti
- Ugadi
- Vinayaka Chavithi
- Skanda Sashti
- Vaikunta Ekadashi
- Thiruvathirai
- Navratri
- Maha Shivaratri
- Vijaya Dashami
- Sri Rama Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Sri Krishna Janmashtami
- Deepawali
These festivals are marked by special poojas, cultural programs, and community feasts, attracting large gatherings of devotees.
How to Reach the Temple?
The Malibu Hindu Temple is conveniently accessible by road. It is located at:
- Address: 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
- Phone: +1 818 880 5552
- Website: Click Here
Visitors can drive to the temple from various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Adequate parking facilities are available on the temple premises.
Cable Car Details with Price
While the temple itself does not have a cable car service, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Calabasas and Malibu, enhancing their spiritual journey with nature’s beauty.
Temple Sevas & Prices
The temple offers a variety of sevas (services) for devotees, both within the temple and at external locations. Here are some key sevas and their prices:
- Aarathi: $5 (temple only)
- Archana: $15 (any deity, walk-in basis)
- Sahasra Nama Archana: $51
- Abhishekam: $51 (temple-scheduled days)
Homams (Fire Rituals):
- Ganapathi Homam: $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Sri Rudra Homam: $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Chandi Homam: $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Navagraha Homam: $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
Samskaras (Rites of Passage):
- Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony): $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Punyahavachanam (Purification Ritual): $151 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Annaprasanam (First Feeding): $125 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Chaulam (Mundan Ceremony): $125 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Aksharabhyasam (Beginning of Education): $125 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Upanayanam (Sacred Thread Ceremony): $375 (temple), $500 + travel (weekdays), $500 + travel (weekends)
- Vivaham (Wedding): $501 (both temple and external)
- Gruha Pravesham (Housewarming): $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Seemantham (Baby Shower): $251 (temple), $300 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Shasti Abdhi Poorthi (60th Birthday): $251 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Sathabhishekam (80th Birthday): $251 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Apara Kriya (Final Rites): $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Hiranya Sradham: $51 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Tarpanam: $51 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- Apara Kriyas (10th, 11th & 12th day ceremonies): $201 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
- First Year Sradham: $201 (temple), $275 + travel (weekdays), $375 + travel (weekends)
Nearby Temples
While visiting the Malibu Hindu Temple, devotees can also explore other nearby temples to enrich their spiritual experience. Some notable nearby temples include:
- Hindu Temple of Ventura County
- Sanatan Dharma Temple
Google Location
For those planning a visit, the Google Maps link to the Malibu Hindu Temple is : Malibu Hindu Temple Location.
Conclusion
The Malibu Hindu Temple offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and community. With its stunning architecture, serene environment, and a wide range of religious services and festivals, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment. Whether you are a devotee or a curious traveler, the temple welcomes you to experience its divine ambiance and participate in its vibrant community life. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural oasis of Southern California.