Visit the Temple

The best way to experience Krishna Consciousness is to come visit the temple. You will see devotional programs in action, meet devotees, and taste some of the sweetness of a life lived in relationship to serving the Lord.

What to Expect

One of the of the first things you may notice at the temple is a lot of attendees, or devotees, wearing devotional Vedic clothing. Many of the ladies will be in saris or salwar kameez suits, and some of the men will be wearing traditional dhotis and khurtas. These are comfortable, colorful, and help remind us of our positions as servants of Krishna. You are welcome to wear what you like; modest apparel is appreciated!

Another thing you may notice is the wide array of shoes left outside the temple door. In order to keep the temple clean and pure, we leave our footwear outside and come in in bare feet or socks.

Kirtan

The devotional chanting of the holy names of the Lord, is called kirtan, and devotees take turns leading. The kirtan is call and response, so the leader will sing a verse, and the congregation will sing it back. Common instruments are the mrdanga drum, kartals (brass finger cymbals), and harmonium (a bellowed keyboard instrument). Please join in! Generally, we are chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:

Hare Krishna
Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna
Hare Hare

Hare Rama
Hare Rama
Rama Rama
Hare Hare

which is often bookended by other prayers at the beginning and end of the kirtan. Often, there is some very enthusiastic dancing to accompany the kirtan. You are welcome to dance, too! Men and women dance in separate areas.

The Altar

The altar, at the front of the temple room, is home to Sri Sri Nitai Sacinandana, the presiding deities of the Hillsboro temple. These are Gaura Nitai deities of neem wood, and They are so merciful that they have come here so the devotees can worship and serve Them. Devotees know that the Lord is personally present in his deity form, and devotees can then concentrate their senses on Their beautiful form.

During a special ceremony called an arotik, Their Lordships are offered various types of auspicious items. The conch shell is blown before and at the end of the arotik.

Class

Most programs incorporate a scripture class. Usually there is a reading of a verse or verses from Bhagavat Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, followed by a short discussion about how the verse applies to our current situation. Holidays may feature special readings and discussions of particular pastimes of the Lord.

Prasadam

Prasadam is spiritual food that has been offered to the Lord. It nourishes not just our material body, but our spiritual soul. On Sundays and special holidays there is a large feast after the program, and on weekdays there is usually fruit prasadam and snacks after the arotik. It is most auspicious to eat or honor prasadam, so please don't leave before you've had some!

 

 

A place for friends

Sri Sri Nitai Sacinandana on the altar

Kirtan for the pleasure of the Lord

Class