Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple Houston Aadheenam Remains Open During Solar Eclipse
While most or all Hindu temples across the country remained closed on Monday, 21 August 2017 during the “Once in 99 years” solar eclipse, the Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple, Houston Aadheenam remained open.
Uniquely blessed and energized by H. H. Paramahamsa Nithyananda to be a Parihara Sthala for Navagraha Doshas (A sacred place that removes adverse effects of Nine planets), the temple radiates the special energy of Navagraha Dosha Shanti. Lord Sri Nithyanandeshwara Sadashiva, the presiding deity of the temple, with a five-hooded serpent providing a canopy, carries the same energy of Sri Kalahastheeswara at Sri Kalahasti Temple. Sri Kalahasti Temple, in India, is also well-known to be the only Hindu Temple in India open during the time of Eclipse.
According to Hinduism and Vedic Tradition, unlike other planets, Rahu and Ketu are lunar nodes which do not exist in the physical plane, but are in fact shadows that influence the mind.They are represented as celestial serpents swallowing the sun and moon to cause solar and lunar eclipses respectively. This is a symbolic of the overwhelming of the mind which occurs in particular periods, during the Rahu transits or influence – and which is swallowed by ignorance, unconsciousness and deceit. As both Rahu and Ketu are tamed and worshipped in this temple, the eclipse will not cast any negative effect on the temple.
Lord Sri Nithyanandeshwara Sadashiva has the Navagraha Kavacham (armor with icons representing the nine planets) indicating the Lord’s total control over the planets. A Grand Rudrabhishekam was performed to the presiding deity, with 15 various substances, during the time period of the solar eclipse.
Abhishekam Offerings: Panchamrutham, Milk, Curd, Ghee, Lime Juice, Sandal Paste, Vibhuti, Turmeric, Snaana Powder, Jaggery, Tender Coconut, Cooked Rice, Rice Powder, Bilva Patra, Rose Water
Devotees who attended the Rudrabhishekam shared, “It is the best time to do meditation, and become more conscious and increase our awareness. We were so blessed to be part of such a rare once in a lifetime opportunity. ”
Our temple is 100% volunteer run and inspired by His Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda, who is recognized as a living incarnation by millions across the world, and Mahamandaleshwar of the most ancient apex body of Hinduism, the Mahanirvani Akhada. Under the auspices of the worldwide governing body of Hinduism, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP), the temple promotes the values of Hinduism and supports the spiritual needs of the local Houston community.
Our temple offers many events including meditation workshops with His Holiness, yoga, demonstrations of Shaktis (spiritual powers) of the Third Eye, readings of the divine Akashic Records, and daily worship services.
You can view our Events Calendar for a more detailed description of temple happenings. Devotees can also contact (832) 812-5916 or (704) 965-8966.