Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Kansas City

Information about this center is no longer updated. This data was last updated on 27 September 2018.

Phone: 913-631-7519
Email: sabkasai@gmail.com
Website: http://www.htccofkc.org
[flickr_set id="72157621814104539"] History Planning for the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center began in 1982, as an increasing need was felt for a communal worship space to supplement worship done in homes. The present building was completed in 1991. A detailed history of the center is available on the web site: www.htccofkc.org. Description The facility is a square building, ornately decorated on the inside. As in most Hindu temples, there is a small room outside the worship area for people to remove their shoes and prepare themselves for appropriate and respectful worship. The main room in the building is centered around a stage holding images of the deities of this particular temple. The rest of the room is simply a carpeted area for worship, with no furniture or decorations. There is an aisle down the center of the worship area where members may bow to the deities upon entering and leaving the temple. If members desire to bring offerings to a worship service, such as food or incense, then they may bring their offerings into the worship and the priest will collect them at the appropriate time in the service. The Sanskrit language is used by the priest during chanting, and Hindi, one of the languages of India, is used throughout the temple. However, up to 16 languages with 250 dialects are used in the worship services. The temple marked its twelfth anniversary on May 5th, 2002, and the congregation is looking forward to future worship in the Kansas City area. Activities and Schedule The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center publishes the Hindu Patrika, which is a monthly periodical for the members of the community. The group is currently working on a three-phase construction project to expand and remodel the temple. The first phase involves erecting a new building; the second phase involves the interior of the building; and phase three involves Indianization, which will be determined by availability of funds. Indianization is the term used to describe the process of visiting India and making the temple as close to one of the original Hindu temples there. For hours of availability and activities, see the Temple's website.