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Sri Siva Vishnu Temple
- Lanham,Maryland
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Overview
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) is a Hindu temple located in Lanham, Maryland, about 12 miles (19 km) from Washington D.C. It is one of the largest temples in the United States. The actual temple construction began in 1988 and the last deity consecration took place in 2002.
About The Temple
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple houses seventeen Sannidhis with several deities and were consecrated between the years of 1990 and 1995.
Sri Siva: The linga brought from River Narmada is the representation of Sri Ramanatha Swamy of Rameswaram. It is the belief of asthikas that Sri Rama worshiped Siva here.
Sri Vishnu: The yoga nidra form represents Ananthapadmanabha of Thiruvanandapurum. This form of Vishnu is being represented outside India for the first time. The majesty and beauty of this form of Vishnu is a sight to behold. Another form of Sri Vishnu (standing ) was consecrated . This is the famous Sri Venkateswara or Balaji of Thirupathi. Sri Srinivasa is the ishtadevatha for many millions of Hindus.
Sri Durga is the representation of Mata is in the form of Vishnu Durga standing on Mahisha’s head. Next is Vighneswara or Ganesha who is the remover of obstacles. Then comes Sarada or Saraswathi, Goddess of learning representing the presiding deity at Sringeri. The next shrine is occupied by Jaganmatha Parvati, consort of Sri Siva named Parvadavardhini as in Rameswaram. Right next to the Sri Siva sanctum sanctorum facing the Lord is Sri Chandikeshwara.
By a fortuitous design by Sri Ganapati Sthapathi, Lord Subramanya or Kartikeya or Muruga, second son of Sri Siva, along with his consorts Valli and Devasena comes to occupy the space in the middle of the Temple, in front of the main entrance. This form is a representation of the deity in Vaitheeswaran Koil famous for curing many diseases. Navagrahas complete the Sri Siva Parivaras. Many devotees conduct special pujas for one or the other planetary gods and receive their blessings.
Sri Ayyappa or Hariharaputhra (son of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini) with the 18 holy steps is built outside India for the first time. How appropriate that the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple has built a shrine for the son of both to complete the cycle started sixteen years ago! In addition, associated shrines of Kannimula Ganapathi, Nagaraja and Maligaipurathu Amman are also present as seen in Sabarimala.
Around Sri Vishnu the following deities are present
Sri Lakshmi or Sridevi, is the goddess of wealth. Many special functions are celebrated to the benefit of humanity and the congregation. Sri Krishna is a representation of the famous Udupi Temple God. The next shrine is that of Sri Bhudevi after being born as a human in the form of Andal married Sri Vishnu. Then comes Hanumanji who is well known to all Hindu devotees in the form of Baktha Hanuman with folded hands worshiping Lord Rama. The next shrine of course is that of Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshman as represented in Badrachalam. This is the only place where Sri Rama, to grant the wish of a famous devotee appears in the Vishnu Swarupa form with four hands and with Sita seated on his lap.
The temple has facilities like an auditorium, dining hall with kitchen for re-heating cooked food, aakar area and a multi-purpose sound proof room which can be rented for social, religious & educational events.
About The Deity
Deities represented in the temple include Andal, Ayyappa, Durga, Ganesha, Karthikeya, Krishna, Lakshmi, Navagrahas, Parvathi, Rama, Sarasvati, Siva, Sudarshana, Venkateshwara and Vishnu.
Puja Timing
Temple Opening & Suprabhaatam – 9:00 a.m. Daily
Evening Aarti – 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Daily
Abhishekam – 9:30 a.m. Daily
How To Reach America
Airport
International Airport of Denver and the international airports of San Francisco and San Diego are the names of few international airports of America where one can land to enjoy a great holiday in the continent.
Railways
Los Angeles Train Station, Cincinnati Union Terminal, Main Street Station, Amtrak Train Station are the few famous railway stations of the continent that allows you to travel freely and comfortably.
Road
Going around America through bus is always a safe and reliable option that one should never miss out. The buses travel here between towns and cities giving you the liberty to go to any place of your choice easily.
Temple Address
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple,
6905 Cipriano Rd, Lanham,
Maryland 20706, USA.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
- Fame
Shlokas
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Timings
The temple is open from (Weekdays) – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Weekends/Holidays – 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)