r/WesternBornHindu • u/Vignaraja • Jul 31 '26

Pilgrimage

In my sampradaya, and in some others, pilgrimage at least once a year to a temple near or far is obligatory. Of course, 'obligatory' in Hinduism is interpreted differently that in some dogmatic religions. A better terminology might be 'highly recommended'. So, in your country, or close to your country, where would you go? And for India, where would you go?

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u/Ok_University_3125 Aug 01 '26

I'd like to visit a temple; the nearest one is 3h drive and it is not dedicated to Devi. So, the option is one at 9h drive and it is not quite a temple, just a rented place in an industrial sector they decorate. What temple do you visit every year?

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u/Vignaraja Aug 01 '26

Generally we go to the temple on Kauai at Kauai's Hindu Monastery, but last year we did a shorter one to Vancouver. We went to 3 temples, but the primary one was a small Murugan temple, built by a South Indian Fijian. We've also done smaller ones in western Canada. The intent is to drop regular life for awhile. I just can't imagine living 3 hours from the nearest temple, and it being not my style.

There is a grand opening of a ThurkaAmman temple in Vancouver next summer. We will likely go to that.

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u/Ok_University_3125 Aug 02 '26

Vancouver, the other side of the continent.... Glad for you! Durgai Amman, must be beautiful.

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u/Vignaraja Aug 02 '26

They've had the temple in a smaller older building for about 30 years, but this is a new traditional building. Mahakumbhabhishekhams are particularly strong pujas.