Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Hours:
Spring/Summer: 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM
Winter: 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple History:
There is no other temple in the world like the Hindu-Jain Temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In response to the social and religious needs of a growing population of followers of Hinduism and other Indian religions, a 7-acre parcel was purchased in April 1973. The original idea was to build a worship center, which can be shared and supported by all. The goal was (and still is) to meet the religious, social, cultural and humanitarian needs of the community. The goal was also to provide religious, cultural and social education for future generations to continue our rich and timeless traditions. The original site included a converted church, used for functions in the early years.
In 1980, some families pledged an initial sum of money for the construction of a new temple. It took a legal battle to finally get the necessary permits and zoning. Indian philanthropist Sri G.D.Birla was contacted and agreed to provide murtis and architecture. After long deliberations, the architectural style was agreed (NAGRADI, popular in northern, central and eastern India) and the main deities to be installed. The opening ceremony was held on the Dussera day in 1981. Swami Sadanand Saraswatiji and Sant Narayan muniji(now known as Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji) Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India, honored our request and laid the foundation stone. It was indeed an act of divine providence, as it began a very close relationship between Parmarth Niketan and the Hindu Temple of North America, Pittsburgh. Because of this relationship, Sant Narayan Muniji arrived in Pittsburgh. Under his presence and his divine guidance, the temple became alive and vibrant. Swamiji’s role in establishing this temple is invaluable.
A base shell for the temple was created by local artisans, then the Indian Shilpies were asked to complete the ornate interior work, as well as the elegant outdoor work and the shikhars. On May 13, 1984, the Pran Pratishtha of the deities took place in a great Vedic tradition. The name of the temple was changed from the Hindu temple to the Jain Hindu temple in 1986. The construction work was completed and the grand opening took place in September 1990. The temple is operated by the Hindu temple society of North America, Pittsburgh. This is the end result of the vision, dedication, hard work, generosity and sacrifice of a number of initial members, some of whom even mortgaged their homes to donate.
Members participate in various celebrations led by various groups and become rich. This has broadened the horizons and perspectives of young people and adults. Temple schools help young people learn their mother tongue, religion and culture. For children and generations to come, the temple is more than a place of worship. It is a link to their roots and a symbol of their great Hindu heritage and a source of their identity, unity and inculcation of our fundamental values such as truth, non-violence, tolerance and the play.
As Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji once remarked “Everyone who enters this temple must keep in mind that we are entering a temple in which there is music of harmony, love and peace. As we discard our shoes before entering the temple, we should discard our egos and sectarian fanaticism.” This temple is the first unified Hindu-Jain Temple in North America and perhaps in the world and is a unique example of understanding, tolerance and appreciation of each other’s religious practices and traditions.
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Deities:
Laxmi Narayan
Radha Krishna
Ram Parivar (Sri Ram, Seeta, Lakshman, Hanuman)
Mahavirswami – Parshwanath
Shiv Parivar
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Priest Services:
Morning /Evening/ Sponsored Aarti
Sarvasadharan Aarchna
All Day Seva
Satyanarayan Katha at temple (Purnima)
Satyanarayan Katha/ Discourse/ Bhajan
108 Ganesh Aarchna
108 Krishnanaam Aarchna
108 Ramnaam Aarchna
108 Devinamm Aarchna
Shiva Abhishek
Abhishek and Rudrapath
Sunderkand/ Hanuman Chalisa
Havan
Shanti Havan
Navagraha Pooja & Havan
Tulsi Vivah
Antarkamna Pooja
Devipath & Pooja
Akhanda Ramayan Paath
Panchakalyaan Pooja
Snaatra Pooja
Shraadha & Pind-dan
Tarpan (Pitra-dan)
Vaastu Pooja/ Havan
Vahan (car) Pooja
Office Pooja
Shilanyaas Pooja
Annaprashan Sanskar
Seemantonayan Sanskar
Seemantonayan Sanskar/ Havan
Naamkaran Sanskar
Naamkaran Sanskar/ Havan
Chudakaran Sanskar
Chudakaran Sanskar/ Havan
Janaeu Sanskar
Engagement Ceremony
Wedding
Add Ganesh Sthapna
Add Mandva Muhrat/ Mandap
Community Hall General Terms and Conditions:
1) Cancellations for the community hall must be made two weeks prior to the event, otherwise the rental rates will be lost. Only the deposit will be returned.
2)Security deposits will be refunded within 4 weeks of the event if everything is in order.
3) Keys will be available on the day of the event. Keys may be available the day before, provided there are no scheduled events that day.
4) Provide design of tables and chairs if a special arrangement is required. The temple will try to accommodate, if possible
5) Non-vegetarian foods are not allowed in temple facilities.
6) Application and fundraising for any organization other than the Jain Hindu Temple is not allowed in temple facilities.
7) After the event, close all windows, lock all doors and turn off all lights.
8) Leave the key in the designated area if the event was executed after the temple closed. otherwise, return the key to the priest.
9) Community hall facilities must be vacated by midnight.
June to August:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
September to May:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Organization:
The Hindu Jain Temple is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization serving the community of three Hindu-Jain States around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The temple defends the spiritual, cultural, educational, social and humanitarian needs and commitments of its members.
Here is a summary of the activities and services provided by the temple to the community:
Spiritual
Temple is a place of Hindu-Jain worship.
Priests provide religious services at temple and outside of the temple premises
Celebrates major religious festivals. Performs Havan on first Sunday of the month.
Organizes katha and religious seminars.
Cultural
Owns and maintains well equipped community hall.
Participates in tri-state folk festival, promoting Indian Culture and Art.
Organizes youth events. Organizes Senior citizen activities.
Educational
Organizes one of the largest Sunday schools (Vidya Mandir) for Children.
School teaches languages, history, culture, dances, and music of India.
Awards Scholarships to deserving students. Organizes graduation Puja.
Organizes youth conference and camp.
Social and Humanitarian
Publishes monthly news letter – Temple Times and an annual calendar.
Publishes Sampark – a community directory.
Organization Diwali dinner for homeless shelters.
Participates in fundraising for national and international disaster events.
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Educational Services:
The Hindu Jain Temple has the Vidya Mandir (or Sunday School) during the regular school year. Classes are held every Sunday, except weekends and special holiday with special events at the temple. Students from 4 to 18 years old can attend and learn a language (Gujarati, Hindi or Marathi), get to know Hindu dharma or take cultural classes in music, dance and voice. The Sunday School organizes special events for the Staphana in which the three Pittsburgh Sunday schools (Jain Hindu Temple, North Hills and South Hills) participate in dance and culture programs taught by children.
The Vidya Mandir is run by volunteers and lunch is provided free of charge.
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Nearby interesting Places:
Hotels
Comfort Inn (Penn Hills) 412-244-1600
Super 8 (Monroeville) 724-733-8008
Holiday Inn (Braddock Hills) 412-247-2700
Holiday Inn (Monroeville) 412-372-1022
Red Roof Inn (Monroeville) 412-856-4738
Doubletree (Monroeville) 412-373-7300
Extended Stay America (Monroeville) 412-856-8400
Hampton Inn (Monroeville) 412-380-4000
Temples
Sri Venkateshwara Temple 412-373-3380
Sai Baba Temple 412-374-9244
Gurudwara 412-372-8890
Chinmaya Mission Pittsburgh 412-373-4510
Palace of Gold (Wheeling, WV) 304-843-1600
Monroeville Hindu Jain Temple Address:
615 Illini Dr,
Monroeville,
PA 15146, USA
Tel: +1 724 325 2054
Fax: +1 724 733 7475
Priest: +1 724 325 2073
From PA Turnpike 76
Take Exit 57. Follow first ramp on right for Route 22 East, Murrysville.
At third light, turn left on Elliot Road.
Take first right (after ½ mile) on Illini Drive.
Go 2/10th of a mile up hill on Illini and make left turn into temple driveway.
Continue up driveway to parking lot.
From Pittsburgh Parkway East 376
Take last exit to Murrysville (on left) to Route 22 east.
At third light, turn left on Elliot Road.
Take first right (after ½ mile) on Illini Drive.
Go 2/10th of a mile up hill on Illini and make left turn into temple driveway.
Continue up driveway to parking lot.
From Pittsburgh International Airport
From the airport exit follow signs towards Pittsburgh.
After traveling for about 20 miles, go through Fort Pitt tunnel.
Stay at the right and take exit towards parkway 376 East /Monroeville/Murrysville.
Stay on Parkway for about 15 miles following signs for Monroeville/Murrysville.
Take last exit to Murrysville (on left) to Route 22 east
At third light, turn left on Elliot Road.
Take first right (after ½ mile) on Illini Drive.
Go 2/10th of a mile up hill on Illini and make left turn into temple driveway.
Continue up driveway to parking lot.
From S V Temple
From McCully Dr turn left on to Thompson Run Rd.
Go ¼ mile and as passing the small bridge, turn right on to Old William Penn Hwy.
Immediately pass through an over bridge and continue for about 5 miles (you will pass 5 stop signs and two traffic lights).
At the second light make a left on to Rt. 22 East (William Penn Hwy.). Next light make a left on to Elliot Rd.
Take first right (after ½ mile) on Illini Drive.
Go 2/10th of a mile up hill on Illini and make left turn into temple driveway.
Continue up driveway to parking lot.
From Sai Baba Temple
From the temple driveway turn left on to Abers Creek Rd.
Go about ½ mile towards the next main street and turn right on to Northern Pike( sign may not be there).
Road makes a sharp left. Stay on the left and turn on to RT 22 West and towards Parkway 376 West.
Go about ½ mile and turn right on to Elliot Rd(Levin Furniture on the right)
Go 2/10th of a mile up hill on Illini and make left turn into temple driveway.
Continue up driveway to parking lot.
