Recently, I ran into an old student during a walk in the park, and we engaged in some chit-chat. I remember his last question, “Miss, how do you always have an answer for every question thrown at you in the classroom?” Well, I want to always be of help to my students.
As a teacher, it’s important to be knowledgeable about many things through learning, unlearning, and relearning. You must also find a source of inspiration. It can be a person or a place, like a Hindu temple.
Hindu temples teach lessons in mindfulness, gratitude, and maintaining balance. I go there for retreats when I need clarity and inspiration. You may experience similar uplifting emotions during activities like skydiving or spa day. Hindu temples offer complete guidance for your physical and spiritual needs. Here are seven Wisconsin Hindu temples for meditation and worship.
Top 7 Hindu Temples in Wisconsin
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Hindu Temple of Wisconsin
Source: ourhtw.org The Indian community in Wisconsin came together to establish the Hindu Temple of Wisconsin as a unifying space. It occupies close to 20 acres around Pewaukee Lake, and it’s a place where devotees and visitors come to worship, sightsee, and learn about Hinduism.
There are beautiful marble temple houses for different Hindu deities, including Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, the Navagrahas, and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple’s main deity is Lord Vishnu.
The temple’s activities include diverse Hindu practices and rituals. The temple occasionally hosts cultural events and educational programs for everyone to enjoy. These events help to improve the general understanding of Hindu culture and spirituality.
Major Events: The temple’s religious and cultural events include:
- Diwali celebrations
- The Navaratri festival
- Maha Shivaratri
- The annual fundraising dinner
- Cultural workshops.
Educational Programs:
- Hindi language classes
- Yoga
- Sanskrit classes
- Temple tours
- Health and wellness programs for senior citizens.
Volunteer Opportunities: You can assist with running the temple in departments such as:
- Cafeteria
- Temple maintenance
- Community Outreach
- Event organization and educational programs support.
Location: W243 N4063 Pewaukee Rd, Pewaukee
Operation Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 am – 12 pm, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 8 pm
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AHA Shiva Vishnu Temple (Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Wisconsin)
Source: aha-svtemple.org For nearly decades, devotees have flocked to the AHA Shiva Vishnu Temple for spiritual and meditative purposes. Devotees in Fitchburg see it as a hub for Hindu worship and cultural connection.
Devotees can participate in worship sessions, services, programs, and educational activities that teach Hindu philosophy and practices. You can also engage in events and festivals which aim to unify Hindu worshippers and admirers.
The temple combines traditional Hindu elements with modern architectural designs, making it a conducive environment for worshippers and visitors. You can easily access the city of Madison from the temple and explore attractions like city parks, monuments, and zoos.
Major Events:
- Puja services
- Special religious ceremonies
- Fundraising events.
Educational Programs:
- The AHA Yoga program
- AHA GuruKulam for spiritual development
- Indian language courses
- Cultural workshops.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Temple maintenance
- Program instructors
- Temple coordination.
Location: 2138 S Fish Hatchery Rd, Fitchburg
Operation Hours: Monday – Friday (closed on Wednesdays): 9 am – 12 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 8 pm
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Milwaukee
Source: baps.org The acronym BAPS in this temple’s name stands for Bichasanwasu Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, the name of the temple’s founder. It is a place of Hindu worship, teachings, and cultural gatherings.
The main deity worshipped at BAPs Shri is Bhagwan Swaminarayan. However, there are provisions for the worship of other deities central to the Swaminarayan tradition. You can participate in daily rituals, spiritual discourses, language classes, or youth activities here.
The temple proudly partners with the global BAPS organization. It follows the BAPS community service, spiritual living, and cultural preservation tenets. These principles are evident in the temple’s architecture and activities, making it an excellent place for devotees and tourists to have a tranquil experience.
Major Events:
- Diwali and Annakut celebrations
- HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday
- Satsang gatherings.
Educational Programs:
- Indian language lessons
- Hindu music, arts, and dance
- Hindu philosophy across age groups.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Program coordinators
- Educational activities assistants
- Community service volunteers
- Event organizers
Location: N35 W23986 Capitol Drive Pewaukee
Operation Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 12 pm, 4 pm – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 am – 8 pm
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Shri Radha Madhav Temple
Source: krishnatemplemilwaukee.org The Hindu community in Milwaukee’s efforts to spread understanding and devotion to Hinduism laid the foundation for Shri Radha Madhav Temple. The deities mainly worshipped and taught about here are Lord Krishna and Radha.
You can attend a meditation session, bhajan, or spiritual discourse led by knowledgeable Hindu teachers. The temple also hosts prayers and festivals like the Janmashtami and Holi festival.
The temple gives back to its host community through outreach programs like free yoga sessions and food distribution events. All these events, including the temple’s activities, are managed by volunteer members.
Major Events:
- Janmashtami celebrations
- Radhashtami festival
- Weekly Bhajans
- Annual temple picnics
- Ram Navami celebrations.
Educational Programs:
- Gita classes
- Hindu philosophy seminars
- Cooking workshops.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Prasad preparation
- Facilitators
- Teachers
- Temple event organizers
- Temple maintenance crew.
Location: 2425 W Ramsey Ave, Milwaukee
Operation Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 8 pm
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Chinmaya Mission Milwaukee
Source: milwaukee.chinmayamission.com Chinmaya Mission Milwaukee is a sect of the global Chinmaya Mission network. The underlying principle of the mission encourages a holistic approach to spiritual living. So, the temple’s devotees highly regard spiritual knowledge and self-growth.
The temple’s simple yet elegant architecture reflects the focus on inner values rather than materialism. You can engage in the temple’s activities for children and adults, including Vedanta classes, Balavihar sessions, yoga sessions, study groups, and meditation groups.
The more time you spend at Chinmaya, the better you’ll understand Hinduism’s intellectual and spiritual aspects. The knowledge is open to devotees and tourists.
Major Events:
- The annual Balavihar day
- The Geeta chanting competition
- Jnana Yajnas
- Guru Purnima celebrations
- Mahashivarati Puja.
Educational Programs:
- Vedanta teachings
- Balavihar classes
- Meditation sessions
- Leadership workshops,
- Hindu scripture classes.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Temple events
- Classes
- Outreach programs
- Temple maintenance.
Location: 10437 W Innovation Dr, Wauwatosa
Operation Hours: Sunday: 10 am – 12:30 pm
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Wisconsin Shirdi Sai
Source: wisconsinshirdi.org In 2012, local devotees generously donated funds to build the Wisconsin Shirdi Sai, dedicating it to Shirdi Sai Baba. The teachings at the temple focus on Sai Baba’s philosophy of Shraddha and Saburi (faith and patience).
The temple is a hive for Hindu events, such as aarti sessions, Sai Satcharitra readings, and bhajan sessions. There are also special events like Guru Purnima and Ram Navami.
Often, the temple’s devotees will host community Devotees to encourage unity and service in the community.
Major Events:
- Shirdi Sai Baba Aradhana day
- Akhanda Sai Satcharitra Parayan
- Dussehra celebrations
- Ram Navami
- Weekly Bhajans.
Educational Programs:
- Sai philosophy workshops
- Youth Satsangs
- Spiritual connection and mindfulness sessions,
- Indian cultural classes.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Food preparation
- Library maintenance
- Temple decoration
- Community service.
Location: 111 Prospect Ave, Pewaukee
Operation Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 12:30 pm, 6 pm – 8:30 pm
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Hindu Temple of Northeast Wisconsin
Source: htnew.org The Hindu Temple of Northeast Wisconsin actively nurtures and promotes Hindu spirituality and traditions. It’s home to major Hindu deities, including Ganesh and Lakshmi.
The temple organizes educational programs like poojas and bhajans. It also hosts festivals like Navratri and Diwali, allowing you to experience Hinduism and mingle with other devotees.
If you’re a visitor, you can plan a detour to major landmarks in Green Bay, such as Lambeau Field.
Major Events:
- The annual Navaratri festival
- Diwali celebrations
- Rath Yatra
- Ganesh Chaturthi festival
- Volunteer Appreciation Day.
Educational Programs:
- Sanskrit classes
- Scripture study
- Hindu heritage classes.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Facility maintenance
- Event coordination and logistics
- Support for temple operations.
Location: 911 Delanglade St, Kaukauna
Operation Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 12:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 2 pm, 5:30 pm – 8 pm