Regular Activities at the Ashram

Note: All prayers and pujas are performed according to the Hindu calendar and according to Vedic custom. All devotees are always welcome to come and participate in the pujas, and get involved in all activities of the Ashram.

Activities for Adults

Daily Puja & Arati

Daily puja and arati is performed from 5-6am in the morning and from 7:30-9pm in the evening. All are welcome, but it is preferred that you call ahead so prasadam can be prepared.

Weekly Meditation Class

A Meditation class is meeting at the Ashram downstairs on Sundays from 10:00-10:30am. Anyone young or old can attend. At the same time as this class, a Bharatnatyam class for children is held. So bring your children and the entire family can participate at the Ashram!

Sunday Puja

Every Sunday at noon, after the conclusion of the weekly meditation class and the Bharatnatyam class, Bal Mandal class, and Sur Mandal classes for children, Santanu Maharaj does a prayer for everyone. So please stay after class for the prayer and take Swami Pranavanandaji's blessings.

Weekly Satsangh

Every Tuesday evening, from 8-9pm, Hanuman Chalisa and Ram Raksha Koboj (stabam) is performed.

Daily Jagannath Puja

In collaboration with Bharat Sevashram Sangha, every day at noon, the Jagannath Society of India performs puja and arati to Sri Jagannath at the Ashram.

Sunday Jagannath Puja

In collaboration with Bharat Sevashram Sangha, every Sunday afternoon at 2pm, the Jagannath Society of India performs a special Jagannath Puja at the Ashram.

Activities for Children

Childrens' Library Open Sundays

Bharat Sevashram Sangha has now opened a Childrens' Library. This library is open every Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Kids can check out a book each Sunday!

Sunday Bharatnatyam Class

Every Sunday from 10:00 to 10:30am there will be a Bharatnatyam class for children held at the Ashram.

This class is being taught by Sudeshna. Please check back for further details.

Sunday Bal Mandal Class

Do you want your children learn art and craft, little bit of yoga? Want them to listen to the stories of Gods and Goddesses? Like how Lord Ganesh's human head turned into elephant head or how Lord Shiva's throat turned blue? Color the picture of Gods and Goddesses in coloring sheet sitting in an Indian culture environment?

While kids are taking Bal Mandal class, parents can join meditation class at the same time at Ashram. This Sunday class and meditation class is completely free for all.

Bharat Sevashram Sangha at Aurora is offering this class from 10:30 to 11:30am every Sunday. Children age 4 years or older are welcome to join.

Class structure:

  1. Pray to God (5 mins)
  2. Listening to God's stories from Purana and Bhagavatam (10 mins)
  3. Coloring pictures of God (10 mins)
  4. Singing Bhajans (10 mins)
  5. Yoga and Meditation (10 mins)
  6. Making small Crafts, like Ganesha, out of clay (10 mins)
  7. Moral Lessons (5 mins)

Here are some pictures:
Yoga Moral lessons from Swamiji Child doing crafts Children showing what they learned Learning about Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati

For more information, call Sucheta at (708)369-0629.

Sunday Sur Mandal (Music) Class

Do you want your children learn Indian music? This class will cover Hindustani classical, Bhajan and patriotic songs sitting in an Indian cultural environment.

Sucheta is conducting this class every Sunday from 11:30am to 12:00 noon. Children age 6 years and older are welcome to join. For more information call Sucheta at (708)369-0629.

Volunteering

This is an opportunity for those willing to serve personally and to become more connected to the Sangha and to your community to get yourself and/or your family involved. Help the Sangha become a more pleasant gathering place for all. Help in the yard, help in the building, help cook or clean or organize various events. Make a committment to become a regular, if even for an hour or two per week.

Donations

Projects requiring funding

Help us maintain the new Aurora Ashram
The new Aurora Ashram is a wonderful large building in a peaceful residential neighborhood with beautiful landscaping and a large parking lot. It is wonderful for Ashram pujas and other events. However, with this great blessing comes a great responsibility to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the Ashram, so that the entire community can benefit from it. Please support the Ashram maintenance.

How you can donate

For monetary donations, you may bring them to the Sangha in person or press the following button to donate securely with PayPal:

A receipt will be given or sent to you for your donation.