US VISIT-3 BALAJI TEMPLE -775

      VISIT TO PITTSBURGH BALAJI TEMPLE 



Our Visit to the US this time was to visit the Balaji Temple at PITTSBURGH . The large Indian Diaspora in both The US and Canada consider this as the next Best option to visiting  the Tirupati Balaji Temple . 

The Temple is situated on a hillock with green tall trees all around . 

Our place of stay was an hours drive from the Temple itself which took us through the Business District of Pittsburgh proper and then up the hills . We had to traverse through two large Tunnels to reach the  place. This in itself was an unique experience. 



Taking of pictures or videos of the Temple proper is not allowed and hence I am unable to post any Pictures or Videos . Suffice to say that it is a very large Temple in Brilliant White and spotlessly clean . The huge number of devotees gathered there were allowed to go very near the Deity and offer their prayers . Even as you waited in the Queue the Purohits went around the queue to offer THEERTHAM , CHADARI , AKSHATHAI AND BANANA to each and everyone in the queue. I thought this was a very nice way to avoid commotion and confusion . 

The Best is yet to come : Our visit to the Temple Coincided with the ASHTAKSHARI HOMAM that was taking place from the 31st July to 3 rd August . We were lucky to be there to witness the same on the evening of 2nd of August . I can’t find the words to describe the event. The chanting of the mantras , Bhajan , the decorations and the participation of the huge number of Devotees and their own recitals , the Pandal and The Seating  Arrangements left everyone in an awe . We were Blessed to witness the POORNA AHUTI also at the event .  The Prasadam after this  was most welcome , All  in all a totally lifetime of memorable experience. 








We had to miss the Dance Performance which was slated later in the evening due to our lack of time . 

Sathya had promised the kids that besides the Temple Visit , they could look forward to Fun Time at the IDLEWILD SOAKZONE THEME PARK AND RESORT PA ,  the next day after the Temple visit . More about it later . 



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