Priest Services - Alachua Hare Krishna Temple

Priest Services

We perform Vedic Samskaras (purificatory ceremonies) and pujas at the ISKCON Alachua Hare Krishna temple, at your home, or at your business. Our priests are highly qualified and trained in performing Vedic rites. They have a deep understanding of Vedic literatures and Vaisnava philosophy, hence are able to explain every rite and ritual with proper context.

The Vedic literatures describe that there are many opportunities during one’s life – from before birth to after death – when one may perform a ceremony for purification to evoke auspiciousness and ensure advancement in spiritual life.

To book a ceremony

For information or to request a ceremony or puja: please contact the Temple office at 386-462-2017 or alachuatemple@gmail.com or call Saksigopal Dasa at 352-222-1440.

General Ceremonies

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Wedding (Vivaha)

This most important, sacred and religious act builds the relationship of the husband and wife on a basis of moral trust and spiritual respect. The word vivaha means to “uplift and maintain” and this ceremony is meant to assist the husband and wife in living peacefully and responsibly.

Entering a New Home or Facility (Griha Pravesh)

Blessing of a new facility (home, office building, etc). This is performed to receive the Lord’s blessings on the new residence, office, or other place and bring about safety, harmony, and strength to the place.

Funeral (Antyeshi)

The final of the purificatory rites, it is performed to free the body from subtle attachment and assist the soul on the path back to the spiritual abode of the Lord.

Rites for the Deceased (Sraddha-kriya)

This function is offered to assist the soul in their progress toward the next life. This also bestows blessings and protection upon the family performing the rite.

Shanti Homa

This ceremony is a homa to bring blessings of peace.

Invocation of Auspiciousness (Avahana-homa)

This is performed for the well being and generally peace and happiness of those participating in the homa.

Pujas

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Sri Laksmi Puja

This ceremony worships Lakshmi and requests Her blessings.

Sri Satyanarayan Puja

This ceremony worships Vishnu and requests His blessings.

Ceremonies for Children / Families

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Conception (Garbhadhana)

The process of purification begins at the conception of the child. This helps to establish the pure future of the child. Thus one may obtain intelligent, noble and pious children.

Pregnancy ceremony / Parting the wife’s hair (Simantonayanam)

This ceremony is to assist in the peaceful and happy state of mind of the mother. It is also used in seeking blessing for the child’s safe and healthy development.

Birth ceremony (Jata karma)

This ceremony is the first after the child’s birth. This ceremony seeks blessings of the demigods, forefathers and Lord for the newborn child.

Child’s first outing (Niskramana)

This is when the child is taken out of doors for the first time. The child receives the darsana or blessings of the sun and the first place the child is taken is traditionally the temple of the Lord.

Naming the child (Nama karana)

On an auspicious day the child should receive their name. It is explained that the sound of their name acts as a shield against any ill influences. This sound vibration of their name will follow them throughout their life and should be chosen wisely.

Piercing of the ears (Karna Vedha) and Cutting of the hair (Cuda Karanam)

These two ceremonies are generally performed together. They may be followed for both a son or daughter. Cutting the hair is said to prolong the life of the child. It also brings delight, prosperity, courage, happiness, strength, vigor and beauty.

Gayatri initiation (Upanayanam)

This is a most important step in self realization. It is the key by which the path of devotion, meditation and knowledge are unlocked. Noted qualifications are seriousness, respect to elders and saints, humility and an eagerness to serve.

Graduation (Samavartana)

This ceremony is observed to mark the completion of the child’s studies. The graduate is blessed with the sprinkling of sacred waters to signify completion of this step of life.