History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Venkateshwara Swami Temple, Aurora, Illinois, America
Shri Venkateshwara Swami temple also known as Balaji Temple is home to thousands of followers coming from the mid-western region of The United States. The temple was built in 1986. It is located in Aurora, Illinois in the United States. It is one of the thee important Shri Venkateshwara Hindu temples in the United States of America. The temple is widely known as Balaji Temple. It is dedicated to Shri Venkateshwara Swami. Constructed on a 20 acres plot of land, the temple complex has a large auditorium, a library, a gazebo, and a dining hall for the devotees. The religious life of the shrine resembles that of Tirupati (India).
Devotees from the mid-western region of the USA, mainly from Chicago, used to journey to Pittsburgh to visit the Shri Venkateshwara Swami. Although it gave them spiritual satisfaction, the journey was very hectic. The time and energy needed to make this journey was eventually making it harder for the followers. They couldn't visit there whenever they needed to. This ultimately resulted in the discontentment among the people. This type of trouble continued till 1985. As a result of the compassion of nine families, they contributed 20 acres of land in Aurora along with a farmhouse. Soon after this, the location for the Balaji temple was proposed. It was like a dream come true for many devotees. The plan was made with the thought of serving innumerable upcoming generations.
The temple was built by Padmasri M. Muthiah Sthapathy in collaboration with a renowned architect of Chicago named Sri Subhash Nadkarni. The interior of the temple was constructed in a way that it could meet the needs of society, the structural safety standards, and the local building codes.
The temple is a blend of a modern architectural method with the oldest Shilpa Shastra of India. An exclusive feature of the temple is the stipulation for encompassing inside the shrine. The facility is available in all the major temples inside the complex along with the presiding god. The columns inside of the temple is designed with exclusive carvings. The dome is designed in the pattern of the temples of South India. The entry gate is also huge and well decorated.
There are few special rituals performed regularly during the time of worship. The rituals start from the opening time of the temple (9.00 am).
At 9.00 am, a morning Arati is performed. It is called Sri Venkateshwara Supravatam.
At 9.45 am, they perform the ritual of Abhishekam for Sri Vinayaka.
At 10.30 am, they perform the Abhishekam for Sri Shiva.
The Bahula Panchami celebration starts at 11.15 am.
At 11.45 am, the Tyagaraja Krithi Ganotsavam and the Sita Rama Kalyana Uthsavam are performed.
In the evening, the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam is performed at 6.00 pm.
The Sayanotsavam of Sri Balaji is performed at 8.30 pm.
Festivals celebrated at Balaji Temple Aurora
Two major festivals are celebrated focusing on the worship of Shri Venkateshwara. They are – Pavitrotsavam and Brahmotsavam. These two festivals are solely dedicated to Shri Balaji. Apart from these, festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Ram Navami, and Makar Sankranti are also celebrated here. All these festivals are dedicated to the other deities who are present in the temple complex in different shrines. People enjoy each festival with great enthusiasm.
Daily darshan time of Shri Venkateshwar Swami Temple Aurora
The visiting hour for the devotees starts at 9.00 am every day. The temple remains open till 9.00 pm. It takes time to explore all the shrines of the complex.
To have more information on this, people can contact the temple authority at info@svsbalaji.org / (630) 844-2252.
Being the only Hindu temple in this region, it is home to many devotees. The magnificent view of the temple attracts many tourists every year. A large group of people also gather during the festivals.
How to Reach Shri Venkateshwara Swami Temple, Aurora, Illinois,USA
For people traveling from India, the best option is to catch a flight to the Aurora Municipal Airport from any major international airport in India. Buses and cab facilities are available outside the airport to reach the temple.
