Hindu Temple of Bloomington Normal

HTBN Temple Logo Design and Story by Archana Shekhara : The Temple logo has the universal sound “OM”. It is the very first vibration which became sound. Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of OM. It is believed that when the mind is silent you can hear the sound of OM, the sound of the universe. The sounds in OM (AUM) represent the waking, dream, deep sleep states and the silence (naada) which surrounds OM represents the “Turiya” (blissful) state. When we chant OM each part vibrates in a different part of the body and represents the different state of consciousness. The Sanskrit Symbol of OM : The 3 represents the three states of consciousness. The lower curve of the three represents the dream state, the upper curve the awake state, the squiggly line on the back is the deep dreamless state. The half moon at the top represents maya, or illusions, the dot is the transcendental state. Only during the deep dreamless state the mind is truly at rest. When we chant OM, the vibrations clear maya from our mind and help us to connect to all beings with love. In the logo, OM is enclosed in circles. It derives meaning from the following shloka : Om Poorna Madah Poorna Midam; Poornaat Poorna Mudachyate; Poornasya Poornamaadaaya; Poorna Mevaa Vashish Yate. That (Brahman) Is Whole, This (Creation) Is Also Whole; From That Whole (Brahman), This Whole (Creation) Has Come Out; But Even Though Creation Has Come Out from That Brahman; Yet That Whole (Brahman) Remains Whole Only. (Brahman Remains Unaffected, Retains His/Its Fullness And Completeness). To reach that Brahman there are nine smaller circles in the logo. They stand for nine forms of bhakti which are :

1. Sravanam: Listening to the glories of the Lord : Pareekshit
2. Kirthanam: Singing His glories : Shakamuni
3. Smaranam: Chanting His name and remembering Him : Prahalada
4. Padasevanam: Serving His lotus feet : Lakshmi
5. Archanam: Worshipping Him : Prithu
6. Vandanam: Paying obeisance to Him : Akrura
7. Dasyam: Considering oneself His servant : Hanumantha
8. Sakhyam: Considering Him as the best friend : Arjuna
9. Atmanivedanam: Total Surrender : Bali

The sixteen lotus petals completes the logo. It is inspired from the Sri Chakra — the divine energy. It also resembles the radiating Sun (Adhitya, the beginning) which is a symbol of awakening. It aims to remove darkness that is ego and brings out auspicious light and energy of knowledge from within. The colors are satvic in nature. They remind us to be passionate to serve others without any expectations. Serve in the Lord’s name only. Mission: The Mission of the Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal is to meet the religious, spiritual and cultural needs of the Hindu community, to preserve Hindu way of life and to promote ancient Hindu Vedic philosophy. The Temple will be open to all followers of the Vedic religion. Recognizing the diversity of faith and spiritual practices that exist within the Hindu community, the temple intends to embrace all denominations of the Hindu Dharma and the teachings of all great saints of India. Objective:

• The Temple is a traditional place of worship adapted to the needs of the local community.
• The Temple provides an identity for local Hindu community.
• The Temple facilitates Hindu worship in various forms such as Satsung, Poojas, Bhajans, Prayers, and related religious activities for all Hindu denominations.
• The Temple promotes understanding and preservation of Hindu religion, values, culture, and languages.
• The Temple promotes study of Hindu scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and other activities of religious and spiritual learning.
• The Temple enhances pride in Hindu religion and philosophy.