About the Temple

In 2001, long-time students of Bābā Hari Dāss returned from India with a beautiful Hanumān murti. When Bābāji saw the statue, he wrote on his board, “It needs a Temple.” He promptly walked to the Center’s rustic ceremonial site, scratched out a location for the Temple with his foot and the digging began. The Prāna Pratishṭa ceremony, “establishing the breath” within the sacred image, was performed in 2003.

Bābā Hari Dāss

Bābā Hari Dāss was a silent monk from the Kumaon region of northern India. He stopped speaking in 1952 and communicated by writing on a small chalkboard. The practice of silence is a yogic discipline, which quiets the mind and develops inner peace.

Bābāji lived in the United States for over forty years, coming several days a week to the Mount Madonna Center, founded by his students in 1978. Through his practice of selfless service or Karma Yoga, he helped to build and maintain the Center as well as develop the Temple complex.

Mount Madonna Center

Mount Madonna Center, where the Temple is located, is an intentional community established in 1978, which has about 80 residents who are all volunteers. It is also home to a retreat and conference center hosting programs in yoga, spiritual development, and wellness, as well as personal retreats and daily yoga classes. It is also the site of Mount Madonna School, a fully accredited K-12 private school with some 200 children, and the Mount Madonna Institute, a post-secondary college offering degrees in Yoga, Ayurveda and Community Studies.

Learn More

Notice

The Center, where the temple is located, is now closed to the public in order to mitigate any potential spread of the Corona virus. This will be in effect at least until the end of April. The reservation system is closed during this time.

Residents and volunteers will continue to maintain the Temple grounds, and perform regular arati.

Hanuman Jayanti will be observed locally here on April 7th, and regrettably will not be open to the public.

Please inform family and friends of these important changes, and check the website for updates as we expect news to come in regularly.

Some Guidelines

quiet

Please help us to maintain an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

children

Please keep your children with you and help us to preserve our peaceful atmosphere.

closed areas

A list of open areas is indicated on the brochures provided.

no food

Aside from prasād, consumption of food prepared outside of the Center is strictly prohibited.

no cell phones

We kindly ask that you refrain from using your phone around the Temple complex.

no smoking

Smoking is not permitted at the Mount Madonna Center. Alcohol and illegal drugs are also not allowed.

Ārati

Ārati is a devotional service offered to one's chosen form of God. The service is performed at Gaṇesh Temple and Hanumān Temple twice daily. 

During the ceremony a light is waved around the deity in a figure Om. The light symbolizes knowledge, which the deity posesses. A bell is rung throughout ārati; its sound represents nāda. Water, a symbol of divine nectar, is offered to wash the deity's feet; it is also offered to the deity to drink. At the end, songs honoring the deity are sung.

Ārati is performed daily at 6:30am and 6:00pm

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, Apr 7th
Hanuman Jayanti
Tuesday, May 5th
Sindoor Puja
Tuesday, Jun 2nd
Sindoor Puja
Saturday, Jul 4th
Guru Purmina
Tuesday, Jul 28th
Sindoor Puja
Tuesday, Sep 1st
Sindoor Puja
Tuesday, Sep 29th
Sindoor Puja
Tuesday, Oct 27th
Sindoor Puja
Tuesday, Nov 24th
Sindoor Puja

Activities at Mount Madonna Center

Anjaneya's World Café

Refresh your spirit with espresso, coffee, chai, cold beverages, organic snacks, music and conversations from around the world. Located next to the Community Building.

Oceanview Bookstore

Metaphysical books, relaxing music, shawls, meditation aids, statuary, clothing, Yoga supplies, jewelry, and much more. Drop in and take a look!

Yoga Programs

At the heart of Mount Madonna is the study, practice and teaching of Yoga and Ayurveda These programs are designed to promote self-understanding and transformation.

Mt. Madonna County Park

Mt. Madonna County Park is one mile from the center and offers picnic tables and hiking. Please note that you must pay the park's $6 entry fee at the park entry station to use the facilities.

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