Bellevue Hindu Temple And Cultural Center — Attraction in Bellevue

I just had to share something that really shook me when I went to the temple for the hartalika teej celebrations recently. I couldn't believe my ears when one of the pandits there (I don't know his name, but I'm sure it wasn't Pandit Harish Shukla Ji) started saying some really backward things. He actually claimed that women have to fast because they are the ones who commit all the "PAAP"/ sins. Honestly, his reasoning didn't even make any sense!

This got me thinking, is this really what we want our kids to learn about our traditions? Are we trying to instil fear in women through these customs? I mean, come on! There were so many children around, absorbing this misleading information.

It just doesn't sit right with me that at a place where we should be promoting love, purity, and peace, someone was using it as a platform to spread fear and prejudice, especially towards women. I genuinely think he shouldn't be allowed to hold such a position where he can influence others with his negative perspective.

It's seriously concerning to imagine the younger generation growing up with such twisted viewpoints about our Hindu Dharma. We've got to do better than this, and ensure our customs and traditions are carried forward with love and respect, not fear and discrimination. It's high time we stand up against these outdated beliefs and work towards fostering a community that respects and uplifts...

My expectation of a Hindu temple is that it should serve as a judgment-free, sacred, and peaceful space for worship. Unfortunately, my experience at this temple did not align with these expectations. During our visit, we approached their priest, Gopal Datt Sharma, requesting his guidance in performing an archana. His behavior was inappropriate in numerous ways, leaving us feeling violated and disrespected. This priest asserted that consuming meat is a sin, accusing us of violating the teachings of Hindu sages. He went on to question a female member of our group about her attire for her birthday, persistently focusing on whether every item she wore was new. Furthermore, he dictated our prayer intentions, urging us to pray for a Hindu rebirth. The encounter felt like a step back in time, with the priest displaying a "know-it-all" attitude, chauvinistic tendencies, and, frankly, coming across as somewhat creepy. I have no intention of returning to this temple and strongly urge the management to provide basic communication training for their priests when interacting...

JUDGMENTAL AND BIASED PRIEST!!!

This review is about a priest- Mr. Datt Sharma who gives opinions about his views to women on what kind and color of clothes they should wear or what kind of rituals they follow. He derived lot of comparisons of Hinduism along with very shocking and biased views on other religion. This is called racism BTW ... we never had such experience in the temple before but I am very sad to hear such kind of backward thought process from priest who himself is in USA. I have friends from all religious background and his views should be kept to himself. I saw a similar review from another person, so its not just me who was offended...