South Florida Hindu Temple — Attraction in Southwest Ranches

The Temple is Spectacular, the Deities are Mesmerizing and the whole surrounding environment of temple is pristine and tranquil enough to bring peace to whoever visits. South Florida temple have been a truly inspiring destination for us and many in this region with it's beautiful ceremonies, cultural activities and celebrations throughout the year! However, from past few years, we have came across the new Panditji, who has been quite hurtful and rude-spoken at times. We have witnessed his arrogance on many occasions from normal temple days to Mahashivatatri to most recently Ram mandir pratishtha celebration. He ruthlessly scolded the entire population (above 350) gathered inside the temple hall, waiting for the cultural show to start. He accused the whole mass for being excessively talkative, not paying attention to his pooja and hence lacking common sense and sanskar. It was quite a bummer to a joyous occasion and unfortunately this rude lecture marked beginning of the show and dampened spirits of the young children standing on the stage for the very first dance performance. As a guardian of the temple and a public figure, people expected little more empathy and welcoming nature from him and were visibly upset. Thankfully, rest of the evening was made glorious by heartwarming performances from all age groups, bhajan, ram nam kirtan and arati followed by the MahaPrasad.

The same evening, another temple senior associate showed his disappointment and accused me of lack of Pooja ethics due to carrying my purse while taking Darshan across the temple and advised me to keep my ladies bag away in the hall, before stepping towards the deities. In the era of this new commitee, there have been numerous instances, us or our friends or the other visitors have been scolded by the Panditji or one of his associates for trivial issues, not even sparing seniors of small kids. Many of the devotees like me there seem to be afraid of getting insulted with random comments by our so-called flag-bearer ! Interestingly, all are greeted by a much cordial and respectful team of Panditjis at the other nearby major temple. We expect the knowledgeable Panditjis to correct us or preach us, if needed, but with compassion not with contempt. Everyone comes from far and near to a holy place with hopes of some positively, inspiration and good vibes and expect to return back with peace in heart, doesn't deserve humiliation or ill-treatment. I humbly request the temple management to take care of our concerns and present us back the old vibes of SFHT, which was an abode of Tranquility &...

First time visiting a mandir in Miami. I came to celebrate Lohri and the New year. I was here during evening.

Yes, it is a very beautiful mandir. Outside architecture is like temples in India and NY/NJ. I came here as I saw from the pictures there were deities I connect with. The inside is large with ample space. However, what matters more is the ambience and ability to pray in a proper setting.

Now, this is my first time here so I’m not familiar with all the rules and things offered by the temple. To avoid crowds and people that would just come and stand in front of me while praying, I would step aside and go to pray where there were less people. I was also with someone who was not Indian and taking the time to explain who the Gods/Goddesses were.

I was in the middle of praying and providing offerings to Lord Hanumanji (rice/lentils- no place to put them but the floor) when a woman put her hand on me to tell me she was watching me and that I was going the wrong way to the deities. She began to lecture me on pradakshina. Now, we can argue that clockwise is right to left and can argue it does not matter to others. However, in a time of covid and free will she interrupted and ruined what I came there for- to pray and enjoy peace. My friend was also confused as to why this behavior was allowed. The only way to make her go away was to insist my parents allow me to pray in a way we deem fit. She then stated I should not be offended. I came to pray and mind my business, not be watched the entire time I was there. How incredibly creepy.

A child in front of me did not know how to take jal and the pandit ji stated if she didn’t know, she shouldn’t stand around and that she did not learn from watching her parents. It would have been a great opportunity to educate the children, not make them uncomfortable. I also saw this echoed in previous reviews. During my time, there was not much interaction with the pandit besides receiving jal and prasad. I was unable to find the tilak/tikka.

I will come here again. At the end of the day, I’m there to connect to Gods/Goddesses in a way comforting to me. I’m new to the area and there are a limited amount of mandirs here. I hope the community improves their approach to...

South Florida Hindu Temple is a place where hundreds of people come together for collective prayers each Sunday morning. The Temple’s culture is one of inclusiveness and celebrates festivals from all corners of India. A Weekly schedule includes: Rudra Abhishekam, Hanuman Chalisa, Lakshmi ma puja, Ma Saraswati puja, monthly havan.

Beyond it’s overwhelming architectural beauty, it also is a place where Education is valued. Children from all corners of India come together in the most appropriate of learning environments to learn the values and principles of Sanatan Dharma. The program is in English and the focus is on Character Education straight from our scriptures.

South Florida Hindu Temple goes beyond religious and education programs. The temple is constantly buzzing with cultural activities through out the week and not just during festivals.

The temple offers, Bharatnatyam classes, and Kathak classes to children and adults.

Volunteers, the soul of the temple, run the temple from Prasad committee to Finance committee and devotees are encouraged to get involved and share their talents and time.

Prasad committee always needs peaceful, dedicated cooks, Education program always looks for dedicated volunteers to teach, garlands are made weekly, maintenance and cleaning after each event is always essential, religious committee is always looking for dedicated and dependable volunteers to help before and after each puja or havan.

As much as volunteers are needed, the temple is growing. Your donations, small or large, are very much appreciated and put to good use. So come to South Florida Hindu Temple and reacquaint yourself and family with all things Hindu. The environment will make you...