Q: What is AHTCC’s immediate goal?

The immediate goal is to purchase the land and construct a small Temple for Utsav Murtis. The land purchase price is $350K (including closing costs) and the remaining tasks cost about $150K. Thus our goal is to raise $350,000 to buy the land by September 2003, and additional 150K by January 2004.

Q: What is AHTCC doing to meet the immediate goal?

1)     We are reaching out to Indian families in Austin and surrounding areas and informing them about temple project and seeking contributions.

2)     We are reaching out to different segments of the community thru their regional associations.

3)     Contacting businessmen and professionals one by one.

4)     Advertising in various community (ICC, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati and other local associations) newsletters and their email distribution lists.

5)     We have posted fund-raising posters at places frequented by the Indian community such as Taj grocers, Swad restaurant, Madras Pavilion, MGM Foods etc.

6)     Sponsoring and performing religious events like satyanarayana puja, cultural events like dance and music, educational events like discourses and other fund raising activities.

7)     We are looking towards existing temples, spiritual and cultural organizations in Austin and the surrounding areas for support and guidance.

Q: Has AHTCC looked at trying to obtain a loan for the land?

Yes but only as a last resort. we prefer that we raise the money by donation and secure a very small loan if we have to.  Even if we want to get a loan we still need 50% down payment. Smaller loan will be smaller monthly liabilities, thus temple can focus on development rather than keep fund raising for payment of the loan. Hence immediate contributions are critical for closing of the land.

Q: How can I help? 

AHTCC welcomes all to join the effort and help in whatever way they can. Financial help is obviously needed. We also need people to help with the fund raising effort by going door to door and talking to families. We need people to help organize various fund raising events. We need people to help with the design and maintenance of our website. We need people who can help us the areas of law, financial aspects, real estate, civil engineering issues for the land, spiritual and cultural event planning and co-ordination and many other aspects. If you would like to help but don’t know where you fit in, either send us an email or visit our membership page. If you can help monetarily, click here to download our pledge form.  This dream will not come true without active participation of you, your family and the community.

Q: How can I stay informed?

AHTCC sends out regular communications, thru general updates and event announcements, working committee emails and weekly meeting updates for active members, Austin Hindu Times a quarterly newsletter. You can have your name included by sending us an email. 

General / Future Plans

Q: What deity will the temple be devoted to?

The following Utsav Vigrahas are in Austin for the Phase I temple.

·        Lord Ganesh

·        Lord Balaji with Sridevi and Bhudevi

·        Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama

·        Garuda

·        Lord Ram and Sita with Laxman and Hanuman

·        Goddess Durga

·        Lord Kumaraswamy with Valli and Devasena

.      Lord Jagannath with Balabhadra and Subhadra Were added recently.

.    Shiridi Saibaba.

Lord Shiva and Nandi are procured separately. We expect them to receive them for the Phase-I temple beginning.

AHTCC plans to include more deities in main temple based on community needs and commitment. After Phase III, AHTCC will install deities based on community support. This will give the community a chance to donate money towards the deity that they would like to see in the temple.

Q: Will the temple include Lord Buddha or Lord Mahavira?

Based on the vision meetings, community support, and Trustees review, these idols can be installed. The AHTCC basic philosophy is of inclusion and we would like to see some initiative from the community members interested in these idols.

Q: Are we planning to bring sculptures and/or artisans from India?

For phase I we will use local help in building the structure. For Phase II community hall can be developed with local talent as well. For Phase III, AHTCC will consider depending upon vision plan, need, available funding.

Q: What will be the overall cost of this project?

Phase I cost estimated at ~$1.500K (land, utilities, small parking and initial temple)

Phase II cost estimates at TBD (Community hall, class rooms and parking)

Phase III cost estimates: TBD (Main Temple Complex and Priest’s quarters)

Phase IV cost estimates: TBD (Develop AHTCC Complex)

Note: Phase II and onward, community feedback will influence and guide the plans.

Q: Who will form the governing body of AHTCC?

By laws are guiding the governance of the AHTCC. Board of Trustees will be responsible for all the property ownership, development plans and policy decisions.  Executive Committee will be responsible for day-to-day operations. The President of the Executive committee is member of the Board of Trustees.     

General body elects executive Committee members on a two-year term. Currently the committee is nominated and approved by all the members.

Board of Trustees membership is based on contributions, ex-officio membership, elected from general body, and through nominations of highly acclaimed individuals and activists for their guidance and advice.

General Body Membership with voting rights is based on current annual membership of $116. Beginning Year 2005, one-year good standing membership will be required to have a voting right. These members elect Executive Committee members and some of the trustees.

For more information on the organizational structure, click here . (would be updated by 8/8/2003).

Q: What kind of community activities will the AHTCC be involved in?

Spiritual Activities

Special classes for leaning  Vedic Chants etc.

Traditional Festivals

We would obviously be involved in activities related to Indian festivals such as Diwali, Durga  Pooja (Vijayadashmi), MahaShivaratri etc. We would also have priest(s) who would observe holy and auspicious days.

Learning Scriptures

AHTCC also hopes to have a good learning center for our children. We are hoping to have regular discourses on our scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Jatakas, BhagwadaGita, Ramayana etc.

Learning Indian Languages

We will have classes for students to learn Indian languages such as Hindi, Gujarati etc. Which specific languages are taught will once again depend on the interests of the community at that time.

Recreational and Cultural Activities

We would allow the temple premises to be used for recreational activities such as Indian melas, Indian religious and cultural plays (e.g. Ramlila), classical dances, classical music, yoga classes etc. The executive committee will respect the community’s wishes.

Q: Who will be able to use the community hall/center and for what purpose?

The community hall will be open to the public based on the guidelines set by AHTCC board. AHTCC functions and members will be given priority.

Q: What will AHTCC do for India?

The primary purpose of AHTCC is to provide an authentic religious, spiritual, cultural and educational focal point for the greater Austin Hindu community. Since it is a focal point for the community, will be in a position to assist other non-profit organizations (as allowed by the US laws) supported by the community by providing a platform and channel to spread their message. But US laws govern funds collected by AHTCC for non-profit corporations.  One of the governing rules is that AHTCC will not indulge in money accumulation and disbursement. The role of AHTCC is determined by the wishes of its members i.e. Greater Austin Hindu Community.

Q: How will we learn of AHTCC activities?

The organization will keep the community informed of all its activities via its website and posters in the temple and other places frequented by the community.

Q: Will there be any AHTCC publications?

At this time, we have a quarterly newsletter “AHT Times”. We do send out notifications thru emails directly and thru sister organizations. These communications will increase in frequency and content as we grow in Austin area.

Q: Is the temple society a non-profit organization? 

Austin Hindu Temple is a registered non-profit organization and has obtained the tax-exempt status. All the donations to Austin Hindu temple are tax deductible. 

 Q: Do we have support of entire Indian Hindu Community for this?

 Yes and that is our Goal. AHTCC volunteers are meeting daily with community members for over one and a half year. This is a project that every one wants and more than 95% of the people we have talked to, are happy that such a dream is coming true. However, it is a big project and based on history of Temple efforts in Austin, people have questions about the chances of success. Reach Out program will be helpful in bringing out awareness and viability of the project. Now, as the momentum is building, there are more than 70 volunteers and more are coming forward to join in many ways to contribute. Still we need more volunteers, their time, expertise and money. As this is Austin’s own Hindu Temple and Community Center project, only Austinites will decide the vision and future of this project.