Arya Samaj Center - Chicago, IL

The Arya Samaj Center in West Chicago is a religious, charitable, and educational organization dedicated to illuminating daily life through the teachings of the Vedas. Founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the Arya Samaj is a reform movement that promotes monotheism, social reform, and a return to the true, pristine knowledge of the ancient scriptures. The center serves as a vibrant hub for the Indian community in the Chicagoland area and welcomes all who are interested in Vedic philosophy.

Key features

Based on Vedic Teachings: The center is rooted in the authority of the Vedas and rejects practices that it considers to have corrupted the original Vedic message.

Sunday Services and Ceremonies: Traditional Sunday services feature a havan ceremony (Vedic fire ritual), bhajans (devotional songs), and pravachan (spiritual discourse). The center's priest is also available to perform rituals and ceremonies at the temple or devotees' homes.

Emphasis on Education and Social Welfare: As a non-profit and charitable organization, the center focuses on community upliftment, promoting family values, and independent thinking. It also runs a Vedic Sanskriti School for children and offers various programs to promote knowledge.

Engaged and Welcoming Community: Beyond weekly services, the center hosts community events, fundraising gatherings, and opportunities for volunteering, sponsorship, and membership. It fosters a strong and welcoming community spirit, often including a communal vegetarian lunch after Sunday services.

Global Connection: The West Chicago center is connected to the global Arya Samaj movement, participating in larger events like the Global Arya Summit, reflecting its commitment to spreading Vedic values worldwide.