Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of S C - Columbia, SC

The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of South Carolina (HTCCSC) is a community-focused organization in Columbia, SC, that provides a central hub for the Hindu community's spiritual, cultural, and educational needs. Established in 1986, the center also plays an active role in engaging with the wider community through interfaith and humanitarian activities.

Key features

Diverse deities: Devotees at the temple can worship various deities, such as Ganesha, Rama, and Durga.

Priestly services: Experienced priests are available to perform sacraments and rituals for the congregation.

Festivals: The HTCCSC celebrates major Hindu festivals, including Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, and Navratri. The center runs educational programs, such as Balagokulam, to connect youth with their cultural heritage. The temple also hosts visits for students from schools and colleges to learn about Hindu traditions.

Cultural exchange: The HTCCSC holds an annual "India Day" celebration, which invites the public to experience Indian music, dance, and cuisine.

Interfaith engagement: The temple actively engages in interreligious activities and has collaborated with institutions like the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, and Columbia College. It also consulted for the South Carolina Christian Action Council and the Governor's task force after 9/11/2002.

Humanitarian activities: The center is involved in charitable and humanitarian endeavors, including the "Sewa Diwali" food drive, which has collected thousands of pounds of food for local food pantries.