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[Photo Source: Topanga Messenger]
If you’re looking for a quiet morning, a place to meditate, or want to get out of the busy city of L.A., come visit the Lake Shrine Temple. Parking is free (this is rare in Los Angeles) and so is entry. You can’t bring food or drinks inside, but you can visit the actual temple and spend time near the lake, which is reminiscent of Europe. There are so many trees, ducks, swans, turtles, and little alcoves to enjoy it all. There’s also a place to pray along the lake, which shows pictures of various deities as well as Paramahansa Yogananda, who founded the Shrine in 1950. No matter what religion you practice, there are scripture quotes from every religious text spread throughout the place, and there’s also a place where part of Gandhi’s ashes are kept. It is a great place to come for a total escape from the city. When you’re done at the shrine, you can head down to the ocean for a swim—it is, after all, right in front of you.
[Photo Source: California Through My Lens]
If you want to feel like you’re visiting India, this beautiful temple is the place to visit. Tucked away in Calabasas, near Malibu, just driving to the temple offers stunning views. The temple is built for the Hindu deity Venkateswara, but also houses Lord Shiva and is maintained by priests who live on the grounds. The hours can vary depending on the season so be sure to account for that as well as the infamous L.A. traffic when visiting. You must remove your shoes when entering the mandir and the floors are marble—something else to keep in mind.
[Photo Source: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha]
It’s hard to believe that this is an actual place in the U.S., but it is—and if you want to take family members here, you absolutely should. The views are stunning and you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped to another country. Located in Whittier, California the temple was founded in 1984. The temple itself was built to withstand earthquakes, with Italian marble—but still keeps it’s traditional Indian architecture. It is also powered by green energy which is another reason to go see it! The mandir houses a range of deities from Krishna to Ganesh, as well as different Maharajas. I will caution you that traffic is tough in this area and it may require some time to get to, but it is well worth the trip.
[Photo Source: City of Artesia]
The neighborhood of Artesia in L.A. is home to an area informally known as Little India. If you’re ever homesick, then all you need to do is come here. The food is home cooked by desis of all kinds and the hospitality is wonderful. You can get clothing, jewelry, and even holiday decorations. There are also Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean businesses and communities nearby. Not wanting to alienate these ethnicities, the city adopted the position of calling the area The International Cultural District. It is located near Redondo Beach—so after your trip to “India” head on down and enjoy the sand.
[Photo Source: Facebook/GurdwaraVermont]
This is a hidden treasure in L.A. and it is on your way to Griffith Observatory. You’ll have to cover your head, whether you’re a man or a woman. If you forget, they will have head covers available in the front for you to wear. After prayer, they will also serve you a homemade dinner for free. Everyone is welcome to attend and everyone sits on the floor together. The concept here is equality and regardless of social status—everyone eats together as one, and no one is ever turned away. If you’re feeling homesick or lonely, this the place to go!
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