My Visit to Gilroy Temple, California

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                             

A small temple located on the top of a hill surrounded by lush growth of woods with meandering, narrow path has become a very popular and attractive destination for Hanuman devotees and health-conscious tourists as well. From Sunnyvale we started towards Gilroy gardens.On the way we came across spacious nursery farms,orchards,vineyards and vegetable farms with loads of fresh vegetables and fruits displayed for sale.We also saw stables with wide space where horses are trained for races. The road towards Mount Madonna affords a scenic drive through wooded curved winding paths with tall redwood trees and mighty oaks.The road branches off at various spots creating confusion to new tourists.Even GPS is not of much use as it directs us into narrow dangerous forest routes. So one has to be very careful in taking the proper road.

As we approached the temple, we saw a big school, Mt.Madonna School, with many rooms, transport vehicles and all modern amenities at this remote place on the hill. As we went farther up the hill, we saw many institutions like Ayurvedic School, Yoga Training Institute and Cultural and Physical Fitness centres. A small temple with a flag was seen after climbing a few steps. Statues of Lord Hanuman and Monkey Leaders were seen in various yogic and gymnastic postures implying the need for physical and spiritual training in human life. As we entered the temple precincts, a white American priest clad in Indian dress appeared performing worship (pooja) to the saffron-coated idol of Hanuman who bore the Sanjeeva Mountain in one hand and a mace in the other hand.The American priest chanted Sanskrit slokas(hymns) blessed us and gave us sacred prsadam (food items offered to God). The calm place surrounded by Madonna Hills and the lake beside seemed a fit place for those who want to relax and spend their time in a devotional manner. Even for city dwellers this spot proved to be a scenic resort to find peace and enjoy the pure and hygienic weather far from urban rush and restlessness. In ancient times and even now sages and philosophers selected such retreats to meditate and do yoga without any outward disturbances. I sat for a while on the floor closing my eyes and trying to fix my attention on the Lord. Beside the temple we found some construction work was in progress. Stone idols of hooded serpents with forked tongues   around the pedestal were seen. Perhaps some idol is going to be installed in the middle.We  saw a small

idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Linga with his mount,a tiny bull facing the lord. Just adjoining the temple in the open space statues of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva sitting cross-legged in the act of meditation were seen.These idols though simple in form enhanced the religious feel in such calm surroundings.

    After coming down we went towards the restaurant where one could get hot tea and refreshments. On our right we saw a tiny statue of Buddha seated on a small pedestal . As the restaurant was not open we went a little bit farther and reached the summit of the cliff with railings around the edge. One could get a grand view of the scenery below with green massive trees and bluish peaks and winding paths.We found people residing in the wooden cottages near by.They might have come to learn yoga and meditation. Though the temple  seemed to be small with ascetic hermitage like surroundings, the place attracted many devotees. Regular Bhajans and discourses were conducted here. The presiding deity, Lord Hanuman, was named as Sankat Mochan which means liberator of troubles.Many devotees come here with deep faith and devotion.      

   This temple is located within three hundred and fifty five acres on the grounds of Mount Madonna

 Centre, a residential community dedicated to promotion of creative arts, culture and health sciences. 
 This temple is nearer to the city of Watsonville towards west of Gilroy. This temple was established    by the disciples of Swami Hari Dass in 1978.In 2001 they brought the idol of Hanuman and as per  the directions of Swami Hari Dass installed the idol here in 2003. Hanuman Fellowship, an  organisation based in California since 1974, manages the maintenance of the temple.  Swami Hari    Dass, a noble monk who has been observing the vow of silence since 1952 guides and gives counsel  in managing this temple. Born in Almora in 1923 he became a monk at a very young age and lived in  U.S.A. since 1971. He is a multi-faceted personality who is an Ayurvedic doctor, sculptor, yoga  teacher and author of many books on Ayurveda and yoga. He is available for Darshan on Tuesdays  and Saturdays in Mount Madonna Centre Community Building. Accomodation and other facilities  are provided for those interested in learning Yoga and meditation. Besides this organisation, many  others such as Kayakalpa Wellness Centre, Yoga Training Centre and Sri Ram Foundation  Ayurvedic Store also help and spread the message of service to society and integral development of  personality both physically and spiritually.   

  My visit to this temple made me realise that presence of God can be felt where one lives
 in harmonious relationship with Nature following a simple way of living and nourishing one's own
 mind with noble thoughts. The Gilroy Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a shining example of
 this truth. We feel the influence of serene surroundings and the sacred touch of God as well as    Nature.
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                                                                                                                          Somaseshu Gutala

       ( I acknowledge thanks and convey my hearty blessings to my son Subash and my
        daughter-in-law, Nikhila, without whose help and planning I could not have had the fortune of 
        visiting this sacred place located on the top of the hill with breath-taking view of nature.)                                 

                                                                                                                
    Note: From Sunnyvale one has to travel through Hecker Pass/HW152 and along Pole Line
              Road and then onto the Summit Road. As one travels through Hecker Pass, One can enjoy
              the beautiful view of Montery and Santa Clara County.The distance is nearly 42 miles from
              Sunnyvale.