Houston April 30, 2014:  Siva means auspicious or mangalam. Lord Siva is also known as Subhankara - the one who always does shubham. He is the Supreme Person of the Universe. Houston hindu residents are benefitted from the most unique and first of its kind temple – Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya Temple, the first free standing temple in Houston. The New 4000 square feet house of worship was inaugurated in 2007 and it’s also an vital part of the Chinmaya Prabha facility in Sugar Land, Texas.

The temple will benefit the community for many generations to come. The uniqueness of the temple is that it is a synthesis of two areas. One is the composition that houses the idols, and the courtyard from which one can view the temple and the deities within. The shrine has a contemporary design. It is a glass structure sitting on a concrete pedestal that rises from a body of water. The statue of Siva is seated 13 feet above the ground. A Sivalinga on the top adds a crowning touch to the monument.

While Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is a Siva temple, it is home to Rama, Sita, Radha, Krishna, and Ganesha as well.The timings of the temple are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

 The various Pooja services which are conducted at the temple are – Rudrabhishekam at 7:00 PM on Mondays, Sri Satyanarayana Puja at 6:30 PM on Purnima days, Sri Sahasranama Puja at 9:00 AM on Saturdays, Ganesha Puja at 6:30 PM on Chaturthi Days and Aarati at 12:00 PM and 7:30 PM daily.

Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is located at Chinmaya Prabha - Chinmaya Mission Houston , 10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, Texas.