Coming to the temple, I always feel the warmth welcome from all the people and members.read more

I found East Bay Hindu Community & Cultural Center (East BayHCC)/Vijay's Sherawali Temple through a…read moreGoogle search where the temple appeared as one of the "Top 10 Best Hindu Temples in the East Bay". I read each Yelp review as well as those on Google. I would be remiss if I did not call out that my experience was/is not similar to that of another Yelp reviewer (Mani A.), nor is it based on one visit to/experience at Vijay's Sherawali Temple.  I reviewed the temple's website (eastbayhcc.org) before calling the temple for more information. I spoke with Romiel Chand (owner), who was sincere, gracious, respectful, professional, and extremely patient, taking time to address every single question I had as he described his/his family's vision for the temple with great pride and respect for the Hindu faith and culture. Romiel welcomed me and my daughter to the temple that same day/evening. Since then, my daughter and I have visited the temple each day they are open, including Sundarkant, and most recently, daily, for their scheduled programs throughout Pitru Paksha 2023 and Navratri 2023 including Navratri | Mata Rani Jagaran.  My daughter looks forward to visiting the temple regularly. We have consistently received a warm welcome from Romiel, his mother (Saraswati Chand), temple volunteers (Radha Ji and Sundar Ji), many devotees/bhaktos, and Pandit Sanjesh.  The temple is absolutely breathtaking and well organized and provides an amazingly beautiful environment with positive energy that supports peaceful and uplifting worship, reflection, and meditation. From my observation and experience, the temple's volunteers, devotees/bhaktos, and owner are dedicated to the temple, Hindu faith, and culture through sponsorship and collectively partnering in various ways to serve the East Bay Hindu community.  In my search for Hindu temples nearby me/East Bay/Oakland/Hayward, I came across a news article and video from Diwali 2021 that showcased Vijay's Sherawali Temple and Romiel. See link below.  https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bay-area-community-celebrates-diwali/2718892/ P.S. The pictures of the temple on Google/Yelp simply do not do the temple justice. You must see it in person and experience all of its greatness! Jai Mata Di!!! Om Shanti

Romiel Chand and his mother just opened the doors to this new Hindu temple in October 2021. A…read morebeautiful, newly renovated 5200 square foot temple that can fit over 400 people in for prayers ceremonies and celebrations. The temple is named in honor of his father Vijay, an immigrant who succeeded in the Bay Area as a grocer and in real estate, who dreamed of building a temple for the community but ran out of time. Romiel, his mother, and other family members are extremely welcoming and genuine to all, regardless of race or background. As someone who is not Hindu, I felt very comfortable and at home here in this beautiful temple. They are all genuinely very good and humble people who want to make a real difference in the community. Excited for the next service here at the temple, and will happily continue to be a part of what they have created for many generations to come.

I last reviewed the annual Bazaar five years ago. This long-winded review is about the process of…read moregetting Bazaar Food. Today, we arrived "early" to beat the crowds. Apparently, arriving just before 11:00am (the official opening time) is no longer "early". While we were able to snag a parking space in the lot, later arrivals had to resort to "creative" parking. We went toward the gym where the food tickets are sold. The gym wasn't open yet and there was a security guard thanking everyone for their patience. Although it was warm, people were very patient except for one youngster who was just having a rough day and wanted to share his displeasure by crying loudly. Just before the doors opened to the gym, a woman came out and gave clear instructions to those who could hear her that to order food, one had to fill out an Order Sheet. Those would be found inside the door. Then we had to be sure to get into the correct lines. There were lines for cash and lines for credit/debit cards. She must have repeated herself about six or seven times before the doors opened. There was minor chaos as guests rushed through the doors to get an Order Sheet. They were all in one location not too far inside the door. Many people, once they had their Order Sheets, proceeded to stand in place to fill out their forms, which in turn caused people to squeeze in to get their Order Sheets. There was somewhat of a line that led to two or three tables with numerous pay stations. There was no signage that distinguished Cash from Credit. They were obviously having problems with processing cards so then a couple of order takers called out for Cash customers. Once you got past the process of ordering and paying, you were given color tickets. Those who had been here before knew what to do. Those who had not been here before were left on their own to ask for help. Once they managed to find their way into the next room, it was a little bit easier. The first station was sodas and water. That person also gave you a tray to collect your food. Experienced guests knew to grab two trays to be able to carry all of their order safely. Not every food item was ready at every station and all of the stations were set up in a line. Each station had a color ticket taped to the front of the station. All you had to do was match your tickets to that ticket and collect your food, one ticket = one food item. Cold water and hot tea as well as utensils and napkins were back in the gym. Guests were to bus their own tables when done eating. There were volunteers helping guests throw out their trash into the correct containers. My suggestions to help create a smoother operation: 1. Have the Order Forms outside the doors instead of inside. Those who arrive early can get right into the pay lines with their forms. 2. Try to get the guests into one queue, regardless of payment method. 3. Separate the Cash order takers from the Credit order takers by spacing their tables a few feet apart. 4. Have one volunteer at the front of the line holding back guests to encourage them not to bunch up. As an order taker is available, the order taker can simply call out Cash or Credit and the Line person can let one person go to that station to pay. 5. If the person at the drink/tray station notices that a guest has numerous food tickets AND a helper, give them the second tray as necessary. They could encourage guests to place their tickets by color on a tray. This visual cue will help both the guests and servers. 6. If possible, also hang a color food ticket from the ceiling in front of the appropriate station. When, there is room, guests can leap-frog ahead to a station where their next item is. This could help clear the service area out quicker. We ordered quite a few items. Our favorites were the Curry Rice and the Udon. It would have been nice if they could have offered a Curry Udon. We also had Cabbage Salad, Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon Bento dinner, Sushi Plate, Gyoza and Sodas. No, we didn't finish everything. We like leftovers too! Pictures of the food items are still in my camera and I'll try to post them later this week. We found some really cool cookbooks for $1 and $2 each. The cashier there was a hoot and suggested that rather than take our $2 in change, we should just donate it to the church. And of course, she said it with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She was non-plussed when I agreed. The Bazaar wasn't as large as it used to be in past years. We didn't notice any live entertainment and it seemed like there were less activities for the kids. The Silent Auction didn't have anything that drew our interest. We talked about how much we missed the guy who used to make the Chow Mein in a huge wok outside the building. Still, so long as they hold the Bazaar, we will try to drop by and support it as well as other bazaars around the Bay Area. The volunteers work hard to put these events together and generally do a terrific job.

This review is for the 2025 food bazaar. I found parking in the nearby neighborhood and walked a…read moreshort distance to the temple. The local fire fighters were there passing out plastic helmets to the kids and a large engine was there for everyone to admire. There were a couple booths with local agencies providing information to the community. There were game booths for the kids to enjoy. Plants and jewelry were on the sale. Teriyaki burgers, snow cones, and alcohol could be purchased outside. There was even a booth featuring the silent auction items and a place where you could test your luck and buy some pull tabs. Inside the social hall were lots of tables and chairs so you could enjoy your food indoors. There was an area where you could buy used books and another area where you could buy handmade crafts. The food order system entailed filling out an order form and then taking it to a table where someone tallied up the order and you could pay by credit card or cash. Little pieces of paper were handed to me indicating what I ordered. I then walked into an adjacent area to pick up my order and handed the volunteer the pieces of paper I was given when I paid for the food. It was a very organized system. One spot for the udon. Another spot for the chicken. Etc. This bazaar is a two day event. Check it out!

This was the most intensive retreat I have attended, compared to my previous experiences in…read moreThailand and India. There were moments when I wanted to leave early, but I am deeply grateful that I stayed and completed it. I sincerely thank the teacher (Sayagyi Daw Vimalanani), Ms. Ha Truong (coordinator), and all the volunteers. Their guidance and quiet support helped me understand my mind on a much deeper level. Letting go of my phone was not easy at first, but after 15 days, I felt less attached to it and more present with myself. Instead of being drawn into social media and news, I learned to spend my time more meaningfully, turning inward with awareness. The program is intensive, with eight one-hour sitting meditation sessions each day. The first two days were very challenging--I almost gave up due to the physical pain. However, after speaking with the teacher, her compassion and wisdom shifted me from fear to courage. I realized that pain is always present; in daily life, we are simply too distracted to notice it. Through her guidance on "noting," I gained valuable insight into my own patterns. The food was delicious. We ate two meals a day and stopped eating after noon. At first, I felt hungry, but my body gradually adjusted--and I found my sleep became easier and deeper. I also observed my mind moving from worry about not having enough, to noticing moments of greed, and eventually to a deep sense of gratitude. The accommodation was simple and comfortable, a clean private room, with thoughtful touches like extra blankets and an alarm clock. The shared bathrooms were always clean, and I never had to wait. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend giving this gift to yourself.

Unfortunately after COVID the whole vibe of this great center has changed. It was great when Ha and…read moreShaun were retreat coordinators , their level of practice is evident from the way they engage with other people, ever mindful and full of brahma vihara. They have stopped weekend retreats for good. Can't imagine the level of Bad kamma generated by the people that might have initiated this new regime. By preventing interested short term practitioners to practice and use the retreat center resources "as weekend retreats" and preventing wholesome dana possibilities for dana sponsors on weekend retreats. All retreats are charged $$$ per day, and the attendee rules have got stricter ( check new print meditators handbook ) I have not seen any Panditharama center charge for its sessions anywhere else. May be they have financial troubles, may be they became too business minded , may be there is new leadership that don't have any sense of what real true Buddhist practice is. Very sad. But i am grateful for all the weekend retreats TMC conducted in the past, they have helped me and many others develop the path. I transfer all those merits to the people who made it possible. Having said this I think TMC is still providing good service for our local Vietnamese and Burmese community. So i left 2 stars.

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is very similar to Buddhism along with…read moreHinduism. I have been to Jain temples in India yet this was my first time going to a Jain temple in America for a service. A lovely experience and beautiful temple made of marble. Very much enjoyed my time here. Folks here were very welcoming and kind. Great experience here!

What a beautiful temple this is! My mind was blown when i…read morefirst looked at this place. You enter and you smell sandalwood and suddenly you are feeling calm and composed. The gods are beautifully carved, instructions are listed in Jain and English. They have a separate kitchen, meditation rooms. So mesmerizing. I am pretty sure I'll be going there during Paryushan.

This is a great place to learn Buddhism, and to make friends. The learning helps improve positive…read morethinking and improve relationships, and thus have a happier life.

For years, Wisdom Garden Buddhist Center aka Trung Tam Tue Vien has been there for my family and me…read moreduring good times, hard times, and holidays! This is a newer temple with 2 male monks heading the congregation. They've slowly built up momentum and a great following throughout the years. Their holiday celebrations for Vietnamese New Years, Mother's Day, and Buddha's birthday have been enlightening and fun! Additionally they help feed the homeless at InnVision every week without fail. My family and I volunteered a number of times with them and every time, I am amazed at how well received and positive the experience is. From prepping the food, to serving the food, to interacting with the homeless and other workers, it's a true blessing, humbling experience. My mother decided to have my grandma reside in this temple after she passed away. We come here every year to pay our memorial tributes and visiting grandma. Thanks Thay Minh Thien and Thay!

The temple itself is very well maintained, beautiful, and peaceful in its design, and it is clear…read morethat a lot of care goes into the space. Unfortunately, the overall experience is often disrupted by behavior that simply does not belong in a place of worship. Many of the priests regularly sit on the steps with their backs to the deity, blocking the view of the Gods, engaging in loud conversations with people they know, which is extremely distracting for devotees. On multiple occasions, some priests have been observed taking personal phone calls while seated there, with their backs turned, engaging in casual video and phone conversations with friends or family. A few times, I have even noticed a priest sitting on the steps near the Shiva lingam, absent-mindedly picking his nose, surrounded by devotees deep in prayer. This is not about expecting perfection, but about maintaining basic decorum and respect in a sacred space. Additionally, several families allow their children to run freely inside the temple, treating it like a play area. Many people come here seeking silence, focus, and comfort, often while dealing with difficult personal situations or serious health issues. The constant noise and uncontrolled movement take away from that experience. I genuinely hope the management addresses these concerns by setting clear expectations for priest conduct within the sanctum and reminding families to supervise their children. With better enforcement of basic decorum, this temple could offer a far more meaningful and peaceful experience for everyone.

An energizing oasis filled with positivity and endless spiritual vibes! It's the perfect place to…read morerejuvenate your spirit and soak in the good energy all around you! :)