Do I need to donate money to participate in any puja event by BSSW?

It is not compulsory but, the manifold activities of the Sangha are increasing significantly in India and abroad. For the maintenance of educational and charitable activities, the Sangha is in need of patronage and financial backing from all people. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha appeals to the general public for their support and cooperation.

Can I donate for particular humanitarian cause?

Yes, you can. This is entirely your choice. Choose Our Temple Drive, Relief Work, Schools, Hospitals, Student Homes or Miscellaneous.

Will my donation service the needy people of India?

If you tell us that is where you want it sent. Service is the main purpose of BSSW. You will be informed accordingly by BSSW?s corporate office from Kolkata.

Is my donation tax free?

Absolutely. BSSW has an IRS 501 (non-profit, tax-exempt) status. You will receive a receipt for tax deduction.

Can I join your network to be informed about upcoming events?

Simply sign our Guest Book and you?ll be added to our email list for upcoming events and other announcements.

I am not from the Bengali Community. Can I still join BSSW?

Of course! BSS is non-sectarian & non-political philanthropic and charitable organization. Anyone can join BSSW. You are cordially invited.

What should I do if I?m interested to sponsor an event?

Please view our Calendar of Events and email us with your intention to either partially or fully sponsor any event. You will be contacted accordingly.

Can the Ashram's Swamiji perform puja at our home or friend?s place?

Our Temple's daily pujari, Our Swamiji is available for privatepujas. Please contact well ahead of time so the date will not conflict with any Ashram event. In addition, Swamiji offers Satyanarayam puja, Annaprasan, Wedding and Sradha to the community members at the Temple premises.

I live far away. When is the best time to visit the Temple?

We have activities everyday in the Temple. Please view our daily schedule in the About Us page. However, Saturday and Sunday are ideal. Call the Temple at 714-494-4531 for more information.

Is the Temple open for everyone?

Yes! This Temple is for everyone. All are invited.

What are the Temple hours?

Please view our daily schedule in the About Us page.

How do I become a member?

Please complete the Membership Form and click ?submit?. Someone will contact you accordingly. You?re just a mouse click away from becoming a member of our Temple.

Can I offer a one-time small donation?

Of course you can! We are always looking for small donation. In fact, with today?s economy, they are ideal. Small amounts add up, allowing us to provide a large amount of humanitarian relief to the needy people of India. However, we welcome big donation as well!

Can you tell me how to participate in the Executive Committee?

Thank you for your interest. Please contact us at info@bsswest.org with your interest. Our current committee will talk to you. We are always looking for active and energetic persons.

Can I refer someone I trust and believe suitable for a particular service of BSSW?

Certainly you can. Our Executive Committee will see how he/she will be useful for this purpose.

When is the next General Meeting of BSSW?

All members will be informed of the date and venue. Most meetings take place in the summer, after submission of our tax return.

Can I forward my concerns about the Temple?

You are most welcome to do so. Your concerns and suggestions will help us to know how we are doing and allow for further improvement.

Can we get answers to our questions about spirituality, faith, Hinduism or Hindu culture and heritage?

No doubt, our Swamiji is the most appropriate person to answer any of these questions. Please email your questions to info@bsswest.org and they will be answered.

Can I talk to Swamiji for a special situation?

Our Swamiji is available for family counseling and the highest quality spiritual teachings, which lead the way to peace. Please call him on his cell at (847) 946-0534.

We normally participate in big puja events of BASC and Dakshini. How doesBSSW Ashram?s schedule these events so we can we avoid any conflicts of time or date?

All big events of BSSW are mostly determined by ?Panjika? and performed in that auspicious day, regardless whether it is a Saturday or Sunday. With this arrangement, there is little chance of having any conflict of time and date.

Who is the person to call with questions on any Temple matters?

You may call us at 714-494-4531 or via email at info@bsswest.org

Is there any other branch of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) in Southern California?

BSSW of California is the only branch of BSS located in Los Angeles. We are located at 5600 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823. Phone: 714-494-4531. Email: info@bsswest.org

How can I get the contact telephone numbers of different BSS in India?

Please visit www.bharatsevashram.net. The corporate headquarter is in Kolkata. The website has a list of all BSS in India with telephone with their telephone numbers. If you plan to visit any of these holy place such as Goya, Vrindaban, Kedarnath and Hardwar, they have beautiful Ashrams with Meals & Lodging.

What particular benefits can BSSW offer to all members, families and devotees?

Being a member of BSSW helps people to experience greater peace, joy, happiness, and spiritual advancement through the celebration of major religious social and cultural festivals. We encourage interest in the study of Hinduism, Hindu culture and heritage, including classes for children. Members experience the benefits of service, via humanitarian activities to help others, especially the underprivileged. Another important benefit is cultural and spiritual bonding among our members, families and devotees.

What is going to happen when large donors are not available?

Definitely we will be disappointed because we are seriously counting on them. But if we are all united and support this project; the funds that will be raised from members and supporters can also help us. Keep in mind that beginning is always difficult but will have immense opportunity to develop with our plan gradually in the near future.

What is the ?bottom-line? and ?big picture?

Please come forward with your own distinctive ideas and initiatives to help us in executing the organization's plan. Your financial and moral support will help us to achieve this common goal and make our dream a reality. We will have our temple events, social and cultural celebration and all other planned events such as Bengali school, dance school, yoga classes, library and celebrating Bengali Hindu festivals, religious & philosophical discourses, educational programs, etc. in our new Brea Temple. Our kids and children will have a place to enjoy and learn our culture and heritage. All the elderly people and youngs will have a meeting place anytime they want to join. We will be able to host many cultural programs & fundraising program from local and groups of Kolkata to constantly update ourselves for the entertainment & cultural trend. That would be good for everyone. More importantly, we will be debt free and Brea BSSW Temple will be a great place for all Bengali Hindu Communities in the Greater Los Angeles as envision by our Swamiji Purnatmanandaji Maharaj, a great Transforming Leader.