His Holiness 1008 Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Udupi Sri Puthige Matha established Sri Krishna Brundavanam in July 2004, in a small location in the West Hills area. In May 2007, the worshipping place was moved to a bigger, owned location in Woodland Hills.
In June 2015 Krishna Brundavanam found its new permanent location at 2770 Borchard Road, Thousand Oaks, CA. During the opening ceremony on 06/28/2015, His Holiness announced the organization’s new name as “Sri Venkata Krishna Temple”.
The permanent location is on a sprawling 15 acres land in Southern California with a built up area of around 17000 square feet. The temple premises include a pooja hall, prasaada hall, and living quarters for the priests. It also has a multi-purpose community hall with occupancy of about 280 people.
The presiding deity in the Temple is Udupi Sri Gopala Krishna. While Sri MahaLakshmi is worshipped as she grants us all our wishes and leads us to jnana-marga, for successful completion of any task, it is imperative to get the Grace of Sri Maha Ganapathi. In line with the concept of “Hari sarvottamatva – Vayu jeevottamathva”, the Temple worships Mukhyapraana, a deity in the form of Sri Hanuman. In this kali yuga, millions of devotees continue to get the blessings of the kalpataru Sri Raghavendra Swamy whose mruthika brindavana is kept and worshiped here. Daily puja is offered thrice to the above deities in the Udupi sampradaya with recital of Veda mantras followed by annadhana (twice a day).
The Temple will benefit numerous communities, and their future generations by spreading the message of Lord Sri Krishna and strengthening the customs and traditions of our great culture in this part of the world.
To the younger generations it provides an opportunity to experience our rich cultural, traditional and religious roots. To the thirsty seeking enlightenment and inner meaning of life the Temple provides the opportunities to learn from our scriptures.
To the far and away seeking to perform rituals and sevas the Temple offers services of its learned priests who have undergone formal training in Udupi.
Experience the vibrations as you enter the sanctorum, and observe the puja to Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Guru Raghavendra. Partake in the prasada that is served every single day during the afternoon and evenings. Or, just come and sit in the main hall and notice your thoughts effortlessly fixated on the Lord.
While the temple continues to serve the thousands, there is also an effort underway to enhance the innermost Shrine that houses the main deity, Lord Sri Krishna. A Garbha Gudi (inner Shrine) is planned for installation.
Sri Venkata Krishna Temple was made possible by the grace of Lord Sri Krishna who has recognized the countless hours of hard work put in by the volunteer force. The dedication and hard work of the volunteer groups has continued and will go even further over the months/years.
The Temple is affiliated to Sujnana Religious and Charitable Foundation (SRCF). All your donations to this charity are tax-deductible in the US.
