As a “Learning Temple,” we offer classes, workshops and retreats on topics related to Sri Vidya, sadhana, Temple traditions, and chanting of sacred scriptures, for learners of all ages and experience levels.

Introduction to Learning

Please watch the video to learn more about the learning opportunities for adults and youth. Most classes are livestreamed for the benefit of remote learners. Although some classes require initiation, there are many offerings that are open to all. Classes are free, however donations to support the Temple’s learning mission are gratefully accepted. To receive learning announcements by email, please join our email list.

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Bala Vidya YouTube Channel

To encourage the youth (ages 5-11) to keep learning about our divine Temple culture, we have created a new Bala Vidya Youtube channel. There are videos on puja, drawing kolam, singing, chanting, Temple deities, and more! These videos are created by our own temple youth who share a passion for creating learning materials and working with children.

We invite you to subscribe to the channel and introduce young children to the videos, so they can watch, enjoy, and keep the learning going at home.

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Learning Opportunities

Summer Youth Program

Vibhuti Saivite Immersion (VSI), our flagship learning program, offers an immersive learning experience for children aged 10 to 18. Now in its 20th year, VSI brings children together on the Temple premises for a week of immersion in the rich traditions of Sanatana Dharma and Saiva culture.

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2026 Adult Learning Schedule

View our 2026 Learning Calendar for information on learning sessions on performing puja, homa, and tarpanam, as well as on various aspects of Sri Vidya like the chakras, significance of the Sri Yantra and more.

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Classes for Youth

The temple conducts “Youth Learning Sessions” (YLS) for youth aged 12 to 26 approximately once a month. The sessions, which are held over a weekend or the week-long Winter Break, include a mix of classes and seva opportunities.

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Chanting Classes

The Temple conducts a weekly chanting class covering Vedic suktams and stotrams of interest to the Temple community. These are livestreamed, and free and open to all. Please see our learning resources page for links to class recordings, downloadable texts, and multimedia self-learning resources.

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Bala Vidya Classes

Monthly “Bala Vidya” classes are held for children aged 5-11, so that kids can learn about our cultural, spiritual and religious traditions. Children listen to stories, learn bhajans and slokas, and engage in fun activities both within the temple and on the beautiful outside grounds when weather permits.

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Class Recordings

Previous classes are always available as online recordings, which you can access after registering. Class materials, slides and handouts are also available for viewing upon registration.

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Thamilaalayam Tamil Program

Weekly “Thamilaalayam” classes are held on Fridays from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM ET for children aged 3-16. This program allows children learn to read, write and speak the Tamil language while also engaging in fun activities to learn about the language’s rich heritage, traditions and cultural values. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to us at thamilaalayam@srividya.org

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Support Our Learning Mission

All our classes are offered free of cost. Donations to support the temple’s learning mission are gratefully accepted. Donations are tax-exempt in the US to the extent allowed by law. More classes are planned, and all official classes offered by the Sri Vidya Temple will be announced by email.

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FAQs

Initiation & Sri Vidya Learning

Initiation into Sri Vidya is given in person by Haran Aiya and senior Srividya Upasakas at our temple in Rochester, NY. Seekers must visit the temple and request initiation directly from Aiya. It is not guaranteed on the first visit, but having the sincere desire is the first step.

Aiya’s guidance for seekers:

  • Develop the desire and intent to receive initiation.
  • Learn to chant Lalita Sahasranama Stotram (1000 names of Mother Lalita), a complete path to the Divine Mother.

We recommend visiting the temple, participating in rituals, and volunteering to deepen your understanding of Sri Vidya. Our YouTube channel has resources to help you learn chanting.

No, deeksha is only given in person at the temple. Seekers must visit and express their request directly to Aiya.

You can learn to chant the Lalita Sahasranama Stotram through our YouTube playlist:

Sri Vidya Learning Classes

Yes! All past class recordings are available on our Srividya Learning website under the “Class Recordings” section. You can access and learn at your own pace.

For chanting sessions, you can find all recordings on our YouTube channel.

Yes! Many classes are available that do not require mantra deeksha. Every session introduces various practices or teachings of Sri Vidya in some way.

  • Current Year Sessions – Available under the Adult Learning section on our Srividya Learning Website.
  • Archived Sessions – The Class Recordings section contains past sessions, including those that do not require initiation.
  • Chanting Classes – Most of our learning-to-chant sessions are open to everyone and available on our YouTube channel.

We welcome everyone to explore these resources and participate in learning sessions.

All classes are free and open to the public. However, some advanced classes require initiation into specific Sri Vidya mantras. Donations to support learning activities are welcome! You can contribute online at srividya.org/donate

All chanting sessions are available on our YouTube channel for self-paced learning.

Staying Updated & Support

Yes, donations to support learning activities are welcome! You can contribute online at srividya.org/donate.

Email the Learning Coordinator at learning@srividya.org with your queries or suggestions.

  1. Check your spam/junk folders for an email from SVTS Learning (no-reply@wufoo.com).
  2. If not found, re-register using the same link.
  3. Follow the instructions in the email to join Google Classroom:
    • Go to classroom.google.com or open the Google Classroom app.
    • Sign in with your Google account.
    • Click “Join Class” and enter the class code from your email.
  4. If you still need help, reply with your contact number for further assistance to learning@srividya.org 

Learning Sessions Offered by the Temple

 Adult Learning Sessions

The temple offers learning sessions for adults covering:

  • Performing puja, homa, and tarpanam
  • Sri Vidya teachings such as the chakras, the significance of the Sri Yantra, and more
  • Many classes are live streamed for the benefit of remote learners.
  • Some sessions require initiation, but many are open to all.

View our current learning calendar for details on upcoming classes: srividya.org/learn.

Youth Learning Sessions (YLS)

Held approximately once a month, YLS is designed for youth aged 13 to 26. These sessions include:

  • A mix of classes and seva opportunities
  • Participation in temple pujas and activities
  • Special weekend or winter break programs

Summer Youth Program – Vibhuti Saivite Immersion (VSI)

Our flagship learning program, Vibhuti Saivite Immersion (VSI), provides an immersive experience for children aged 10 to 18. Now in its 20th year, VSI brings children together at the temple for a week-long deep dive into Sanatana Dharma and Saiva culture.

Chanting Classes

The temple conducts weekly chanting classes, covering Vedic suktams and stotrams relevant to the temple community.

  • All learning-to-chant sessions are open to everyone and available on our YouTube channel.
  • The current year’s chanting sessions are listed under the Adult Learning section on our Srividya Learning Website.
  • Some chanting sessions require initiation (deeksha), in which case only those initiated can register.

Bala Vidya Classes (For ages 5-12)

Held monthly, these classes introduce children to:

  • Cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions
  • Storytelling sessions about Hindu heritage
  • Bhajans and slokas
  • Interactive activities both indoors and outdoors (weather permitting)

Thamilaalayam Tamil Classes (For ages 3-16)

Held weekly on Fridays (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET), Thamilaalayam provides children with an opportunity to:

  • Read, write, and speak Tamil
  • Learn about Tamil culture, heritage, and traditions
  • Participate in fun and interactive language activities

For any questions or suggestions about Thamilaalayam, please reach out to thamilaalayam@srividya.org.

Vibhuti Saivite Immersion (VSI) is the Sri Vidya Temple’s flagship learning program for children aged 10 to 18. Now in its 20th year, VSI offers a week-long immersive experience at the temple, where children engage in the rich traditions of Sanatana Dharma and Saiva culture. Through interactive classes, rituals, and seva, participants gain a deep understanding of spiritual practices while developing a strong bond with the temple community.

Volunteering

We warmly welcome all to experience the joy of serving the Divine Mother through volunteering. The Sri Vidya Temple is run entirely by volunteers, and seva (selfless service) is an integral part of our sacred temple culture.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Assist in temple kitchen operations
  • Help with puja setup and decorations
  • Support fundraising projects
  • Maintain the temple grounds
  • Contribute to administrative or learning activities
  • Learn more about pujas and homas through hands-on experience

Seva is a powerful way to deepen your connection with Devi and immerse yourself in the spiritual traditions of Sanatana Dharma. Many volunteers find that offering service at the temple brings inner transformation and fulfillment.

How to Get Started:

We invite you to join us in serving the Divine Mother and experiencing the blessings of seva!

Have questions or suggestions about our learning programs?

Email us at learning@srividya.org