Amendments

This document is intended to guide Board of Trustees and the Executive committee in daily operation of H.A.R.I. These policies were formulated by Board of Trustee. IN CASE OF ANY CONFLICT AND OR DISPUTE, H.A.R.I. BYLAWS SHALL PREVAIL.

AMENDED 11-05-1994

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

  1. Any article, material, advertisement or language which can create discrimination and/or controversy among H.A.R.I. Devotees shall not be printed in H.A.R.I. publication
  2. H.A.R.I. priest compensation and duties will be based on compensation paid and duties performed by the priests of surrounding temples of similar size
  3. Temple priest is available for services in the temple whenever the priest is present at no charge to H.A.R.I. Devotees
  4. Temple priest services are available outside H.A.R.I. Premises based on: a. Priest availability b. First come first served basis subject prior approval of H.A.R.I. President and providing transportation to the priest
  5. Suggested donations payable to H.A.R.I. For priest services outside H.A.R.I. Premises are: a. Katha, Puja, Havan, Religious Ceremony, Naam karan, Baby Shower, etc. Members $21.00 Others $51.00 b. Wedding/Engagements Members $101.00 Others $151.00 c. Funeral Services No charge


AMENDED 09-08-2002

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

Guidelines for the Board in forming the Nominating Committee and subsequent steps to follow through completion of the election process

Introduction:

Article IV, Section 10 of HARI Bylaws covers the Nomination of Officers of the Executive Committee and Article V, Section 3 of HARI Bylaws addresses the Nomination of Trustees.

The above two Articles call for the appointment of a Nominating Committee by the Board of Trustees. Time frame for its formation, number of committee members, composition of the Nominating Committee and guidelines to be followed by the Nominating Committee are spelled out in the Bylaws as follows:

For the nomination of officers of the Executive Committee, Article IV, Section 10 states:

"Forty-five (45) days before the annual membership meeting, the Board of Trustees shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of five members which shall select a slate of officers/trustees to be presented to the members at the annual membership meeting. The nominating committee shall consist of a trustee, the President, and three members from general body. Nominating committee shall not nominate its own member/members. Additional written nominations may be submitted by members provided at least ten members sign such request for nomination and the request is received by the Secretary/Treasurer prior to the Officer's election meeting."

For the nomination of Trustees Article V, Section 3 states:

"At least forty- five (45) days before the annual membership meeting, H.A.R.I. Board of Trustees shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of five members which shall select a slate of trustees to be presented to the members at the annual membership meeting. Persons so nominated should have actively participated in H.A.R.I. activities. Due consideration should be given to represent surrounding communities. The nominating committee shall consist of a trustee, President, and three members from general body. Nominating committee shall not nominate its own member/members. Additional written nominations may be submitted by members provided at least ten members sign such request for nomination and the request is received by the Secretary/Treasurer prior to the trustee's election meeting."

The guidelines are similar for the selection of Officers of the Executive Committee and the Trustees with an additional requirement of active participation in H.A.R.I. activities and representation of the surrounding communities imposed for the selection of the trustees.

The above guidelines are not comprehensive enough and lack checks and balances in the process of selecting officers and trustees because presently there is no requirement that the selected candidates do receive pre-certification by the Board that they conform to the requirement of the bylaws. Therefore, in order to address these deficiencies certain amendments have been proposed to the Bylaws. However, even after the passage of these amendments by the general body, detailed guidelines would still be needed to guide the process and those guidelines are listed below.

The following guidelines were approved by the Board of Trustees at the September 8, 2002 Board meeting for the use of the Trustees and the Nominating Committee and will be included as an Appendix to the HARI Policies and Practices document after the amendments to the HARI Bylaws are approved by the general body on November 9, 2002.

Guidelines for the formation of the Nominating Committee (for use of the Board of Trustees) and subsequent steps to follow until completion of the election process

The following procedure outlines the steps that the Board of Trustees shall follow in the formation of the Nominating Committee and thereafter until the completion of the election process:

  1. The chairman of the Board shall include an item Formation of the Nominating Committee on the Agenda of the Board meeting of the appropriate month, to allow at least 45 days lead-time before the election day, to complete the process of nomination of candidates for the next year's Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees
  2. The Chairman of the Board shall nominate the President of last year's Executive Committee (who is one of the members of the Board) to chair the Nominating Committee. If he/she is unwilling or unavailable to serve as the chairperson, one of the senior members of the Board (preferably a third year trustee) shall be nominated to serve as the chairperson
  3. Current President of the Executive Committee shall be the second person appointed to serve on the Nominating Committee
  4. Three additional members representing a cross-section of the community shall be nominated by the Board of Trustees using the criteria that the nominees are longstanding members of H.A.R.I. (at least five years standing membership or life membership of H.A.R.I. desired) with sufficient familiarity with the membership of H.A.R.I. Nominees shall be approved by a simple majority vote of the trustees present
  5. The Chairman of the Board shall provide members of the Nominating Committee with lists of the current years members (as of September 15th of the year) and the list of life members along with the guidelines that the Nominating Committee should follow
  6. Prior to their appointment, members of the Nominating Committee approved to serve shall commit to attend majority of the meetings of the nominating committee. The members selected from the general body must not have served on the Nominating Committee for at least three (3) years prior to their appointment
  7. If for any reason, the chairperson of the nominating committee becomes unavailable or unwilling to continue as the chairperson, the Chairman of the Board shall replace him/her by another trustee
  8. The names of the Nominating Committee members and their telephone numbers shall be published in the immediate next issue of HARI TIMES along with a notification that devotees can submit names of nominees (with at least ten signatories supporting such nominations) for the Executive Committee and Trustee positions out of the membership lists of H.A.R.I. (which can be accessed from the H.A.R.I. website) to the Secretary until fifteen (15) days prior to the election day. The Secretary shall promptly submit such names to the chairperson of the nominating committee
  9. Upon receiving notification from the Nominating Committee chairman that the slate of candidates has been finalized (which should happen at least three days prior to the election day), the Chairman of the Board convenes a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee at least one day prior to the election day
  10. At this meeting, the Board reviews the list of candidates for conformity with the requirements of the Bylaws and certifies the slate of candidates by endorsing them for presentation to the general membership on the election day
  11. If any of the candidates do not meet the criteria of the bylaws, alternate candidates are selected by the Board in consultation with the Nominating Committee out of the list of alternate candidates that the nominating committee has compiled
  12. The Board of Trustees authorizes the Nominating Committee Chairperson to present the revised slate of candidates to the general body on the election day
  13. After the election of the Executive Committee and the Trustees either by a voice vote or by a show of hands at the general membership meeting, the names of the elected members shall be published in the subsequent month's HARI TIMES
  14. Within one month following the general membership meeting (at which the election of the officers and the trustees was completed), the Chairman of the Board shall hold a meeting of the Board of Trustees (which shall include the incoming trustees) in order to elect by a majority vote a new chairman of the Board for the following year

Guidelines for the Nominating Committee in finding a slate of Candidates for the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees

  1. After the formation of the Nominating Committee by the Board of Trustees at least 45 days before the election day, the Chairman of the Board shall provide a list of annual and life members and these guidelines to the members of the Nominating Committee
  2. A preliminary meeting of the Nominating Committee shall be called by the chairperson of the Nominating Committee. The Chairperson assigns various responsibilities to the members and notifies the members of the schedule of meetings for accomplishing their task of proposing a slate of candidates and alternates at least three (3) days prior to the election day

For the Executive Committee

The following guidelines shall be used by the Nominating Committee members in selecting nominees for the positions shown below in the Executive Committee.

a. Senior Vice-President, b. Secretary, c. Treasurer, d. five vice-presidents

  1. The Nominating Committee shall not nominate its own members to any of the positions in the Executive Committee
  2. The Senior Vice-President of the current year who shall become the President of the Executive Committee during the following year may be allowed to recommend candidates of his choice for Treasurer, Secretary and up to three (3) vice-presidents in order to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of HARI. If he does not have a preference or has only some of the candidates who are appropriately qualified, then the Nominating Committee has the option to select all or some of the candidates, as required
  3. The Nominating Committee shall nominate candidates for Senior Vice-President (with due consideration being given to the preference of the current Senior Vice-President), at least two vice-presidents and two alternates based on candidates qualifications
  4. As the candidate for Senior Vice-President will be the President during the following year, the Nominating Committee must select the best-qualified person for this position with due consideration being given to bring in a good regional and gender balance to the Executive Committee
  5. Representation of the surrounding communities (York, Lancaster etc.,) should be given due consideration in selecting the candidates for vice-presidents
  6. Selected candidates shall be capable of performing all the tasks required of them by the President of the Executive Committee
  7. Candidates accepting officers positions on the Executive Committee shall commit to attending meetings, planning sessions etc., and also be available to take responsibility for various tasks during weekend programs and celebrations at the temple
  8. If the current year's Senior Vice-president declines to become President next year, another member of the current Executive Committee, if he/she is interested, shall be given consideration in the selection for the Senior Vice-President

For the Board of Trustees

  1. Members of the Nominating shall not nominate its own members to the Board of Trustees
  2. Candidates who have just served a full term on the Board of Trustees shall not be eligible for reappointment for at least three years
  3. Only persons who have volunteered services to HARI and who have taken an active role in the activities of HARI shall be eligible to serve as Trustees
  4. Persons who do not have a track record of community service or who are on business or visitor visa do not qualify to serve as Trustees
  5. Outgoing Trustees shall be replaced in such a way that their replacement continues to provide a balanced representation for the surrounding communities
  6. It is important to ensure that there is adequate representation of all sections of the Hindu community on HARI Board
  7. The Nominating Committee shall strive to achieve a regional and gender balance as appropriate, on the Board of Trustees
  8. Two alternates shall also be included in the slate of candidates
  9. The Nominating Committee shall complete the task at least three (3) days before the election day and shall promptly notify the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the completion of their task
  10. The Nominating Committee shall attend a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and itself at least one day prior to the election day so that the Board can pre- certify the slate of candidates for presentation to the general membership

AMENDED 11-06- 2002

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

Guidelines for Administering HARI School and Procedures for Appointing School officials:

The following procedures will govern the election/selection of the HARI school officials beginning January 1, 2003. The Board of Trustees approved these procedures at the November 6, 2002 Board of Trustees meeting in anticipation of the Revised Bylaws receiving approval by the general body at the November 9, 2002 general body meeting (which did occur as expected) and also the Board approved to make these procedures part of the Policies and Practices document as Appendix C.

A. HARI School Committee

The school committee will consist of the President of the Executive Committee, school co-directors, namely, the Director and the Youth Forum Director, teachers, treasurer and one appointed trustee.

B. School Staff

The school staff will consist of the Director, the Youth Forum Director, the lunch coordinator, teachers and coordinators of the other (educational) programs such as Universal Healing Program, Stress Free Life Program etc.,

C. Terms of Office

1) The terms of office of the Director and the Youth Forum Director will be three years. These appointments can occur independent of each other and as and when these position/s become/s vacant. Normally, the co-directors cannot be reappointed for at least three (3) years after serving one (1) three year term unless this requirement is waived by the Board of Trustees upon receiving written recommendation of the School Committee in the better interest of HARI School. 2) The term of office of the school teachers and the lunch coordinator will be one school year; however, reappointment's for more terms can be permitted.

D. HARI school year

School year will run from September of the year until August of the following year for other programs or from September of the year until June of the following year for the school programs, with summer recess running for the rest of the year.

E. Remuneration

Except for the reimbursement of the actual expenses made on behalf of HARI school, no remuneration will be paid to volunteering school officials. Professional teachers may exempt from this policy.

F. Other Programs

Besides religion, language, music and fine arts classes, other programs of general interest such as Stress Free Life, Universal Healing and any other educational programs can be conducted in the temple under the umbrella of HARI school. Coordinators of such programs shall be accountable and answerable to the HARI School Director. All the rules of HARI School shall apply to all such programs, without exception.

G. Accounting

School co-directors will submit an income/expense statement quarterly to the President/Treasurer. For tracking purposes, treasurer will maintain a separate account-head for HARI School under the operating account.

About two (2) weeks before the annual general membership meeting (Diwali celebration day), the School Director will gather all necessary information from the Youth Forum Director and the coordinators of the other programs and submit it to the treasurer. This is necessary because the treasurer is required to present a financial statement during the general membership meeting. It is also necessary so that the outgoing treasurer can close the books before the end of his term in December.

Similar submission of accounts by the School Director will also occur in June of each year right after the graduation program

H. Tuition fee for special classes

Professional non-volunteer teachers who want to provide religious and cultural training to HARI devotees/children may be allowed to collect reasonable fee from the students directly upon obtaining approval from the School Director and the Executive Committee. In such instances, twenty percent (20%) of the fee so collected will be contributed to HARI for cleaning, upkeep and utility costs. Upon receiving a written request from the School Director, the Board of Trustees may waive this requirement where overall benefits outweigh the monetary gain to HARI.

I. Registration

All the students who wish to enroll in HARI school including those that wish to attend the other programs will register with the school during the month of September, annually, by completing the Registration Form and by paying the applicable registration fee. Students who join the school after the month of September will complete their registrations within 21 days of joining the school. The School Director may apply a uniform late-fee policy for non-complying students. Starting from September 2000, the school committee has adopted the following registration-fee policy.

  1. First time registration or non-continuous renewals: $30.00 per student
  2. Continuous renewals (students registered for the immediate prior school year): $20.00
  3. Late fee: $10 per child

The above new fees structure were approved by BOT on February 22, 2009. The school committee may change the registration fee starting from a new school year. However, the registration fee may not be eliminated in its entirety until it is approved by the Board of Trustees.

J. Reporting and approval Requirements

Coordinators of the other programs will be required to submit quarterly or semi-annual account statement to the School Director who in turn is responsible for the entire school budget. The school director will obtain approval and/or authorization of the school budget from the school committee and/or the Executive Committee. All the expenses of the other programs need to be pre-approved by the School Director. The treasurer is advised against making payments on behalf of school without the express approval of the school director.

K. Procedures for appointment of school officials

  1. A school committee meeting will be held during the month of May and before the Sunday School’s annual event held in June (Graduation Program). At a minimum the agenda should include the following:
    1. Review of terms of HARI School Co-directors and initiate a replacement process, if necessary
    2. Availability of teachers, including lunch coordinator and coordinators for other programs for the next academic year
    3. Any other resignations on the school committee
    4. Review and verification of the school accounts (number of students attending the school, fees collected etc.,)
    5. Distribution of assignments for the graduation program

  3. The above step will provide the School Committee and the Board of Trustees sufficient time to name appropriate replacements on the School Committee.

  5. Vacancies can also occur in the middle of the school term or in the middle of the term of appointment due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. However, sufficient lead-time must be allowed while submitting resignation/s to find suitable replacement/s.
  6. Upon receiving resignation or notice of intent to quit from the School Director or Co-director positions, the President/Chairman will call a meeting of the School Committee promptly to address the issue of selection of suitable replacements for the position/s being vacated
  7. A slate of candidates will be put together with input from the departing Director/Co-director, school teachers, president, chairman, treasurer and other interested parents and devotees
  8. President/chairman will contact the potential candidates to ascertain their availability to serve as Director/Co-director
  9. A short-list of suitable candidates will be prepared by holding a second meeting of the school committee
  10. An attempt will be made to find an unanimous choice of candidate/s from the short list. If there is no unanimous choice in selecting the candidate/s, a secret ballot of the school committee shall determine the selected candidate/s. The name/s of the selected candidate/s will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Board so that final approval can be obtained from the Board of Trustees
  11. Appropriate announcements will appear in the HARI TIMES after the selected candidate/s have been notified
  12. The selected school Co-director/s will organize the school by nominating teachers, lunch coordinator and by supervising day to day activities. All policies pertaining to school such as school fees, curriculum etc., shall be established by the School Committee
  13. Registration fee will be charged as described in Section I above. Non (paid) members will be charged a sum of $50 per school year more than what (paid) members are charged. HARI’s Secretary will provide an updated list of members to HARI School Co-directors every month
  14. When vacancy of school Co-director/s occur/s in the middle of a school term, interim appointments will be made by the school committee with the approval of the Board of Trustees

using the above procedures except that the appointment/s will be made for a duration of the remaining term of office of the Director/Co-director.

L. Duties and responsibilities of the HARI school director:

  1. Run the HARI school operation
  2. Coordinate activities with the Executive Committee and the HARI Youth Forum Director. Any activity and/or program that costs over $250.00 must be approved by the Executive Committee. President of the Executive Committee will request approval/authorization from the Board of Trustees, if the cost is beyond his authorization limit
  3. Appoint teachers/coordinators for school activities
  4. Appoint lunch coordinator
  5. May have an advisory group of parents, teachers to device a curriculum and other activities
  6. May charge a nominal fee for school and other activities and maintain and submit accounts to the treasurer

M. Duties and responsibilities of the HARI School Co-Director (Youth Forum Director):

  1. Provide primary back-up support for the director, in director's absence and ensure that HARI School operates smoothly
  2. Coordinate activities for the youth members (ages 13 and older) of the community
  3. Encourage, guide and inspire the youth to prepare and post articles of interest on HARI website
  4. Organize Kar-seva and other social service activities for the temple and the community
  5. Arrange field trips outside the temple, as appropriate. The School Director shall be kept appraised of the budget of such trips. The school director may fund such trips after appropriate consultation with the President and, optionally, other school committee members.
  6. Organize activities/discussions/lectures on youth related issues
  7. May charge appropriate fee for the activities, and maintain and submit accounts to the School Director and treasurer

AMENDED 02-06 2003

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

RENTAL OF TEMPLE FACILITY POLICY

HARI Temple's lower level hall is available for private use for a fixed duration, amount and subject to the terms and conditions that are described in this document.

All rentals are from 7:00 AM in the morning to 11:00 PM unless the President of the Executive Committee has approved extended hour use.

  • Terminologies used in this document are defined below:
Facility rental policy
  • Temple hall will not be rented during HARI sponsored events and HARI School days. HARI School activities may be postponed at the discretion of HARI School Committee for special events like marriages and/or sacred occasions. These exceptions are only to be made for paid HARI members and non-profit organizations that give at least one-month advance notice to HARI President and School Director. In addition, such postponements of HARI School activities may not exceed two days per school year unless approved by the Board of Trustees
  • HARI Temple's upper level hall is never rented and not part of any rental agreement. The upper level hall is open to visitors and devotees as per the published Temple Hours. Subject to this provision, the renting party may use the upper level hall for congregation purpose. Consumption of food and drink, including water, is strictly prohibited on the upper level hall areas
  • Temple shall be rented strictly on the first come first served basis. The rental can be booked over the phone but is considered confirmed only after HARI Treasurer receives appropriate rent and deposit money as described in Section E below
  • Rental Charge, Security Deposit and Duration:
    • HARI Members: The rental charges and security deposit for paid HARI members are as follows. The rent plus the deposit money must be paid in advance without exception. As of July 2001, the rental charges are as follows:
Facility rental policy - Rate
  • Note: Rental usage over 10 days is subject to Board of Trustees approval only
  • Non-paid members: Non-paid members residing in the Greater Harrisburg area may qualify for rentals at the following rate. If such request exceeds over five days per calendar year, the President of the Executive Committee must obtain an express approval from the Board of Trustees. Such rentals are subject to all other prevailing rental policies.
Facility rental policy - Rate
    • Non-profit organizations: Non-profit organizations may rent the facility by paying 50% of charges as described in Section E (a) above. The renting party still needs to pay appropriate security deposit as described in Section E (a) above. If such rental request exceeds over five days per calendar year, the President of the Executive Committee must obtain an express approval from the Board of Trustees. The Board may decline such renting requests in favor of HARI's financial interest. Such rentals are subject to all other prevailing rental policies
    • Preparing for Cultural Events: Devotees and/or their children preparing for presentation at private events or at events sponsored by non-profit organizations may rent the lower level hall at $25.00 per day or for a flat $250.00 per event. Such rentals are subject to the use of the lower level hall only. Temple's upper level hall should never be used for practicing film songs and dances. Such rentals do not include use of the kitchen area and audio-systems. The lower-level audio-system can be rented for additional $25.00 per day. It is the responsibility of the event organizer to ensure that participating artists of their programs are not violating this policy
    • Rent-Free Reservations: Paid HARI members and non-profit organizations reserving HARI facility for religious activities without serving food shall not be charged any rental fees. Such rent-free reservation does not include usage of the kitchen and lower level dining hall areas. The renting party still needs to pay appropriate security deposit as described in Section E (a) above. It is imperative that such requests be submitted to the President of the Executive Committee at least one month in advance. The Executive Committee, in consultation with Temple Priest, may decline if such rent-free request fails to merit as a religious activity
    • The Executive Committee may not approve rent-free requests for non-paid HARI members and other organizations unless the President of the Executive Committee obtains expressed approval from the Board of Trustees in advance. Similar approval must also be obtained from the Board of Trustees if the rent-free usage described above exceeds over three days per calendar year for the same renting party. The Board may decline such rent-free requests in favor of HARI's interest
  • Decorations: Paid HARI members and non-profit organizations may decorate Temple's lower-level hall for their functions on the previous night without additional charges provided the temple is not in use on that night. Non-paid members and other organization must pay additional rent for similar usages. The renting party may set up stage area and clean the facility but is requested not to engage in decorations that damage walls and/or wall paint. The renting party is responsible to remove all decorations immediately upon the conclusion of the function
  • Alcoholic beverages and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited within HARI premises at any time
  • Rent does not include such supplies as paper plates, paper cups, other paper products, cutlery etc
  • This rental agreement does not include Priest services. Priest services may be reserved separately with the Executive Committee. Unless the Priest services are booked, the Priest may not be available and/or present on the rental day at the temple
  • The renting party may use other HARI owned equipments such as chairs, tables, kitchen supplies, bathroom supplies, trash bags, etc. while using the Temple facility. These items may not be taken out of HARI premises at any time. Please do not call Executive Committee members and/or the members of the Board of Trustees with your request as no one is authorized to approve such request
  • The renting party may use the audio system provided such use was requested at the time of rental. The Executive Committee members authorizing the rental requests are responsible for arranging for a member of the Audio/Visual Committee for the assistance on the day of the rental. If the renting party found using the audio system without the aid of authorized Audio/Visual Committee member, the renting party will be responsible for all damages that are found after such usage
  • Aarti donations collected, including special Aarti that are observed at religious and other sacred occasions, need to be deposited into the donation box located by the main alter. Further clarification regarding this policy may be obtained from the current Board of Trustees at their regular monthly meetings
  • Non-profit organizations renting the temple facility may accept donations from its members to cover the cost of the religious or non-religious program. However, Temple's main entrance and other entrances/exists may not be blocked to facilitate their collections. The main entrance must be kept open during normal business hours as described in Section C above. Similarly, for access during emergencies and to meet the requirement of building fire-code, all exists must be kept blockage-free
  • Temple's upper level prayer hall is never rented and is always open to devotees for prayer during normal business hours as described in Section C above. Devotees wishing to enter the prayer hall solely for prayer purposes shall be allowed to enter the hall free of charges, even if the facility is rented for private religious or non-religious program
  • Cancellation Charges: The renting party must give two weeks cancellation notice before occupancy. Any notice less than two weeks will result in forfeit of the security deposit
  • It is the responsibility of the renting party to return the facility clean. This includes cleaning of the upper level (if used), lower level (if used), kitchen area (if used) and restrooms. The renting party must also pick up any trash and/or debris from outside of the building area littered by the invited guests
  • The security deposit will be refunded provided the devotee renting the facility cleans the facility properly after use and meets other requirements as notified by the Executive Committee at the time of renting the facility
  • HARI reserves the right to cancel any prior booked rentals with at least two weeks notice to the renting party. Appropriate cause must be given, in writing, to the renting party with 100% of the rental charges and deposit refunded
  • HARI will not be held liable for personal injuries and damages incurred to individuals and/or group of individuals during such rentals. The renting party will be held liable for such injuries and damages under this agreement. The renting party will also be responsible for damages incurred to the building, HARI property, and/or HARI owned equipments
  • Violators of any of the policy described herein will loose future renting privileges after the Board of Trustees declares the defaulting party as a violator of the renting agreement. After a 60 day show-cause notice given to the defaulting party, their name and address of the defaulting party will be published in the HARI Times

AMENDED 01-11- 2004

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

Extended Services

HARI shall provide the following extended services to its Devotees:

HARI Temple offers the following services to devotees:

Temple Hours:

Everyday 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm

HARI Temple Services: (no charge to devotees)

Daily Aarti: 8:00 am, 12:00 noon, and 7:00 pm

Daily morning puja: 9:00 am (Shubha Prabhatham)

Vishnu Sahasranama: Every Saturday 12:30 pm

Extended Services to devotees at HARI Temple:

Archana (in person or by mail) $10.00

Vahan (Car) Puja (in person) $21.00

Satyanarayana Puja:

Every Purnima at 7:30 pm $21.00 (sponsored by devotees)

Any day at 11:00 am $21.00 (pre-schedule with the Priest)

Other Ceremonies(Annaprashan, Aksharabhayanam, Namakaran, etc.)

Pre-schedule with Priest $51.00

Wedding / Engagements (does not include facility rental):

Members $151.00

Non-members $201.00

Note:

1) Timings are subject to change during festivals and special occasions.

2) Extended Services are provided only if they do not conflict with HARI scheduled programs.

Extended Services to Devotees at their Homes, beyond Temple Hours only:

Any Puja or Ceremony (Gruhpravesh, Groundbreaking, etc.):

Members: $101.00 Others: $151.00

Wedding / Engagements:

Members: $151.00 Others: $201.00

Funeral Services:

Members: $0.00 Others: $51.00

Note:

1) Devotees need to pre-schedule this with HARI President and the Priest.

2) Extended Services outside of the temple premises are provided only if they do not conflict with HARI scheduled programs.

3) All Extended Services are first come, first served basis.

AMENDED 10-31-2005

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

Guidelines to Sponsors of HARI facilitated Programs

HARI facilitated programs are those programs of religious nature that have been approved by the President of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, to be held on HARI’s premises under the sponsorship of a private entity and limits HARI to provide only the use of its premises with no other commitment of HARI’s resources.

The President will assign one of HARI’s officers to coordinate with the sponsor to facilitate the smooth conduct of the program.

The following guidelines have been approved by the Board of Trustees and are provided for the use of the sponsor of the program:

  • A written request must be submitted to the HARI President providing details about the nature of the program, its duration and other relevant details, sufficiently in advance of the program’s proposed date for approval by the President and the Board of Trustees
  • Upon receiving approval as a HARI facilitated program, the sponsor can request publication of the program details in HARI Times by submitting the required information in a timely manner
  • The Prayer Hall will be provided free of charge for such approved programs
  • Appropriate decorations in good taste can be put up by the sponsor without causing any structural alterations or damage to HARI facility. At the conclusion of the program, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to take down all the decorations and leave the hall in its original condition
  • The temple facility including the prayer hall, kitchen, downstairs hall, water fountain room, both bath rooms, stair cases, coat room and outside entrance and inside foyer areas should be thoroughly cleaned and left in a sanitary condition at the conclusion of the program
  • If dinner/Prasad is to be served using the HARI kitchen facility and/or the downstairs hall with the use of HARI provided paper products, a donation box should be kept during the dinner/prasad at all times. The donation box is necessary to collect an amount to defray the cost of paper supplies, cleaning of the facility and general upkeep. If the sponsor is unwilling to keep a donation box or average collection is not sufficient to cover the above expenses, then a donation of $150 per day of facility use is payable to HARI to cover the cost of the above
  • All Aarti and Pothi collection will go to HARI. This should be clearly made known by the sponsor of the program to the speaker before arranging the program
  • All normal parking rules and regulations should be obeyed by the sponsor of the program as well as the attendees
  • Programs that support HARI's mission are encouraged to be held at HARI. However, if monetary contribution, such as a tuition fee is sought from the attendees of a program that is held on HARI premises, and then 20% of the collection should be donated to HARI when no dinner is involved. No fund-raising of any kind for any other cause is permitted
  • Violation of the requirements mentioned in item 5 above will result in the sponsor being liable for professional cleaning charges which will be payable to HARI

AMENDED 01-28-2007

The Board of Trustees has passed the following addendum to Policies and Practices:

Rental of lower-level hall for non-profit organizations for more than once a month:

As recommended by the Rental Policy Review Committee, the BOT has approved the following guideline on Sunday, January 28, 2007 . This rental policy is applicable only to frequent (more than once a month) programs by non-profit organizations that promote Hindu religion and support the Mission of HARI:

  • The organizer should schedule the events in advance on a quarterly basis with the President
  • The organizer shall appoint a single focal point of contact
  • Without the use of Temple kitchen facility, supplies, and PA system, using the Temple facility more than once a month, a discounted rent of $60 (sixty) per event is payable in advance
  • The rent is subject to existing HARI policies and procedures regarding the decorations, upkeep, and the use of temple facility
  • The organizers of the event should make sure that participants vacate the temple by 10:30 pm
  • The aisle leading to the main sanctorum must be kept open all the time for HARI devotees
  • Programs organized by HARI or regular rentals will take precedence over this rental
  • For all other rentals (no more than once a month), the existing rental policy will continue as stated in the HARI policies and procedures