Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple

Google This is a wonderful spiritual little temple with wonderful loving servants of God that keep this beautiful temple serene and spiritual. I live a little far from it now and miss how calm and peaceful I feel when I enter the temple. It took me tell I was 40 to find a house of God where I actually could feel God's presents.5 stars

Google I visited the place and saw a Christian, Buddhist and a Hindu, all siting together to listen to the Swami. In the world where ppl are fighting in the name of religion, glad to visit the place where they believe in the unity and harmony of all the religions and focus on seeking the truth that God is One.. Brahman alone is! Nothing else exist .5 stars

Google A nice humble unpretentious Church more or less right underneath the Hollywood freeway. Saw the most unremarkable pedestrian almost centuries old white male centered lecture on beauty that seemed half. Out and poorly delivered but a lovely humble middle aged or elderly man in an orange robe. Everybody very friendly they sang do a little organ recital in a very modest humble place of worship. Seems rather pointless and meaningless for the discussion a kindly way do I guess get community and does anyone really listen to the sermons anyways?3 stars

Google Love their little bookstore and there is never not a good time to pay homage to Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.5 stars

Google Simple message, calm atmosphere, loving people.5 stars

Yelp The bookstore has a robust, diverse book selections with nice gifts from India (and elsewhere) starting at $2. I've been to the temple for their special event celebrations. No one's cornered me to sign up for anything or wanted to steer the conversation to Rama Krishna or Vedanta-ism. I just feel welcomed and appreciated for my attendance.5 stars

Yelp I happened upon the Vedanta Society one day while driving around as a teenager. And, I have been coming here ever since. The atmosphere of this temple is interestingly unique as it is flanked by the 101, Hollywood Freeway. So, the moment you get out of your car you can hear the rumbling of the thousands of cars that pass by this temple daily. That being said, you immediately forget about this factor the moment you step onto the grounds, as the peace and the serenity of this small spiritual community immediate overtakes you. I will not go into details about the spiritual services and other activities that they offer, as that is better done by the people in-charge of this facility. Plus, the information is on their website. I will say that they have a GREAT bookshop on the property and, with a few restrictions, you can go into their temple and meditate or reflect whenever you feel the need. The Vedanta Society is truly one of the hidden treasures of Los Angeles. I highly recommend a visit here even if you are not normally drawn to Eastern spirituality.5 stars

Yelp This is extremely quiet and tranquil spot.I came here to attend one of the lectures here by Swami Sarva priya nada about self discovery and self realisation. The lecture was very enlightening and inspiring. Will come back for more lectures in future. I would recommend everyone to visit this divine place at least once.5 stars

Yelp Not to get all mystical on you but if you are reading this please take it as a sign and check Vedanta out for yourself. Beautiful, inspirational, educational, and peaceful are the main energies of this temple. If you are open and curious enough there are free classes listed on the website.5 stars

Yelp In speaking with one of the long-term American monks at the Vedanta Center, he mentioned that the Indian monks tend to be domineering. The main monk in charge is named Swami Sarvadevananda. One of his specialties seems to be routinely bossing people around and even shouting at them. Most of the attendees are from India and bow down to him and the other monks in the customary Indian fashion (i.e. touching their feet). If such obsequious behavior is not your style, this probably will not be the best place to seek spiritual growth.1 star