California : The Maa Kheer Bhawani Temple in California, USA, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Kheer Bhawani, also known as Ragnya Devi or Maa Durga, embodying divine feminine energy. While the most famous Kheer Bhawani Temple is located in Tulmulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India, there is no widely documented or officially recognized temple by this name in California based on available information. However, the spiritual and cultural essence of Goddess Kheer Bhawani is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandit communities and Hindu devotees across the United States, including California, through various temples and cultural events that honor her legacy.
In California, Hindu temples like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills and the Malibu Hindu Temple serve as spiritual hubs for diverse Hindu practices, including devotion to deities like Durga, who is worshipped as Kheer Bhawani in Kashmiri tradition. These temples, while not exclusively dedicated to Maa Kheer Bhawani, often host festivals and rituals where devotees offer kheer (rice pudding), a traditional offering associated with the goddess, especially during Jyeshtha Ashtami, a significant festival for Kashmiri Hindus. This annual celebration, typically held in May or June, draws devotees who seek blessings for prosperity and protection, mirroring the traditions of the original Kheer Bhawani Temple in Kashmir.
The Kashmiri Pandit diaspora in California, though small, maintains strong cultural ties to their heritage. They organize community gatherings, pujas, and melas (fairs) to honor Maa Kheer Bhawani, often within existing temple complexes or community centers. These events foster communal harmony, with rituals involving offerings of milk, sugar, and flowers, reflecting the goddess’s association with a sacred spring in Kashmir, believed to change colors as a divine omen.
While a dedicated Maa Kheer Bhawani Temple may not exist in California, the goddess’s worship thrives through the state’s vibrant Hindu community. Temples like the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Norwalk facilitate such practices, ensuring the goddess’s legacy endures. These spaces provide serene environments for devotees to connect spiritually, preserving the rich traditions of Kashmiri Hinduism in the diaspora.