Quietly nestled against a scenic mountain range, the Vedanta center in Santa Barbara overlooks the Pacific ocean. A convent of five nuns oversees the maintenance of the 45-acre property, manages the bookstore and facilitates public activities at the temple. Activities include daily worship, meditation and vesper services, Sunday spiritual talks, scripture classes, and pujas (special worship services). The Society celebrates Durga Puja every year in the Santa Barbara temple.
Dedicated in 1956, the temple has received several awards for its design, and is a special point of interest for architects from around the world. The temple is open daily to the public.
The Vedanta Society of Southern California was founded in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, USA. The Society is under the spiritual leadership of the Ramakrishna Order of India. The Society's headquarters are in Hollywood, California and it maintains branch centers in Santa Barbara, San Diego, South Pasadena and Trabuco Canyon in Orange County.
Membership is open to those who are seriously interested in the teachings of Vedanta and have attended lectures and classes for some time. In addition, an interview with one of the ministers is required.
