The Iowa Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, located between Madrid and Granger on State Highway 17, can be a unique cultural immersion for families. After reading a blog post from local mom Kristie, my family scheduled a time to experience the temple.

The experience. Cultural sites are always interesting, and this was no exception. Going to the temple was like stepping into India, but better because we could experience north and south India at the same time without the long airplane ride. People can use all five senses here – seeing many ornate and plain hand carvings and other artwork, smelling incense, hearing chants and languages of the visitors and worshipers, touching different building materials, and tasting food, which costs a small fee and is optional (Lunch was $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids at the time of our visit).

How to visit. I suggest arranging a tour to incorporate an interpretive aspect and educational component to the visit. Without a tour guide, families who are new to Hinduism will struggle to appreciate all the artwork, architecture, and rites because there is little interpretive signage.

Visits are free admission. Wearing shorts are discouraged. Shoes must be removed. Cameras are not appropriate in the worship space. There are coat and shoe racks for visitors, and the priests are very welcoming. Our tour guide used a microphone because we were part of a large group. Since Hinduism is not a proselytizing religion, the atmosphere was very relaxed and focused on education, not conversion. Questions about anything were always welcomed by our very patient guide.

Visitors and worshipers stopped at various times during our ninety minute visit, which included a ceremony. This could be a distraction to some people, but indicative of the personal nature of the religion. Warm weather visits can include an outdoor component, especially the first weekend of June, which is the annual temple celebration.