The Radha Krishna Temple of Dallas in Allen is filling August with free weekly programming as well as a three-day spiritual retreat that requires registration.

All events welcome first-time visitors of any background.

The schedule kicks off Saturday, Aug. 1, with a Senior Citizens' Club gathering from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring conversation, interactive games, dinner and devotional fellowship. The event is open to any senior community member, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to contribute through service.

The temple's August lineup builds on momentum from its five-day Vedic consecration ceremony in early July and the free Life Transformation Program that ran July 24–30.

Saturdays: the Sapta Giri Journey

Each Saturday in August features a different celebration as part of the Sapta Giri Journey, a seven-week devotional series inspired by the Seven Sacred Hills of Tirumala.

Weekly events include Sri Venkateswara Utsava Murthy Abhishekam, Sri Yantra Pooja and Kumkumarchana, Pallaki Yatra with Jhulan Seva and Deepalankara Seva, Gau Puja, and Sudarshana Homam.

The series culminates in the First Grand Maha Abhishekam of Sri Venkateswara Swamy on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Sundays: Satsang for all

Sunday Satsang runs every week and includes bhajans, aarti, meditation, spiritual discourses and a communal meal called Mahaprasad. The program is available in person and online.

Dallas Spiritual Retreat, Aug. 21–23

The marquee event of the month is a three-day retreat led by Swami Mukundananda at the Hyatt Place Dallasa at 5101 N. President George Bush Hwy., Garland.

The retreat runs Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23, and includes morning and evening lectures, guided meditation, yoga, kirtans, spiritual Q&A, cultural performances, dedicated youth programs and a picnic with Swamiji.

Registration is mandatory and covers all retreat activities, three daily meals and materials for children's activities. Sign-up is available online or at the temple front desk.

"Genuine spiritual growth does not happen through occasional inspiration alone," Swami Mukundananda said in a statement published in the temple's July 29 blog post announcing the calendar. "It develops through regular association with God, saintly wisdom, and a community that encourages us to live our highest values."

The post was written by Rakhee Nathwani, a temple representative.

Visiting hours and what's ahead

The temple is open for darshan mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with daily aarti at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Upcoming at the Radha Krishna Temple:

  • Saturday, Aug. 1 — Senior Citizens' Club, 4–7 p.m.
  • Every Saturday in August — Sapta Giri Journey celebrations
  • Every Sunday — Sunday Satsang (in person and online)
  • Friday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 23 — Dallas Spiritual Retreat with Swami Mukundananda (Hyatt Place, Garland; registration required)
  • Saturday, Sept. 5 — First Grand Maha Abhishekam of Sri Venkateswara Swamy