Chinmaya Mangalam – Chinmaya Mission West’s Vision Centre

On 18th August 2014, with the blessings of Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda Chinmaya Mission West (CMW) acquired Thousand Oaks Ranch in Barry, Texas USA. Pujya Guruji named it Chinmaya Mangalam. Located 129 kilometres south of Dallas, Texas, it’s the largest Chinmaya Mission property in the world. A Chinmaya Mangalam Executive Committee was appointed by Pujya Guruji for its upkeep and development.
Chinmaya Mangalam is a beautiful, serene 143-acre wooded property with a large 14-acre lake. The property comes with a great deal of existing infrastructure, like a sports dome, commercial kitchen, dormitory facilities, playing fields and a lake house. The property is blessed with large natural and open areas.

The development will be styled like Chinmaya Vibhooti in Kolwan, India with appropriate modifications and enhancements. When complete, it will be a tribute to Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda. It seeks to empower sevaks with training courses, thereby keeping Pujya Gurudev’s vision ever glowing and vibrant. Camps, retreats and discourses will be organised to foster spiritual growth, and bring awareness in society about the life and works of Pujya Gurudev.

Chinmaya Mangalam is jointly owned by all centres in North America, falling under the umbrella of CMW. They contribute annually for its upkeep. The plan is to upgrade the property to start hosting national yagnas and camps. The facility development will take place in phases. As per the guidance of Pujya Guruji and Swami Swaroopanandaji, the first phase will include accommodation for a 2-year residential Vedanta course, a temple and related infrastructure. The presiding deity will be Lord Dakshinamoorty. The aim is to start the Vedanta course in 2018.

When complete, Chinmaya Mangalam will be ready to host Mahasamadhi camps, family camps, Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), National Balavihar Teacher & Volunteer training, Corporate education seminars, Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan (CJD) and a gurukul for Performing Arts in the lines of Chinmaya Naada Bindu. The use of solar panels, geothermal wells, photovoltaic panels, central bio-mass furnace makes it equipped to accommodate 2000+ people to stay and attend camps and retreats in a sustainable way.

Mangalam Site Information:
 Approximately 143 acres including a 14 acre Lake plus 4 additional bodies of water;
 Over 1,000 oak trees and other natural wildlife;
 A 3,200 sq. ft. 2 story home;
 A 16,500 sq. ft. multi-use dome hall with stage and seating capacity of 450;
 A 4,000 sq. ft. building equipped with a commercial kitchen and dining hall with 80-person capacity;
 A 4-building dorm (with separate bathroom facilities for men and women);
 A second similar facility for women;
 A double wide mobile home;
 A 2,200 sq. ft. Lake House with a gorgeous lake view; and
 Baseball and soccer fields

Since its acquisition, Chinmaya Mangalam is undergoing the process of restoration and refurbishment. Several camps and events have been held to date, hosting up to 150 children and adults.

A focused marketing effort will be launched in the first quarter of 2017 to provide information and exposure about the project. More updates about Chinmaya Managalam will be available in due course.

Mangalam Entrance

Mangalam Entrance

Dome
Dome

Dining Hall
Dining Hall

Wooded area between dorms & dining hall
Wooded area between dorms & Dining Hall

Deer roaming on the propertyDeer roaming on the property

View of the lake from the lake house
View of the lake from Lake House

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