Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple
A Sacred Home for Worship, Devotion, and Community
Rooted in ancient Saivite traditions and sustained by the devotion of its community, Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple (BSKST) is a spiritual home dedicated to Lord Omkareshwara and Divine Mother Sri Kalikambal in Bellingham, Massachusetts.
What began as a humble shrine in the home of our founder and chief priest, Sri Bhairavaji, has blossomed into a sacred gathering place where devotees come together in prayer, celebrate cherished traditions, and pass on the spiritual heritage of Hinduism to future generations.
Guided by the blessings of his gurus and supported by the unwavering faith of devotees, the temple continues to uphold the principles of devotion (Bhakti), selfless service (Seva), and spiritual learning, welcoming all who seek the grace of the Divine.
Our Journey: From a Humble Shrine to a Sacred Temple
The origins of Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple are deeply rooted in faith, divine grace, and the vision of its founder.
In 2010, Sri Bhairavaji received a magnificent seven-foot Sahasralinga from India, marking a significant step toward fulfilling the vision of his guru, Swami Sathasivom, who had envisioned establishing Jyotirlinga shrines across the United States.
With profound devotion, Sri Bhairavaji installed the sacred Sivalinga alongside Mother Sri Kalikambal in the garage of his Massachusetts home. There, he began performing daily poojas, transforming an ordinary space into a sanctuary of worship. Over time, devotees were drawn to this humble shrine, gathering to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.
In 2015, Sri Bhairavaji faced a serious health challenge when doctors discovered a mass in his pancreas requiring surgery. Turning to Lord Omkareshwara in prayer, he made a heartfelt vow: should he recover, he would establish a dedicated temple for The Lord.
When the mass was subsequently found to be benign, Sri Bhairavaji received the news with deep gratitude, regarding his recovery as an expression of divine grace. Determined to fulfill his promise, he joined with friends, well-wishers, and devotees to establish a permanent place of worship.
On December 9, 2016, Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple was formally consecrated in Bellingham, Massachusetts, in accordance with the sacred Saivagama traditions.
What began as one man’s devotion had grown into a spiritual home for an entire community.
Our Deities and Spiritual Traditions
At the heart of the temple resides Lord Omkareshwara, worshipped as the principal deity, alongside the compassionate Divine Mother Sri Kalikambal, whose blessings remain central to the temple’s spiritual life.
The temple is also home to Lord Arunachaleshwara, Lord Ganesha, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Bhairava, Lord Anjaneya, and Lord Ayyappa, reflecting the richness of Hindu worship and the diverse devotional traditions of its community.
A distinctive aspect of the temple’s spiritual foundation is the presence of three forms of the Sahasralinga Sivalinga:
- Lord Omkareshwara — Jyotirlinga: The principal Sivalinga, representing the infinite and divine presence of Lord Shiva.
- Lord Arunachaleshwara — Dhyanalinga: A sacred form associated with meditation, contemplation, and inner spiritual awareness.
- Atmalinga: A form through which devotees are encouraged to participate personally in worship, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine.
Together, these sacred forms reflect the temple’s commitment to both traditional Agamic worship and individual spiritual experience.
Our Founder and Chief Priest: Sri Bhairavaji
Born in the sacred city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sri Shivachariar Muthubattar Bairavasundaram comes from a distinguished lineage of traditional Sivachariars associated with the renowned Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
His spiritual education began at the age of eight, when he commenced his studies of the Vedas, Agamas, and traditional temple rituals. His formal education includes Agama Visharadha and Sahithya Siromani studies at Madras Sanskrit College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Madurai Kamaraj University.
Under the guidance of Sri T. S. Sambamurthy Sivachariar of Sri Kalikambal Temple, Chennai, and Swami Sathasivom, Sri Bhairavaji deepened his understanding of Saivagama traditions, temple worship, and the spiritual responsibilities of a priest.
Accompanying his gurus, he participated in Kumbhabhishekams, homas, and sacred ceremonies across several countries, gaining invaluable experience in preserving and practicing these ancient traditions.
Sri Bhairavaji’s journey in Massachusetts began in 1990, when he traveled to assist with the first Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Lakshmi Temple. He returned in 1991 to serve as a priest, continuing his service there until 2010.
Throughout these years, his dedication extended beyond the performance of rituals. He encouraged children and families to learn slokas, participate in worship, and develop a personal connection with Hindu traditions.
Today, as founder and chief priest of Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple, Sri Bhairavaji continues this lifelong mission of spiritual service.
Central to his teachings is the simple yet profound mantra Om Nama Sivaya, which he encourages devotees to chant as a means of remembering Lord Shiva and cultivating devotion in everyday life.
His enduring aspiration is that every person who enters the temple experiences the blessings, compassion, and divine grace of Lord Omkareshwara and Mother Sri Kalikambal.
A Living Tradition of Worship and Community
At Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple, worship is more than a daily observance. It is the foundation of a vibrant spiritual community.
Daily poojas and traditional Agamic rituals sustain the sacred atmosphere of the temple, while weekly and monthly observances provide opportunities for devotees to deepen their faith and participate in collective worship.
Special observances include Somavara Shiva Pooja on Mondays, Ambal Abhishekam on Fridays, Pradosham, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Sathyanarayana Pooja, and Ayyappa Pooja.
Throughout the year, the temple celebrates major Hindu festivals, including Maha Shivaratri, Sri Rama Navami, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Karthikai Deepam, and Arudra Darshan.
Beyond these celebrations, the temple serves as a place where generations come together. Children discover the traditions of their ancestors, families gather in devotion, and volunteers contribute their time and talents in service to the Divine.
Through prayer, chanting, spiritual education, and community participation, BSKST strives to preserve the sacred traditions of Hinduism while nurturing a welcoming spiritual home for generations to come.
A New Chapter: Growing Through Faith and Devotion
Nearly a decade after its consecration in 2016, Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple is preparing to embark on a significant new chapter.
Through the continued blessings of Lord Omkareshwara and Mother Sri Kalikambal, and the generosity and dedication of its devotees, the temple has acquired a new home at 870 South Main Street, Bellingham, Massachusetts.
Beginning October 23, 2026, the temple will transition from its original location at 15 North Main Street to the new premises, marking an important milestone in its journey.
The sacred Taruna Aalayam Sthapanam Kumbhabhishekam and Prana Pratishtha ceremonies will take place from October 23–25, 2026, culminating in the Maha Kumbhabhishekam on Sunday, October 25.
The establishment of the Taruna Aalayam provides a consecrated sanctuary for continued worship as the temple’s future takes shape.
This new chapter is not simply a change of location. It represents the continuation of a sacred promise, the collective faith of countless devotees, and a shared commitment to preserving our spiritual traditions for generations to come.
Our Invitation to You
Whether you are visiting for the first time, seeking a moment of peace, wishing to learn about Hindu traditions, or looking for a community rooted in devotion, we warmly welcome you to Boston Sri Kalikambal Shiva Temple.
May the blessings of Lord Omkareshwara and Mother Sri Kalikambal guide us all toward peace, prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment.
Om Nama Sivaya.
