1. About Houston Ayyappas

Houston Ayyappas is a community-based, volunteer-led devotional group dedicated to supporting devotees of Lord Ayyappa in observing Mandala Vratham and participating in associated religious and spiritual activities.

Our purpose is to bring devotees together, share religious and cultural information, facilitate community participation, and assist with the coordination of Irumudi, Kettu Nira, Mandala Poojas, Annadhanam, home poojas, and other devotional activities wherever reasonably possible.

Houston Ayyappas operates primarily through volunteers who contribute their time and resources out of devotion and service.

2. Volunteer-Based Services and No Guarantees

All assistance, coordination, and activities offered by Houston Ayyappas are provided on a voluntary, best-effort basis and are subject to available resources, religious requirements, scheduling, and necessary approvals.

Registration, payment, donation, or sponsorship does not guarantee any specific service, ritual, participation, facility, priest availability, Guruswami assistance, accommodation, or other arrangement.

While we make every reasonable effort to assist devotees, Houston Ayyappas cannot guarantee that every request will be accommodated or that any particular activity will take place as originally planned.

3. Independence from Sri Meenakshi Temple (MTS)

Houston Ayyappas and Sri Meenakshi Temple Society (MTS) are separate and independent organizations.

Houston Ayyappas does not operate, manage, or control the temple, its priests, premises, religious services, facilities, or policies.

All activities taking place at Sri Meenakshi Temple are governed by the temple's independent rules, regulations, fees, schedules, approvals, and decisions.

Any registration, payment, or communication made through Houston Ayyappas does not constitute confirmation or approval of any temple service unless separately confirmed by authorized temple representatives.

Houston Ayyappas cannot override temple decisions or guarantee access to temple facilities or religious services.

4. Payments, Contributions, and Registrations

Payments and contributions collected through Houston Ayyappas may be used to support the planning, coordination, materials, and expenses associated with community devotional activities.

Submitting a registration or making a payment does not establish an unconditional entitlement to any particular service or outcome.

Specific cancellation and refund conditions, if applicable, will be communicated in connection with the relevant registration or payment. Refund requests will be reviewed in accordance with the applicable policy and law.

Contributions should not be assumed to qualify as tax-deductible donations unless expressly supported by appropriate documentation.

5. Personal Responsibility and Participation

Devotees participate voluntarily and are responsible for complying with applicable religious guidance, instructions, safety requirements, and venue policies.

Mandala Vratham is a personal spiritual commitment. Each devotee remains responsible for their own observance and for seeking appropriate guidance from their Guruswami or religious authority.

Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising minors participating in community activities.

Houston Ayyappas reserves the right to adjust or discontinue its own assistance and coordination when reasonably necessary because of availability, safety, scheduling, or other circumstances.

6. Website Membership and Information

The Houston Ayyappas website may provide member registration, personal account management, Irumudi registration, event RSVPs, payment-related information, and submission history.

Members are responsible for providing accurate information and protecting their login credentials.

Personal information submitted through the website will be handled in accordance with our applicable Privacy Policy.

Members must not attempt to access other devotees' accounts or confidential registration information.

7. Changes, Cancellations, and Limitations

Religious events and community activities may be modified, rescheduled, limited, or canceled due to temple decisions, weather, religious requirements, volunteer availability, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

Houston Ayyappas will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant changes but cannot guarantee advance notice in every situation.

To the extent permitted by law, Houston Ayyappas does not guarantee uninterrupted website access, error-free information, or any particular result from its volunteer coordination activities.

Nothing in these Terms limits legal rights or responsibilities that cannot lawfully be excluded.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By using HoustonAyyappas.com, registering as a member, submitting a form, making a contribution, or participating in Houston Ayyappas-coordinated activities, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms of Use.

You understand that Houston Ayyappas provides volunteer-based devotional support and that services and participation are subject to availability, necessary approvals, and applicable religious and venue requirements.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

Essentials of Terms & Conditions