The Hindu Temple of Central Indiana is seeking a skilled, disciplined, and dedicated Vegetarian Indian Cook to prepare traditional Sattvic meals and Naivedyams for daily puja services, temple events, festivals, and weekend food operations. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in South Indian temple-style cooking , with the ability and willingness to learn and prepare North Indian Sattvic dishes as needed. This role requires culinary expertise, respect for religious food preparation standards, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume temple kitchen environment. Key Responsibilities Religious & Daily Food Preparation Prepare authentic vegetarian Sattvic meals , snacks, sweets, and festival items (strictly no onion/no garlic ). Cook South Indian Naivedyam and learn/prepare North Indian Sattvic Naivedyam as required. Prepare Prasadam for all Sannidhis based on priest instructions. Follow traditional temple recipes to maintain taste, purity, consistency, and hygiene . Prepare weekday and weekend food menus for sale at the temple counter. Manage and deliver catering orders on time. Support food preparation for temple events, weddings, private pujas, and large festival crowds. Kitchen Operations & Management Chop vegetables, prepare ingredients, and assist with all kitchen prep work. Inspect supplies, equipment, and workstations to ensure compliance with standards. Order, organize, and maintain inventory of pantry items and food supplies. Monitor freshness of ingredients and ensure proper storage to prevent waste. Maintain a clean, sanitized, and organized kitchen environment at all times. Follow all kitchen sanitation procedures, fire safety protocols , and local health regulations. Operate heavy cooking equipment commonly used in Hindu temple kitchens. Teamwork & Conduct Work collaboratively with the EC Kitchen Operations Leader , temple management, and HR. Follow directions from kitchen leaders and support volunteers. Demonstrate respectful behavior toward devotees, volunteers, officers, and staff. Act as a team player and assist in general kitchen helper duties as needed. Required Skills & Qualifications Proven experience in South Indian Sattvic cooking ; familiarity with North Indian Sattvic dishes preferred. Knowledge of regional Indian cuisines to serve a diverse devotee community. Ability to speak, read, and write in English . Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment. Excellent physical condition; ability to lift 50-100 pounds . Experience using heavy commercial cooking equipment. Ability to strictly follow religious food preparation guidelines and purity standards. Commitment to cleanliness, safety, and disciplined kitchen operations. Ideal Candidate Attributes Respectful, reliable, and committed to temple values. Able to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Flexible to support weekday, weekend, and festival schedules. Passionate about serving the community through food prepared with devotion and care.

Languages Preferred:

Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi Terms of Employment US Green Card or US Citizens preferred. Salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience; includes healthcare package. Full commitment to HTCI is required during employment. No external paid or unpaid food catering permitted without prior approval. Any potential conflict of interest must be reported to the Management immediately.

Temple Location:

Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI), 3350 N. German Church Road, Indianapolis, IN 46235

Temple Timings Weekdays:

9:00

•11:30 AM & 6:00

•8:30

PM Weekends:

9:00 AM

•8:00 PM Please send your resume to hr@htci.org

Pay:

$15.00

•$22.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Relocation assistance

Work Location:

In person