The memorial service was performed in the traditional Hindu language Sanskrit as the fire god received offerings of flowers and butter.
About 50 people attending the Shanti Homa ceremony at Tampa's Hindu Temple of Florida today then continued to pray for the people killed last week during the attacks in Mumbai.
At least 174 people were killed during the 60-hour siege on India's financial capital. The gunmen who targeted foreigners and residents are linked to a Pakastani militant group, officials say.
"There are bad people everywhere," said Radha Dwarkanath, who attended today's Shanti Homa ceremony, which means "peace" and "fire offering."
Also today, Chabad of Pinellas County held a memorial service in Palm Harbor for Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah. The couple established a Jewish center in Mumbai in 2003 and was slain during the attacks.
The Holtzbergs' goals were "to bring more goodness to the world, as well as refine it," Chabad of Pinellas County director Rabbi Shalom Adler said in a statement.
Chabad institutions coordinate adult education classes, preschools, daily prayers services, counseling and other programs for its primarily Jewish members.
Chabad of Bradenton will host a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Monday at 11509 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. The service includes a recitation of psalms, a candle-lighting ceremony and a video presentation.
For information, call the center at (941) 752-3030 or e-mail rabbi@chabadofbradenton.com.
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