As they prayed worshippers passed around artis, candles that symbolized their empathy for residents of the affected regions.

"It signifies us taking on their pain," a worshipper explained.

Speakers representing the temple and several relief organizations asked those assembled to donate as much as they could to help alleviate the devastation in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and other countries where the tsunami took its toll.

"Without expectation, we have to work as a team," said Sunnyvale Housing and Human Services Commissioner Narendra Kumar Pathak, who also serves as treasurer of the Gilroy-based Charitable Care Foundation. The foundation provides funding to build schools in areas hit by natural disasters.

Toward the end of the service, temple treasurer and co-founder Raj Bhanoti had collected some $5,000 in donations.

Neither Pathak nor Bhanoti knew of anyone whose family or friends live in the disaster areas, but both agreed that the local Hindu community was feeling the impact of events in East Asia.

"As Hindus we will do our best to help the people affected," Bhanoti told The Sun. "We believe in human beings."

In an effort to raise more money for the tsunami victims, the Sunnyvale temple is set to host a "Musical Evening of Fundraising" on Jan. 8 at 7pm. Tickets are $25; all proceeds will go toward disaster relief efforts.

The Hindu Temple and Community Center is located at 420-450 Persian Drive. For more information, call 408.734.4554 or visit www.sunnyvaletemple.org.