PRIVACY POLICY, TERMS OF USE, & LEGAL DISCLOSURES
Organization:
Hindu Community Center (Knoxville Mandir)
Location:
8580 Hickory Creek Rd, Lenoir City, TN 37771
Official Website:
Email:
info.knoxvillemandir@gmail.com
Effective Date:
January 1, 2026
1. FINANCIAL SECURITY & DONATION TERMS
Payment Processing:
The Hindu Community Center (HCC) uses Stripe, a secure, third-party payment processor, for all online donations, puja bookings, membership fees, and other transactions. All transactions are processed by Stripe according to its industry-standard security protocols.
PCI Compliance:
Stripe is a certified PCI Level 1 Service Provider, which is the highest level of certification in the payments industry. HCC does not have access to, nor do we store, any sensitive payment details such as your full credit card number, expiration date, or CVV (Card Verification Value).
Encryption:
To ensure that all personal and payment data is secure, our website uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. This protects all data you transmit through our website, including donation information, by encrypting it during the transmission process.
Non-Refundable Donations and Service Fees:
All donations, bookings for puja services, and membership fees made through our website are voluntary contributions. By completing any transaction, you acknowledge that these contributions are non-refundable. HCC does not offer refunds, chargebacks, or disputes after the completion of any transaction.
Liability Limitation:
HCC is not responsible for any technical failures or security breaches that occur on third-party platforms such as Stripe, PayPal, or financial institutions that may be used to process payments. Any issues arising from such third-party services should be directed to them for resolution.
2. MEDIA RELEASE & "SAFE SANCTUARY" PRIVACY POLICY
Public Space and Documentation:
The Mandir is a public place of worship, and HCC regularly documents events, festivals, and other community activities to share our cultural and religious heritage.
Implied Consent:
By attending any event at the Mandir or any HCC-sponsored activities, you give implied consent to be photographed or recorded. This consent allows HCC to use images, audio, and video recordings of you for promotional, educational, and archival purposes. These materials may be published on our website, social media platforms, or in other forms of community outreach.
Protection of Minors:
HCC adheres to a strict "Safe Sanctuary" policy to protect the privacy of minors. No personal identifiers (names, contact details, etc.) will be published alongside photos or recordings of minors without explicit parental or guardian consent.
Requests for Removal:
If you or your family member appear in a photo or video that you would like removed from HCC's platforms, please email us at info.knoxvillemandir@gmail.com. We will promptly review and honor all removal requests.
3. CONDUCT, SAFETY, & FOOD LIABILITY
Sanctity of the Space:
Visitors to the Mandir are expected to observe the sacred nature of the space by adhering to the following guidelines:
- Dress Code: Modest attire is required, and footwear must be removed in designated areas.
- Prohibited Items: The consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or non-vegetarian food is strictly forbidden within the Mandir premises.
Food Allergy Disclaimer:
Food served at the Mandir, including Prasadam (offered as a blessing) may contain allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. By consuming any food provided by HCC, you assume responsibility for any allergic reactions or foodborne illnesses. HCC and its volunteers are not liable for any such incidents.
Property Loss or Damage:
HCC is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal items, including footwear left in the shoe racks or any belongings left unattended in vehicles or other areas on the property.
4. VOLUNTEER LIABILITY WAIVER
Assumption of Risk:
All individuals volunteering for Seva (selfless service) at HCC acknowledge and accept that certain tasks, such as lifting, cooking, or event setup, carry inherent risks. Volunteers assume full responsibility for any injuries that may occur during such activities.
Release of Liability:
By participating in volunteer activities at HCC, you release and hold harmless the Hindu Community Center, its Board members, Priests, volunteers, and staff from any claims, demands, or actions related to injury, property damage, or loss that may arise during or due to volunteer service.
5. ACCESSIBILITY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
ADA Accessibility:
We are committed to ensuring that the HCC website and physical facility are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter any accessibility challenges or barriers while navigating our website or visiting the Mandir, please reach out to us at info.knoxvillemandir@gmail.com for assistance.
Intellectual Property:
All content present on our website, including logos, text, photos, videos, and any other digital or physical content, is the property of the Hindu Community Center (HCC). Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any such content without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
6. RELIGIOUS PROTECTION & BINDING ARBITRATION
Ecclesiastical Privilege:
HCC, as a religious nonprofit organization, is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Tennessee Religious Freedom Restoration Act. As such, our religious records (including records related to puja services, spiritual activities, and other religious functions) are exempt from unauthorized third-party disclosure or government intervention.
Mandatory Arbitration:
Any legal dispute arising out of or related to your use of this website, your visit to Mandir, or your interaction with HCC, shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in Knox County or Loudon County, Tennessee. By agreeing to this policy, you waive your right to a jury trial or to participate in any class action lawsuit.
Force Majeure:
HCC is not liable for any failure or delay in fulfilling our obligations under this agreement due to causes beyond our control, including, but not limited to, natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes), pandemics, civil unrest, government mandates, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Severability:
If any provision of this policy is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, the remaining provisions will continue in full legal force and effect, ensuring that the intent of the policy remains intact.
By using the Hindu Community Center's services or participating in activities at the Mandir, you acknowledge and agree to all the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Legal Disclosures. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this policy, please feel free to contact us at info.knoxvillemandir@gmail.com.
