Exploring Divine Sanctuaries
Introduction :
The
United States, renowned for its cultural diversity, is a tapestry of faiths and
traditions that intersect harmoniously. Among the spiritual gems that grace its
landscape, Hindu temples stand as luminous beacons of devotion, artistry, and
cultural heritage. Whether you are a tourist on a short visit to the USA, have
gone there for higher studies, or have settled there in the USA, or are a Citizen of the USA,
everyone wishes to visit Temples as part of their religious sanctity, especially
during festival occasions. In this Divine Article, we embark on a
spiritual odyssey to uncover the 10 must-visit Hindu temples scattered across
the United States. Each temple is not just a place of worship, but a sanctuary
that resonates with the soul, inviting seekers to connect with the divine.
1. Akshardham Temple, New Jersey
Address: 112 N
Main St, Robbins Ville, NJ 08691
Temple
Timings: 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM (Weekdays), Extended hours on
weekends
Photography: Not
allowed.
Languages:
English, Hindi
How to
Reach: By Car you can reach using GPS Navigator.
Parking: The Akshardham Temple provides ample parking space for visitors. You can park
your vehicle in the designated parking areas near the temple.
By
Public Transportation:
· You can also reach the temple using
public transportation. The nearest train station is the Trenton Transit Centre.
· From the train station, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or a local bus to reach the Akshardham Temple. The temple is approximately a 20-minute drive from the Trenton Transit Centre
2. Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston, Texas
In
Stafford, Texas, the Swaminarayan Mandir emerges as a haven of serenity and
spirituality. This architectural gem, constructed from Turkish limestone and
Italian marble, stands as a testament to the artistry and devotion of its
creators. The temple complex not only offers a space for prayer but also hosts various
other cultural events that celebrate Hindu traditions. Visitors can experience
the tranquillity of the temple's surroundings and marvel at the intricately
carved pillars and domes. There is also
a Souvenir Shop that is located in front of the Mandir. This shop has a wide selection of books, picture cards, CDs, DVDs, and gifts for all
ages, tastes, and budgets. Click Here to know more about this Temple.
Address: 1150
Brand Ln, Stafford, TX 77477
Tel: 281-765-2277
E-mail: info.houston@usa.baps.org
Temple
Timings: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM (Daily)
How to Reach: The temple is easily accessible by car and public transportation.
3. Radha Krishna Temple, Utah
There are two temples: One
located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the other located in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Nestled
against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains in Spanish Fork, Utah, the Radha
Krishna Temple is a sanctuary of peace and devotion. Its traditional Indian
architecture transports visitors to the heart of the subcontinent. The temple's
serene atmosphere provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday
life. Beyond its architectural grandeur, the temple offers spiritual classes,
festivals, and vegetarian feasts that foster a sense of community. The Radhakrishna Temple is
inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India
The Spanish Fork Krishna’s Lotus Temple was completed in the year 2001 and the Salt
Lake City temple was completed in August of 2019. More information about the Temple can be found Here.
Salt Lake City Krishna Temple
Address: 965 E 3370 S, Millcreek,
Utah 84106
Tel : (385) 528-7107
Temple Timings 7 am to 1pm, 4 pm to 8 pm
Spanish Fork Krishna Temple
Address: 311
W 8500 S, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
Tel : (801)
798-3559
Temple Timings: 10am to 8pm every day
Arati is at 6:00 pm every evening.
Other Information: Donation-based vegetarian buffet is also available from 11
am to 6 pm.Suggested buffet donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
4. Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam, New York
This
Hindu Temple is situated in the heart of New York. Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple
serves as a cultural haven for devotees of Lord Ganesha. This temple, also
known as the Ganesh temple, offers a space for worship, meditation, and
cultural enrichment. The deity's presence is palpable, and the temple's
festivals and rituals create a sense of unity and spiritual upliftment. Special
Poojas are conducted on selected Hindu festivals. Visit their Official Website to know more about them.
Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355
Tel :
(718) 460-8484 Ext 112
Email : hts@nyganeshtemple.org
Temple Timings : Weekdays: 8:00 am to 8:30 pm ·
Weekends: 7:30 am to 8:30 pm
Additional Information: This is a place of worship and requires proper traditional Attire for
both Men and Women. NO shorts or skirts (above the knee) and/or ripped jeans. Temple
provides a dhoti/garment for wearing at a cost of $5.00 as long as you are
inside the temple.
5. Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, Illinois
Situated
in Aurora, Illinois, the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple is a testament
to devotion and architectural magnificence. The temple's towering gopuram
(entrance tower) is adorned with intricate sculptures that narrate tales from
Hindu scriptures. The temple offers various poojas and sevas on particular days
of the week. You may refer to the
official website of the Temple for more information. Inside, the sanctum
sanctorum houses the presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), radiating a
sense of divine grace.
Address: 1145, Sullivan Road, Aurora, Illinois IL 60506
Telephone:
555-555-1234
Email:
svsbalaji@gmail.com
Temple Timings: 09.00 AM to 09.00 PM Monday to Sunday.
Additional
Information: The Temple offers various sevas, like Suprabhata
Seva, Thomala Seva, Samuhika Sri, Satyanarayana Swami Pooja, Vishnu Sahasranama
Archana, Ekanta Seva, etc. More information can be found on their Official Website and Here as well.
6. Shiva Vishnu Temple, California
This
temple is located in Livermore, California. The Shiva Vishnu Temple serves as a
spiritual oasis for devotees of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple's South
Indian architectural style is characterized by its intricately carved pillars,
vibrant murals, and ornate gopurams. Amidst the serene surroundings, visitors
can take part in religious ceremonies, cultural events, and yoga classes, being
conducted by the Temple Board. All pooja
items are also available inside the Temple for the devotees.
Address: 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94551
Telephone : (925)
449 6255, (925) 449 6254
Email: info@livermoretemple.org
Temple
Timings: Mon – Thursday 09.00
AM to 12 Noon, 06.00 PM to 0800 PM
Other Days: 09.00 AM to 08.00 PM.
7. Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Washington DC
This
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, located in Lanham, Maryland is about 12 miles from
Washington D.C. The Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple stands as a cultural and
spiritual hub for the Washington DC metropolitan area. With its distinct North
Indian architectural style, the temple offers a vibrant space for worship,
cultural programs, and community engagement. The annual festivals and religious
rituals celebrate Hindu traditions and foster a sense of unity among devotees. The Temple has several Sannidhi’s with
several deities which were consecrated between the years of 1990 and 2002. Visit the official website for more detailed information.
Address:
6905 Cipriano Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Telephone: (301) 552-3335
Email: ssvt@ssvt.org
Temple
Timings: Monday to Friday: 9AM - 1PM and 5PM - 9PM
Saturday -
Sunday: 9AM - 9PM
8. Venkateswara Temple, Atlanta
In the
heart of Georgia, the Venkateswara Temple in Atlanta stands as a spiritual
retreat dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple's pristine white
architecture and ornate craftsmanship create an atmosphere of tranquility and
devotion. As one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States, it attracts
devotees and visitors from far and wide.
The Temple offers different facilities to suit your needs. Most of the
facilities can host up to 350 guests. Halls include Mahathi Auditorium, Aksyaha
Hall, Nitya Kalyani, and Yagashala for performing various religious functions
and events. Visit
their Official Website for more information.
Address: 5851 Georgia 85, Riverdale GA 30274
Telephone : 7709077102
Email: htamanager@hindutempleofatlanta.org
Temple
Timings: 09. AM to 06.00
PM all days.
9. Rama Temple, Greater Chicago
In the Greater Chicago area, the Rama Temple is a haven for devotees of Lord Rama. The temple's architecture and surroundings are designed to evoke a sense of serenity and devotion. As of today, the temple, in addition to two main temples, Sri Rama and Ganesh-Shiva-Durga temples, has a Vivekananda Statue and Vivekananda Spiritual Centre that provides an additional source to learn and experience spirituality. The entire complex has two separate temples.
· Rama Temple, which
includes Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, Lord Ganesha,
Sri Hanuman, Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji), Mahalakshmi,
Sri Krishna, and Radha.
· Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple,
which includes, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Durga Devi,
Lord Subrahmanya, Devi Parvathi, Nataraja, Ayappasamy, and Navagraha.
From
cultural programs to religious ceremonies, the temple fosters a sense of
community and spiritual growth among its
visitors. More information about the
temple and its activities can be found on its Official Website
Address: 10915, Lemont Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Telephone: 630.972.0300
Temple
Timings: 09. AM to 09.00 PM.
10. Hindu Temple of Central Indiana
Our
journey concludes in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the Hindu Temple of Central
Indiana stands as a symbol of devotion and unity. The temple's architecture
reflects traditional Indian design elements, creating an ambiance of reverence.
Devotees can participate in religious ceremonies, cultural events, and
spiritual discourses that nurture their connection with Hindu traditions. The good part about this temple is that Self-guided
tours of the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana are available. The tour takes approx. 1 hour and the tour covers
Some essential information about Hinduism and how the spaces and symbols
of the temple help the spiritual journey.
You need to pay just $5 for taking part in this self-guided tour. Click here to find more information about this temple.
Address: 3350
N. German Church Rd., Indianapolis IN 46235
Telephone : (317)
891-9199
Email: seva@htci.org
Temple
Timings : Weekdays: 09.00 to 11.30 AM and 06.00 to 08.00 PM.
Weekend: 09.00 to 08.00 PM.
Conclusion :
It gives
us a divine and spiritual feeling to visit Hindu temples, especially in a
different country (other than our home country), where the same religious
sanctity is maintained. So, what are you
waiting for, next time you visit the United States, don’t forget to visit these
10 famous Hindu temples.
These
10 must-visit Hindu temples in the United States are more than just physical
structures; they are gateways to the divine, offering spiritual seekers an
opportunity to connect with their inner selves and embrace the timeless wisdom
of Hinduism. Plan your pilgrimage, immerse yourself in the sanctity of these
temples, and let their spiritual aura guide you on a journey of self-discovery
and enlightenment. Comment in the comment section about your experience on the
same.