Cultural diversity is as much a part of America’s identity as anything else. This multicultural, multiethnic nation has got a rich immigrant heritage to boast of. While embracing people with different backgrounds and cultures, and providing them with opportunities to realize their American dream, the United States also makes sure that there exists a hospitable environment that allows its people to be who they are in this vast nation. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that there are more than 450 Hindu temples in USA although the thriving Hindu-American community doesn’t exceed 1% of the country’s total population.
Historical data states that the Vedanta Society built the first Hindu temple in USA’s San Francisco way back in 1905. Hindu temples in USA might have started as mere brick constructions lacking in grandiosity, but elaborate temples have come up in recent times that are no less spectacular than some of the famous temples in India. Below are 5 of the popular Hindu temples in USA frequented by American Hindus.
List of Famous Hindu Temples in USA
- Malibu Hindu Temple, California
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, New Jersey
- Sri Ganesha Temple, Alaska
- Radha Krishna Temple, Utah
- Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Pennsylvania
Malibu Hindu Temple, California:
Located at Calabasas near Malibu, this temple is known for its classic South Indian style of temple architecture. Malibu Hindu Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, and it also has shrines for other Gods and Goddesses like Shiva, Parvati, Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman, Radha Krishna, Subramanya, and Padmavati.
Owned and maintained by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, the temple complex hosts various cultural programs and ceremonies. The serene setting of this temple in the Santa Monica Mountains makes it ideal for meditation. The temple’s clean parks and peaceful spaces attract tourists who can be seen picnicking here.
Address: 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, New Jersey:
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a part of the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in Robbinsville, is an important Hindu temple in America. Measuring a height of 42 feet, width of 87 feet and length of 133 feet, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is not only one of the biggest Hindu temples in USA, but also in the world.
The beautiful temple built according to the principles of Shilpa Shastra serves as an excellent example of exquisite Indian architecture and design. It is constructed entirely of stone marbles hand-carved to perfection by extremely skilled artisans of Rajasthan. Every minute detail of this temple’s architecture simply blows you away, leaving you wondering about the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India.
Address: 112 N Main Street, Robbinsville, New Jersey 0856
Sri Ganesha Temple, Alaska
Sri Ganesha Temple located in Anchorage is the northernmost Hindu temple in North America (probably the world’s northernmost temple too). The temple was established in 1999 when Sat Guru Shri Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery donated an idol of Lord Ganesha to the group of Hindus who had been regularly gathering to worship in Downtown Anchorage since 1995. This small Hindu temple in USA also houses the idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman, Lord Lakshmana, and Maa Durga.
Address: 4025 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99502
Radha Krishna Temple, Utah:
An ISKCON temple, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple is nestled in the picturesque Utah valley, just south of Spanish Fork. The grand temple built by the devout ISKCON followers (called Hare Krishnas) is modeled on the Kusum Sarovar Temple in Mathura and is the only Rajasthani-style structure in the US. Featuring huge domes, 108 spires, decorated archways, marble idols, and Krishna paintings on walls, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple looks straight out of India.
Besides prayer sessions and religious preachings, free yoga and meditation classes, art and photography displays, tour guides, and cultural exhibits are also organized at the temple. Indian festivals like Holi and Krishna Janmashtami are celebrated on a grand scale here. Holi at Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple is one of the largest such celebrations outside India.
Address: 8628 South State Road (311 West 8500 South), Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Pennsylvania:
Constructed in 1975, Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Pittsburgh is one of the earliest Hindu temples in USA. The temple design follows the sacred text of Pancharatra Agama and bears architectural resemblances to the famous Tirupati Venkateshwara Temple of Andhra Pradesh in South India.
Much like Tirupati, this temple located in Penn Hills (a Pittsburgh suburb) has become an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus settled in America. Besides the presiding deity Lord Venkateshwara, the temple also has idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. Its Golden Chariot is another top attraction.
Address: 1230 McCully Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235
In addition to the above, Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam in New York, Shiva Vishnu Temple in Florida, Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Illinois, Sri Venkateshwara Swami Temple in Illinois, Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland, and Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta are some of the other famous Hindu temples in USA. Planning a US trip? Don’t fail to add these Hindu temples to your US itinerary and avail our exclusive deals on international flight tickets to save huge on airfare.
FAQs:
What is the importance of Hindu temples in the United States?
Hindu temples in USA serve as cultural and religious hubs for Hindu communities, preserving traditions while providing space for worship, festivals, and social events.
How many Hindu temples are there in the USA?
There are over 450 Hindu temples across the United States, catering to the spiritual needs of the Hindu-American community.
Which was the first Hindu temple built in the USA?
The first Hindu temple in the USA was built by the Vedanta Society in San Francisco in 1905.
What kinds of activities and events are organized at Hindu temples in the USA?
Hindu temples in the USA organize a variety of activities including prayer sessions, cultural programs, religious festivals, yoga and meditation classes, community services, and educational workshops.
Can I participate in festivals at Hindu temples in the USA?
Yes, festivals like Diwali, Holi, Krishna Janmashtami, and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm, and tourists are welcome to participate in these festivities.
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