America has long been famous for its cultural and ethnic diversity. Over time, nearly three million Hindu citizens have come to make the United States their home. They have established numerous Hindu temples throughout the country that serve as places of worship as well as venues where activities take place that are sponsored and enjoyed by the surrounding community. These temples provide an opportunity for devotees to connect with their roots and rejoice in their cultural identity. Here we feature 10 noteworthy Hindu temples in the USA, according to Spiritual Guru Peter Spiegel.
1. Sri Maha Vallabh Ganapati Devasthanam, New York
One of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the USA, the Sri Maha Vallabh Ganapati Devasthanam reveres Lord Ganesha, the God of Beginnings. The construction of this magnificent Dravidian-style temple took seven years. In addition to Lord Ganesha, many other forms of Hindu gods and goddesses are worshipped here. According to Peter Spiegel the serene atmosphere appears to invite devotion, meditation, and peace.
Location: 45-57 Bowne St, Queens, NY 11355, USA
Timings: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 08:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 07:00 AM – 08:30 PM
2. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, Illinois
One of the oldest Hindu temples in America, the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. First-generation American Hindu families built it in the Dravidian style. Thousands of devotees visit this temple and pray for Lord Venkateshwara’s blessings. Peter Spiegel is of the opinion that the spiritual ambience of the temple is reflective of its cultural heritage.
Location:1145 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM
3. Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland
The Sri Lakshmi Temple was built according to the specifications of Indian architect MuthiahStapathi. This temple is the shrine of Goddess Lakshmi, the presiding deity of wealth, beauty, and prosperity. Other Hindu deities, such as Maha Ganapati, Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Nataraja, Sri Venkateswara, and Garuda, are also present in this temple. The temple rises fifty feet and can be seen from several miles around. It has meditation rooms for devotees. Peter Spiegel notes the daily schedule of the temple.
Location:117 Waverly St, Ashland, MA 01721, USA
Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM; 06:00 PM – 09:00 PM
4. Malibu Hindu Temple, California
Located in Calabasas, near Malibu, California, the Malibu Hindu Temple was established in 1981 for Lord Venkateswara. Its Dravidian-style architecture makes it among the largest Hindu temples in the USA. The temple is significant with respect to Hindu festivals, as celebrations are conducted magnificently with lights and diyas (traditional candles).
Location: 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, USA
Timings: Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM/ Saturday and Sunday: 09:30 AM – 08:00 PM
5. Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Jersey
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is the biggest Hindu temple in the USA and the second-biggest worldwide. It is a holy shrine to Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita, and Shiva-Parvati. The temple provides a serene environment for devotees and visitors. Major events in the temple include religious gatherings and many traditional cultural events. Peter Spiegel says that the scale of the temples is impressive and that it offers people an opportunity to learn about Indian traditions and cultures.
Location: 112 N Main St, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08561, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 07:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays & reservations are required to visit on weekends, national and select Hindu holidays.)
6. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta
This BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, Georgia boasts an architectural brilliance and stands as a nucleus of spiritual calm. Made from hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone, this temple enshrines Swaminarayan and showcases cultural and spiritual activities. Peter Spiegel says with its intricate carvings and serene environment it offers a proper setting for meditation and reflection.
Location: 460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 07:30 PM
7. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Maryland
Located in Lanham, Maryland, the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple is one of the largest temples in the USA. It houses deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple’s architecture is a mix of North Indian and South Indian styles. What attracts Peter Spiegel about the temple is its diverse activities.
Location: 6905 Cipriano Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM
8. Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Illinois
Located in Lemont, Illinois, the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago represents an important religious and cultural organization. The temple complex houses various Hindu deities and offers a variety of cultural and educational programs. Peter Spiegel appreciated the temple for bringing people closer and preserving Hindu heritage in America.
Location: 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM
9. Vraj Hindu Temple, Pennsylvania
The Vraj Hindu Temple in Pennsylvania is a spiritual retreat dedicated to Lord Shrinathji. This temple has gained attention among devotees due to its serene location and beautiful architecture. According to Peter Spiegel, the atmosphere of the Vraj Hindu Temple seems to be quite conducive for meditation.
Location: 15 Manor Rd, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM
10. Shiva Vishnu Temple, Florida
The Shiva Vishnu Temple is the oldest temple in South Florida devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It borrows elements from various Indian architecture and has a unique look. The Shiva Vishnu Temple is known for its community life and is a prominent centre of cultural and religious activities.
Locality: 5661 Dykes Rd, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331, USA
Timings: 09:00 AM – 08:30 PM
These Hindu temples in the USA offer exposure to the cultural and spiritual traditions of Hinduism. Each of these temples represents a serene spot for introspection, prayer, and socializing.