America has a proud history of diversity. The country was built on the pillars of a multiethnic and multicultural diverse diaspora. There is a diverse immigrant heritage society, and among these are many Hindus. In the United States, Hindu Temples aren’t only worship spots but are also community centres that allow people to come together to celebrate events and festivals.
Hinduism is among the oldest and most popular religions, with many followers around the globe. In the United States, there are numerous Hindu temples that function as vital spiritual and cultural places for the entire group.
Hindu temples in the USA may have begun as simple brick structures lacking in grandeur; however, temples have sprung to the forefront in recent years and are just as stunning as many of the temples that are famous in India.
In this article, you’ll find a list of the Top 15 Most Famous Hindu temples in the United States of America that you need to visit in your lifetime.
The Ganesh Temple, New York
The Ganesh Temple, located in New York, is a revered and beautiful Temple that is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, who is one of the most revered gods in Hinduism. This temple is run by the Hindu Temple Society of North America is a non-profit organization which manages the Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam temple located in Flushing, Queens, in New York City. Inaugurated on the 4th of July, 1977 it was the second of Hindu temple in the United States.
The temple is a tranquil environment that encourages visitors to ponder and attain inner peace. It also offers the opportunity for Hindus living in New York to connect with their heritage and take part in cultural and religious events all through the year.
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Robbinsville, New Jersey
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple located in New Jersey is a magnificent Hindu temple in the USA that covers 162 acres of land. The temple was built with the Nagaradi style and is made up of 68,000 cubic feet of Italian Carrara marble. It holds the world record as the largest Hindu Temple in the world as per the World Record Academy.
It is an emblem for devotion to peace, harmony, and tranquility and is frequented by a large number of visitors each year. It is famous for its magnificent construction, intricate carvings and gorgeous gardens. The temple complex contains a variety of shrines dedicated to various deities which include Lord Swaminarayan, Radha Krishna, and Lord Ganesha.
Temples also host a wide range of cultural and educational programs that display Indian practices, music, art, and other forms of expression.
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Spanish Fork, Utah
This temple located in Utah is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Radha Krishna. The temple is administered by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and their efforts to spread awareness of their religion and Indian cultural practices to the rest of the world.
The influence of this group could be traced to thousands of years back to the earliest beliefs of Krishna as well as to the modern-day supporters of Krishna Consciousness. The temple is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year and daily services for meditation and prayer.
It is a sanctuary with beauty and tranquility that draws devotees to the eternal affection that is Radha as well as Krishna. The beautiful and captivating gods Radha and Krishna are a part of this temple and fill the air with a sense of divinity and peace.
Malibu Hindu Temple, Calabasas, California
Malibu Hindu Temple is located in the city of Calabasas close to Malibu, California and built in the year 1981. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Venkateswara and is located in the Santa Monica Mountains.
It is operated and owned through the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California. It was built in the classic South Indian style. It is a popular destination for followers of Hinduism throughout Southern California. It is among the largest Hindu temples in the USA (Western Hemisphere).
The temple is located on a vast site of 27 acres and is surrounded by picturesque green hills and lush vegetation. The Hindu temple comprises two parts which are the upper complex, which has Lord Venkateswara in the role of main presiding deity, and the lower which has Lord Shiva serving as main god.
It also contains shrines to Lord Ganesha and Lord Ganesha as well as Navagrahas and the Navagrahas, among others. The temple has a wide range of cultural and spiritual programs that include puja rituals as well as meditation sessions and cultural occasions.
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh is an Hindu temple located in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, and is situated at the South Mccully Drive.This temple is run by Hindu Temple Society of Pittsburgh which was established in 1973.
The temple was constructed in the month of June, 1976. The temple was modeled after shrines found in Southern India & designed by The Endowment Department of Andhra Pradesh.
The temple is built with two sides, and an edifice in the middle, symbolizing two hands and the head. The temple is home to over 50,000 worshippers around the world, with visitors coming from all over India as well as Canada for a visit.
This Sri Venkateswara Temple in New York is one of the most stunning temples. It is among the most well-known Hindu Temples across the US and draws thousands of devotees every year.
Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Washington D.C
The Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) is an Hindu temple within Lanham, Maryland, 12 miles to the west of Washington D.C. It is among the most massive Hindu worship centers in the United States, covering an area of 27 acres.. It was founded in 1976, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The Temple is situated at Cipriano Road and there are two temples situated along the same road. There is also the Murugan Temple of North America situated in the area.
The idol was consecrated in 1986 and is believed to be one of the most important Venkateswara idols located outside India.
The actual construction of the temple began in 1988, and it has since incorporated temple architecture from the Mayan, Pallava, Vijayanagara, Kerala and the South Canara styles of temple construction.
This Hindu Temple in America offers a variety of cultural and religious events, such as the daily puja (worship) as well as weekly Bhajans (devotional singing), as well as annual festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri. The temple’s principal god is a 9-foot tall statue depicting Lord Venkateswara, who is the embodiment of the god Lord Vishnu.
Vraj Hindu Temple, Pennsylvania, PA
The Vraj Hindu Temple, located in Pennsylvania, is a magnificent temple complex that reflects the rich culture of Hinduism. It is dedicated to the God Krishna and is renowned for its impressive marble construction as well as its intricately carved carvings. The temple complex spans over 300 acres and includes a holy lake and stunning gardens that enhance the peaceful and tranquil ambience that surrounds the temple.
The temple is home to a range of cultural and spiritual events throughout the year, such as puja rituals, cultural festivals, and educational events. Vraj Hindu Temple is a space for contemplation and immersion into culture and is a must-see destination for those who want to experience the rich tradition of Hinduism within America.
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston, Texas
The Swaminarayan Mandir located in Houston is a stunning Hindu temple within the town in Stafford, Texas. It is among the 6 Swaminarayan temples located in the United States and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
The temple was opened in 2004 and was built with traditional Hindu design. The exterior wall of the temple is constructed out of Italian marble, and Turkish limestone. The inner sanctum is home to a five-foot tall marble statue of Lord Swaminarayan.
There are also shrines to other Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna Ganesh, Hanuman, and Shiva-Parvati. The Hindu temple located in America has everyday worship (worship) and Aarti (devotional singing) and also festivities and cultural events all throughout the year.
The Swaminarayan Mandir located in Houston is a sanctuary of peace and spiritual renewal attracted by people from every walk of life who are drawn by its beauty and spiritual energy.
Venkateswara Temple, Atlanta
The Venkateswara Temple, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara as the embodiment from Lord Vishnu. It was founded in 1986, and is one of the biggest Hindu worship centers in the United States.
The temple’s design is influenced by the renowned Venkateswara Temple, which is located in Tirupati, India. It is home to a major Gopuram (tower) that is over 80 feet high and is decorated with vibrant sculptures of different Hindu gods.
There are also shrines dedicated to various Hindu gods like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha along with Goddess Durga. The primary deity in the temple is the 3.5-foot-tall god of Lord Venkateswara who was sanctified in 1988. The temple is home to every day puja (worship) as well as weekly Bhajans (devotional singing) and annual celebrations such as Brahmotsavam as well as Vaikunta Ekadasi.
Venkateswara Temple located in Atlanta is more than just a sacred space for worship but also an institution for spiritual and cultural instruction offering a variety of classes and events for kids as well as adults.
Radha Madhav Dham, Austin, Texas
Radha Madhav Dham is a Hindu temple and spiritual retreat center that is located within Austin, Texas. It is among the biggest Hindu worship centers in the United States dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and his wife, Radha. The temple was established in the year 1990 by Jagadguru Shrie Kripaluji Maharaj. an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher and master who was a teacher of Bhakti Yoga.
The main god of the temple is a statue of marble that measures 25 feet high of Radha-Krishna. The statue is thought to be the most impressive in India. The temple has every day prayers, Bhajans and spiritual talks and also the annual celebrations like Janmashtami or Radhashtami.
Radha Madhav Dham also functions as a spiritual center of education. One can find workshops and classes in Bhakti Yoga, Vedic philosophy and many other topics. The temple is situated in an ideal tranquil and natural setting.
Rama Temple, Greater Chicago
Rama Temple is a Hindu temple located in the suburbs of Greater Chicago in Illinois, USA. It is dedicated to Lord Rama.
The temple was built in 1976 and has since grown into a renowned center of the Indian community in the Greater Chicago area. The temple has a classic South Indian architectural style. The interior is decorated with gorgeous statues of several Hindu gods, such as Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and many more.
The temples in the USA host a range of religious and cultural celebrations all through the year, such as regular puja ceremonies, bhajans, and celebrations for festivals. The temple also offers education programs for children as well as adults.
Iraivan Temple, Hawaii
Iraivan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple in the Hawaiian island Kauai located in Hawaii, USA. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of gods. The temple was built using the traditional Hindu architectural style and constructed entirely of white granite that was imported from India.
It took over 15 years to construct and was completed in the year 2010.
There are intricate carvings and statues of Hindu deities on the walls of the temple. Its interior sanctum is home to a 12-foot crystal Sivalingam that is thought to be the biggest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
Old Vedanta Society Temple
The building was unique, and was constructed in 1906, it was the very first Hindu Temple in the United States. The Vedanta Society of San Francisco was founded at the time of Swami Vivekanandaji following his attendance at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 at Filbert Street & Webster.
The project was created in two phases between 1905, and in 1908. The fusion of Mogul was created by Swami Trigunatitananda and architect Joseph A. Leonard. The towers, which are in a variety of Indian, Mogul, and Western architectural styles “are intended to symbolize the harmony of all religions and the pointed arches and domes the upward aspiration of the spiritual seeker.”
When the temple’s services were announced there was a small gathering to listen to the weekly sermons of the powerful and inspiring monk. There were many swamis who stayed at this temple from 1915 to 1969, including Swami Prakashananda, (Swami Trigunatita’s assistant and successor) along with Swamis Prabhavananda, Dayananda, Madhavananda, Vividishananda, Ashokananda, and Shanta Swarupananda.
Boise Hare Krishna Temple
The Boise Hare Krishna Temple and Vedic Cultural Center was opened close to Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States in 1986, at the residence of one of its members. Prior to that, there was any Hare Krishna temple in town. Professors and teachers from local colleges and schools frequently took classes to the temple.
In 1999, a new temple was constructed within two brick duplexes. The temple was officially opened in August 1999. Boise the Mayor Brent Coles cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the temple for the public. Apart from a gold dome the exterior brick is a blend with the duplexes and neighborhood. The influence of the east is apparent.
The temple was created and built by Boise architectural firm Bruce Poe. Golden domes, the painted ceiling, and stunning stained glass windows created by masters of the local community. Centrally situated in The temple lies a hand-carved altar made of teakwood from India’s Jaipur.
It is believed by the faithful to be the home of the temple’s presiding Deities the Sri Sri Radha Bankebihari. On the south-facing side there is a stained-glass window made by Meridian artist Michael Booth which highlights the “Ten Incarnations.”
Hindu Temple of Delaware
The Hindu Temple is located in Hockessin, Delaware. It was established in 2002, and was one of the first Hindu temples to be built in Delaware. As per The News Journal, the temple has been “a social and cultural gathering place” for Indian Americans in New Castle County.
The main god of the temple is Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
In the latter half of the twentieth century Indian immigrants from Delaware began to gather at local schools and churches for worship, and to celebrate Hindu celebrations. When the Indian American population grew, these families started an association called the Hindu Temple Association Hockessin.
The group held fundraisers to raise funds to purchase the land needed to construct the temple. After raising enough money the group purchased the land for five acres. It was in 1996 that construction started at the location. In 2002 the temple was officially inaugurated by ceremonies such as the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony.
In the year 2020 the statue of 25 feet Hanuman the god of wisdom and courage, was erected at the entrance of the temple. It is the largest Hanuman sculpture within the United States and weighs 60,000 pounds.
The temple is managed by a trustees’ board.
Conclusion
We can conclude that in the USA over 400 Hindu temples are in existence. It is impossible to include the entire number. Therefore, we have listed the top 15 hindu temples in the USA with beautiful style and architectural design. Let us know if a new temple is planned in 2023 or within the next few years. Are you planning for a US trip? Make sure to include the following Hindu Temples on the US itinerary.
Also Read: 10 Most Expensive Cities In The USA
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