When it comes to abroad imagining a Hindu Temple there is a far-fetched thing. But, finding Hindu Temples in the USA is not a difficult task today. The temples are there not only to serve Hindus & Indians but also to cater to other people of all races, communities, and sects. There are countless examples like Mark Zuckerberg - the founder of Meta, Steve Jobs - The CEO of Apple, and many others who showed faith in Hinduism and visited temples to get blessed and so happened. They found the inspiration to revolutionize the world and set a benchmark for others.
For Hindu communities, the temples fulfill spiritual needs and energize devotees to excel on their paths. More than just a worship place, the Hindu Temples serve as a community center and a platform to stay rooted in their culture, identity, and values. So If you are a Hindu in the USA or hoping to visit a temple nearby you, this listicle ‘Top five Hindu Temples in the USA’ can help you.
1. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Jersey
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir in New Jersey is the largest Hindu Temple in the USA. Located at 112 North Main Street, Robbinsville, New Jersey, the temple, with its marvelous look, is built on 183 acres of land. The visuals will stun you and arrest your visions for a while. Look at the image below, you might not have seen such a big temple with a huge campus ever.
It is constructed by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam) Swaminarayan Sanstha works globally to foster Hindu values, faiths, humanitarian service, and harmony. The Akshardham Temple in New York is one of the three temples in BAPS’s global network of the Akshardham Temple series. The other two Akshardhams are in India in New Delhi & Gujarat. The temple has a strict dress code and some etiquette for visitors so if you are visiting the temple you must learn before visiting the place. The temple is open on all days between 9 am to 7:30 pm except Tuesday.
Image: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham New Jersey
2. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh (The Oldest Hindu Temple In The USA)
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh is the oldest Hindu Temple in the USA, constructed in 1977 on the line of Tirumala Tirupati Balaji in India. It has been given the shape of the Tirupati Temple (India) and styled in that way, this is why it is considered an important pilgrimage for Hindus in the United States. This temple is also regarded as the ‘trend-setting south Indian temple in the USA’ because of its unique celebration and rituals there.
Image: Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh
3. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Utah
Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah was built in 1998 by Charu Das (Original name ‘Christopher Warden’)and his wife Vaibhavi Das who were ISKCON Devotees. Hence, the construction was made to serve the Lord Krishna along with his consort Radha Rani being influenced by the ISKCON. The temple is located at 311 W 8500 S, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, United States, open daily between 10 am to 8 pm, featuring a veg. Buffet, a gift shop, an amphitheater, and an animal park housing different species of animals including Cows inside the campus. The temple organizes the Holi festival with great grandeur so if you love color this is the perfect time to visit.
4. Vraj Hindu Temple, Pennsylvania
Vraj Hindu Temple, in Pennsylvania, is a beautiful temple that catches the eye at first glimpse. The temple is nestled, in the blue beauty of mountains, in a campus of over 265 acres. The natural serenity of the place can force you to pinch yourself for once to make yourself to make you believe are outside India. Being here in the temple feels like home, feels like Brajbhoomi, and feels like India. The beautiful temple witnesses visits of more than one lac pilgrimage annually. So, if you wish to join them too, let your foot, walk towards 51 Manor Rd, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, United States.
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Image: Vraj Hindu Temple, Pennsylvania
5. Shiv Vishnu Temple, South Florida
Shiv Vishnu Temple in South Florida is a renowned Hindu temple spread over an area of 6200 sq. Feet. The temple was built in the architectural style of the Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagara dynasties, who, once were the great dynasties of Southern India during the 10th century period. Hence, it serves the need for Indian-styled temples in the United States for Hindus and it makes the temple unique.
It houses two main shrines (Garbagrahas) one for Lord Shiva Family and the other for the Lord Vishnu family. The temple, apart from worship, runs various other activities including religious teachings, Indian classical dance, music, and others to benefit new generations. So if you wish to feel like being in an Indian temple, visit the temple between 6 am to 8 pm, the temple remains open on all days.
Image: Shiv Vishnu Temple, South Florida
Key Things To Know Before You Visit Any Temple
Following are the key things that you must learn when visiting a temple or any sacred place. Here is the list that you can consider before visiting Hindu temples in the USA:
(a) The temples in the USA are spread over large areas and function in many activities so it is advisable to explore the features of the temple on the official website before going to visit the temple.
(b) Each temple has set guidelines for visitors and some etiquette to follow, so read this carefully before entering the temple.
(c) The Hindu Temples more than an attraction are sacred places. So, be disciplined there and follow their code of conduct if any like removing shoes, keeping quiet, abstain photography & videography, etc.
(d) The temples in the United States Of America may have a dress code for visitors. So, before visiting the temple decorate yourself in elegant attire.
(e) If you are there on the temple premises, take an interest in the ongoing rituals and practices and do not disrespect them.
Conclusion
Apart from the above list of five temples, there are thousands of other Hindu temples in the USA which hold the same significance as these five. With the establishment of the first Hindu temple in the USA by the Vedanta Society of Vivekananda, the Hindu community has walked a long way in the path of establishing their places of worship.
So, whenever you visit a Hindu temple belonging to any sect, remember its cultural significance and consider it as a symbol of cultural identity and as an institution of unity.
Thank You for reading till the last line.
