Discover Hindu temples in Illinois from Chicago’s Devon Avenue to Naperville. Complete guide with addresses, timings, festivals & community info. Visit now!

Hindu Temples in Illinois: Your Complete Guide to Chicago, Devon Avenue & Naperville’s Sacred Spaces

I still remember my first winter in Chicago—that brutal February when the windchill hit -30°F and I seriously questioned every life decision that brought me to the Midwest. Then someone told me about the Rama Temple in Lemont. “Go on Sunday morning,” they said. “You’ll forget you’re in Illinois.”

They were right. Walking into that beautiful temple complex, hearing familiar bhajans, smelling incense mixed with the aroma of fresh prasad, and being warmly welcomed by aunties in saris and uncles in sweaters—suddenly Chicago felt less foreign. That temple became my anchor through six harsh winters and counting.

The Hindu temples in Illinois Chicago area have a special quality. Maybe it’s Midwestern friendliness combined with Indian hospitality. Maybe it’s the shared experience of surviving winters together. Or maybe it’s because the community here is relatively close-knit despite the city’s size. Whatever the reason, Illinois temples feel like home in a way that surprised me.

Illinois is home to approximately 125,000 Hindus, with the vast majority concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area. This community has built an impressive network of temples across the region—from the iconic Devon Avenue corridor that’s been Chicago’s “Little India” for decades, to the sprawling suburbs of Naperville, Lemont, and beyond. These aren’t just weekend gathering spots; they’re thriving cultural centers that have adapted traditional Hindu practice to Midwestern American life.

This guide comes from years of temple-hopping across Chicagoland. I’ll take you through the major temples, the cultural treasure that is Devon Avenue, the growing temple communities in the suburbs, and everything you need to know about finding your spiritual home in the Land of Lincoln.

Table of Contents

The Chicago Hindu Community: A Brief History
Devon Avenue: Chicago’s Living Indian Heritage
The Crown Jewel: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Naperville and the Western Suburbs
The Magnificent BAPS Temple in Bartlett
Lemont’s Rama Temple Complex
Northern Suburbs and Beyond
Devon Avenue: More Than Just Temples
Surviving Chicago Winters at the Temple
Major Festivals and Celebrations
The Second Generation: Growing Up Hindu in Illinois
Practical Information for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions

The Chicago Hindu Community: A Brief History

Chicago’s Hindu story is deeply tied to Devon Avenue on the city’s North Side. Starting in the 1960s and accelerating after the 1965 Immigration Act, Indian immigrants—many of them professionals recruited to Chicago’s universities and hospitals—began settling in the West Ridge neighborhood along Devon Avenue.

What makes Illinois unique is how the community has evolved. Unlike coastal cities where Hindu populations are massive, Chicago’s community is large enough to support extensive infrastructure but small enough that you genuinely run into the same people across different temples and events. There’s a sense of cohesion here that I haven’t felt in bigger cities.

The other distinctive feature is the suburban spread. While Devon Avenue remains the cultural heart, the real growth over the past 20 years has been in suburbs like Naperville, Bartlett, Lemont, and Schaumburg. These areas have seen explosive growth in Indian American families, and temples have followed—often with spectacular results on large suburban plots.

Devon Avenue: Chicago’s Living Indian Heritage

Before we dive into specific temples, we need to talk about Devon Avenue. This roughly two-mile stretch from Western Avenue to Ridge Avenue is more than just a street—it’s a cultural institution. Walking down Devon is an assault on the senses in the best way: Bollywood music pouring from storefronts, the smell of fresh samosas, shops selling everything from saris to spices to Ganesh murtis.

The Devon Avenue Experience:

I bring every visitor to Chicago here at least once. We’ll hit Argo Georgian Bakery for their incredible naan, stop at Patel Brothers for groceries, browse jewelry at one of the many shops, and inevitably end up at a chaat place for pani puri. And woven throughout this commercial corridor are several important temples and religious institutions.

What You’ll Find on Devon:

• Multiple temples representing different traditions
• Indian grocery stores (Patel Brothers, Fresh Farms)
• Restaurants serving every regional Indian cuisine
• Sari and jewelry shops
• Sweet shops (Tahoora Sweets, Sukhadia’s)
• Bookstores with religious texts
• Bollywood video rental (yes, still!)

Getting There:

• By CTA: Red Line to Loyola, then bus 155 (Devon)
• By Car: Street parking can be challenging; arrive early or use paid lots
• Best Times: Weekend afternoons for the full cultural immersion

The Crown Jewel: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago

Address: 10915 Lemont Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 972-0300
Website: https://www.ramatemple.org

If you only visit one Hindu temple in Illinois, make it this one. Located in the southwest suburb of Lemont, this is the oldest and most prominent Hindu temple in the Chicago area, and it’s absolutely spectacular.

The Temple:

Founded in 1977, what started as a small house of worship has grown into a massive 18-acre complex that serves as the spiritual hub for Chicagoland’s Hindu community. The architecture blends traditional Indian temple design with practical Midwestern considerations—which means heated floors for our brutal winters!

Deities:

This temple is truly pan-Indian, with shrines dedicated to:

• Rama Parivar (main shrine) – Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
• Shiva Parivar – Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha
• Venkateswara – South Indian Vaishnavite tradition
• Durga Ma – Especially vibrant during Navaratri
• Radha Krishna
• Shirdi Sai Baba

What Makes It Special:

The inclusivity is remarkable. You’ll hear Sanskrit chants, Gujarati bhajans, Tamil hymns, and Hindi aartis—all in the same day. The temple deliberately serves all Hindu communities regardless of regional or linguistic background.

Timings:

• Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Major Festivals: Extended hours

Special Programs:

• Sunday morning: Community prayers and cultural programs
• Pradosham: Special pujas on 13th day after new/full moon
• Weekly abhishekams: Different deities each day
• Monthly programs: Satyanarayana puja, Hanuman Chalisa
• Annual chariot festival: Massive wooden chariot pulled through the grounds

Community Programs:

• Sanskrit classes: For children and adults
• Classical arts: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic music, Hindustani music
• Hindi and Telugu language instruction
• Religious education: Balavihar programs
• Youth leadership development

Facilities:

• Expansive parking (crucial in Chicago!)
• Large community hall for weddings and events
• Commercial kitchen
• Bookstore and gift shop
• Outdoor pavilion for summer events

Personal Experience:

My first Navaratri at this temple was overwhelming in the best way. Nine nights of celebrations, hundreds of people in traditional dress, the energy of the dandiya nights, the elaborate decorations changing daily—it was like being transported to India while still being firmly in Illinois. The best part? After the religious ceremonies, everyone gathered in the community hall for dinner. Sitting on the floor, eating prasad alongside families I’d just met, I understood why people drove an hour each way to be part of this community.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early on Sundays for parking
• The prasad after Sunday morning abhishekam is incredible
• Navaratri celebrations here are legendary—don’t miss them
• They sometimes serve full traditional lunch on special occasions
• Check the calendar before visiting—specific days have specific deity pujas

Naperville and the Western Suburbs

The western suburbs, particularly Naperville, have seen explosive growth in the Indian American population over the past two decades. This has been accompanied by temple development.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett

Address: 108 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL 60103
Phone: (630) 213-0011
Website: https://www.chicago.baps.org

This is Illinois’s architectural masterpiece—a traditional carved stone temple that looks like it was transported from Gujarat.

The Temple:

Completed in 2004, this mandir was built using 20,000 pieces of Italian marble, Turkish limestone, and Indian pink sandstone, all hand-carved in India by over 1,300 artisans and then assembled in Bartlett. The craftsmanship is breathtaking.

What to Expect:

The BAPS tradition emphasizes character development, community service, and cultural preservation. The atmosphere is both deeply spiritual and incredibly welcoming to newcomers.

Timings:

• Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Monday: Closed
• Special Events: Extended hours

Visitor Information:

• Free guided tours explaining Hinduism and temple architecture
• Exhibition hall with interactive displays
• Vegetarian café serving authentic Gujarati food
• Beautiful bookstore
• Peaceful prayer garden

Dress Code:

• Modest clothing required (covered shoulders and knees)
• No leather items inside
• They provide shawls/cloths if needed

Best Times to Visit:

• Sunday mornings for satsang assembly
• Diwali week for spectacular illuminations
• Annakut (day after Diwali) for the incredible food offering display
• Summer Cultural Festival with outdoor programs

Why It’s Worth the Drive:

Even if you’re not religious, the architecture alone is worth seeing. I’ve brought non-Hindu friends here, and they’ve been moved by the beauty and peacefulness of the space. One friend said it reminded her of visiting the great cathedrals of Europe—that sense of human beings creating something transcendent.

Hindu Society of Greater Chicago (Naperville Temple)

Address: 1525 North Route 59, Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 983-2580
Website: https://www.hsgc.org

Serving the growing Naperville area community, this temple provides regular worship services and cultural programs.

Programs:

• Weekend religious services
• Cultural classes for children
• Festival celebrations
• Community events

The Magnificent BAPS Temple in Bartlett

I’ve already covered this above, but it deserves extra emphasis because of its significance to the Illinois Hindu community. This isn’t just a temple—it’s a statement that the Hindu community has put down deep roots in Illinois.

Construction Achievement:

The fact that this traditional stone temple exists in suburban Chicago is remarkable. The community raised millions of dollars, navigated zoning challenges, and volunteered thousands of hours to make it happen. It represents the permanence of the Hindu presence in Illinois.

Community Impact:

Beyond religious services, this temple has become a point of civic pride. School groups visit for cultural education. Interfaith delegations come to learn about Hinduism. Local politicians attend festivals. It’s helped normalize Hindu presence in a region that had minimal South Asian population just 40 years ago.

Lemont’s Rama Temple Complex

We already covered the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in detail, but its location in Lemont deserves special mention. Lemont has become an unexpected spiritual hub, with several religious communities establishing presence here.

Why Lemont?

The combination of affordable land, highway access (I-355 and I-55), and central location to various suburbs made Lemont ideal for a regional temple serving the entire Chicagoland area. Families regularly drive 45 minutes to an hour each way for Sunday services.

Northern Suburbs and Beyond

Hindu Temple of North America (Palatine)

Address: 1110 North Route 59, Palatine, IL 60067
Website: https://www.htna.org

Serving the northern and northwest suburbs, this temple provides worship services and cultural programs closer to communities in that region.

Durga Temple, Wood Dale

Address: 399 Covington Drive, Wood Dale, IL 60191
Website: https://www.durgatemple.org

Particularly popular during Navaratri season, this temple focuses on Goddess worship while serving all Hindu traditions.

Other Illinois Temples:

The state has smaller temples and prayer halls serving specific communities:

• ISKCON Chicago (Hare Krishna Temple) in various locations
• Jain temples in suburbs serving Jain community
• Regional prayer halls for specific linguistic communities (Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati)
• Swaminarayan temples in different neighborhoods

Devon Avenue: More Than Just Temples

Let me take you on a proper Devon Avenue journey, because understanding this cultural corridor is essential to understanding Hindu temples Illinois Chicago area.

Walking Tour (Start at Western Avenue, Head East):

Religious Spaces:

• Aryasamaj Chicago – Follows Vedic practices
• Shree Ganapathy Temple – Ganesha-focused temple
• Various smaller prayer halls serving specific communities

Essential Stops:

• Patel Brothers (2610 W Devon) – The grocery anchor
• Argo Georgian Bakery (2812 W Devon) – Best naan in Chicago
• Tahoora Sweets (2345 W Devon) – Traditional Indian sweets
• Viceroy of India (2520 W Devon) – Upscale dining
• Sukhadia’s (2559 W Devon) – Sweets and chaat
• Mysore Woodlands (2548 W Devon) – South Indian vegetarian

The Community Feel:

What I love about Devon is its authenticity. This isn’t a sanitized, touristy “ethnic neighborhood”—it’s a real, working community where Indian Americans shop, eat, worship, and socialize. On weekend afternoons, you’ll see three generations shopping together, aunties comparing sari prices, uncles debating politics over chai, teenagers sneaking samosas before dinner.

Cultural Events:

Devon Avenue hosts several annual events:

• Indian Independence Day parade (August)
• Gandhi Jayanti celebrations (October)
• Diwali street celebrations
• Various religious processions and festivals

Surviving Chicago Winters at the Temple

One thing that makes Illinois temples unique is how they’ve adapted to truly brutal winters. I’ve attended temple when it was -20°F outside with snow drifts up to my waist.

Winter Adaptations:

• Most temples have heated floors in the main shrine areas
• Covered walkways between buildings
• Industrial-strength heating systems
• Indoor community halls for winter festivals
• Parking lot snow removal (a major undertaking)

The Winter Temple Community:

There’s something special about temple-going in Chicago winters. The dedication required—scraping ice off your car, navigating snowy roads, trudging through parking lots—creates a particular kind of community bond. When you’re all there despite the weather, you know you’re with people who are genuinely committed.

Practical Winter Tips:

• Allow extra travel time in winter
• Wear layers (temples are warm inside)
• Bring extra socks (floors can be cold even when heated)
• Check temple social media for weather cancellations
• Carpooling makes winter trips easier

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Major Festivals and Celebrations

Chicago temples celebrate all major Hindu festivals with enthusiasm that helps people forget the Midwestern weather.

Navaratri (September/October):

This is THE festival season in Illinois. Every temple goes all out for nine nights.

At Lemont Temple:

• Nine nights of different deity decorations
• Dandiya and Garba nights (especially popular with younger crowd)
• Special pujas and aartis
• Cultural performances
• Culminating in Dussehra celebrations

At BAPS Bartlett:

• Traditional Gujarati celebrations
• Elaborate decorations changing nightly
• Special assemblies and discourses
• Cultural programs

Diwali (October/November):

The timing couldn’t be better—Diwali lights and decorations provide much-needed brightness as Chicago heads into dark winter months.

Celebrations Include:

• Multi-day festival programs
• Temple illuminations
• Special pujas
• Cultural performances
• Community meals
• Fireworks displays (where permitted)

Personal Note:

My first Chicago Diwali, the temple gave out small clay diyas to everyone. I took mine home, lit it on my apartment balcony, and looked out to see dozens of other lit diyas on balconies across my building. In that moment, surrounded by twinkling lights in the Chicago darkness, I felt profoundly connected to something larger than myself.

Janmashtami (August/September):

Krishna’s birthday is celebrated with particular joy:

• Midnight aarti (the moment of Krishna’s birth)
• Dahi handi (pot-breaking) competitions for youth
• Special prasadam (butter, sweets)
• Continuous bhajan singing
• Krishna Leela performances

Holi (March):

The timing is perfect—celebrating spring and color just as Chicago emerges from grey winter.

• Color celebrations (often indoors or weather-dependent)
• Spring festivals
• Community meals
• Youth programs

The Second Generation: Growing Up Hindu in Illinois

One of the most important functions of Illinois temples is serving second-generation Indian Americans. I’ve watched kids grow up in these temples—from toddlers running around during aarti to teenagers leading youth programs to young adults getting married in the same halls where they attended Sunday school.

What Temples Offer Kids:

Balavihar/Religious Education:

• Weekly classes teaching Hindu stories and values
• Age-appropriate instruction
• Making religious concepts relevant to American life

Cultural Classes:

• Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance
• Carnatic and Hindustani music
• Language instruction (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati)
• Fine arts and crafts

Social Opportunities:

Perhaps most important—temples provide spaces where Indian American kids can:

• Meet others who share their cultural background
• Feel “normal” in their dual identity
• Make friends who understand both cultures
• Develop peer groups that support cultural values

Youth Programs:

Most major temples have active youth groups organizing:

• Service projects
• Leadership development
• Social events
• Spiritual discussions relevant to their generation
• Summer camps
• Mentorship programs

The Challenge and Opportunity:

Second-generation kids are creating something new—not quite Indian, not quite generically American, but uniquely Indian American. The temples that thrive are those that help facilitate this identity rather than demanding kids choose one culture over the other.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting to Temples:

By Car:

• Most temples require driving (very car-dependent region)
• All major temples have ample parking
• Winter weather can make driving challenging

By Public Transportation:

• Devon Avenue temples: CTA Red Line + bus
• Suburban temples: Generally not accessible by public transit
• Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) is an option

What to Wear:

General Guidelines:

• Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees)
• Remove shoes before entering shrine areas
• Socks optional but recommended in winter
• Traditional Indian wear welcomed but not required

When to Visit:

Best Times:

• Sunday mornings for community programs (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
• Friday evenings for special pujas
• Festival times for full cultural experience

What to Bring:

Recommended:

• Donation (no set amount, typically 5−5−50)
• Flowers or fruit for offering (optional)
• Socks (winter especially)
• Respect and open mind

Temple Etiquette:

Do:

• Remove shoes at designated areas
• Accept prasad with right hand
• Circumambulate clockwise
• Ask questions if curious
• Join community meal if offered

Don’t:

• Take photos inside shrines without permission
• Touch deities (unless specifically allowed)
• Point feet toward deities
• Eat non-vegetarian food on temple premises
• Wear leather inside (BAPS temples specifically)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the largest Hindu temple in Illinois?
The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont is the largest and oldest, serving as the primary temple for the entire Chicagoland area.

Is Devon Avenue the only area with temples in Chicago?
No, while Devon Avenue has cultural significance, major temples are actually in suburbs like Lemont, Bartlett, and Naperville due to space requirements.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?
No appointments needed during regular open hours. Special puja bookings may require advance arrangement.

Are non-Hindus welcome?
Absolutely. All temples welcome respectful visitors of any background interested in learning about Hindu culture and spirituality.

How do I handle the winter weather when visiting?
Check temple social media for weather-related closures, allow extra travel time, dress in warm layers, and consider carpooling for safety.

Is there parking available?
Yes, all major suburban temples have extensive parking. Devon Avenue temples rely on street parking which can be limited.

Can I bring children?
Yes, temples are family-friendly. Most offer children’s programs including religious education and cultural classes.

What’s the best time of year to visit?
Fall (Navaratri/Diwali season) offers the most vibrant festival experiences, though spring and summer have pleasant weather for exploring temple grounds.

Conclusion: Finding Community in the Heartland

Six Chicago winters later, I no longer question my decision to move here. The Hindu temples in Illinois Chicago area didn’t just give me places to worship—they gave me community, culture, and a sense of belonging in a city that initially felt impossibly foreign.

There’s something special about practicing Hinduism in the Midwest. It requires commitment—you can’t just casually drop by a temple on your way home from work when that temple is 45 minutes away. You have to want it. And that intentionality creates a particular kind of community cohesion. The people you see at the temple on Sunday morning drove as far as you did to be there. They’re as committed as you are. That shared dedication builds bonds.

From the traditional grandeur of the Lemont Rama Temple to the architectural marvel of BAPS Bartlett, from the cultural vitality of Devon Avenue to the growing communities in Naperville and beyond, Illinois offers spiritual homes for Hindus across the region. These temples have adapted to Midwestern life while maintaining authentic tradition—heated floors for winter, sprawling grounds making use of affordable land, and communities that blend Indian culture with Midwestern friendliness.

Whether you’re new to the area, seeking spiritual community, wanting to connect your kids with their heritage, or simply curious about Hindu culture, these temples welcome you. Take the drive to Lemont on a Sunday morning. Explore Devon Avenue on a Saturday afternoon. Attend Navaratri at BAPS. Experience Diwali lights pushing back Chicago’s winter darkness.

And when that first brutal winter hits and you question your life choices, remember: there’s a warm temple somewhere with aunties making fresh prasad and a community ready to welcome you home.

Have you visited any temples in the Chicago area? What was your experience? Share your stories and recommendations in the comments below!