Discover the best Hindu temples in New York, Edison NJ & Jackson Heights. Complete guide with addresses, timings, festivals & what to expect. Visit today!

Hindu Temples in New York: Complete Edison & Jackson Heights Guide

Hindu Temples in New York: Your Complete Guide to Edison, Jackson Heights & NYC’s Sacred Spaces

When I first moved to New York, one of the things I missed most about home was the sound of temple bells in the morning. That familiar sense of peace, the smell of incense, and the feeling of community that comes from being in a sacred space. I thought I’d have to wait for trips back home to experience that again. Then a colleague told me about Jackson Heights, and everything changed.

“You haven’t been to the Ganesh Temple in Flushing?” she asked, surprised. “It’s incredible. Feels like you’ve been transported straight to India.”

She was right. The New York metropolitan area—including parts of New Jersey like Edison—has become home to some of the most beautiful, active, and welcoming Hindu temples in New York and the tri-state area. Whether you’re a practicing Hindu looking for your spiritual home away from home, someone curious about Hindu culture, or a parent wanting to connect your children with their heritage, this guide will help you navigate the rich temple landscape of the greater New York area.

I’ve personally visited each of these temples, some multiple times. I’ll share not just addresses and timings, but what makes each one special, what to expect when you visit, and practical tips that guidebooks don’t tell you. This isn’t just a list—it’s your insider’s guide to finding your spiritual community in the city that never sleeps.

Why the New York Area Has Become a Hindu Temple Hub
The Crown Jewel: Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple)
Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam: Flushing’s Sacred Space
Jackson Heights: The Neighborhood That Feels Like Home
Edison, New Jersey: The Temple Town Just Outside NYC
Other Notable Hindu Temples in the Tri-State Area
What to Expect on Your First Temple Visit
Major Festivals and When to Visit
Connecting Your Kids with Their Heritage
Practical Tips for Temple Visits
Finding Your Temple Community
Frequently Asked Questions

Why the New York Area Has Become a Hindu Temple Hub

Let me start with some context that might surprise you. The New York metropolitan area is home to one of the largest Hindu populations outside of India—estimated at over 200,000 people. This community has grown significantly since the Immigration Act of 1965 opened doors to professionals from India, and it continues to expand with each generation.

What’s fascinating is how this community has transformed certain neighborhoods. Jackson Heights in Queens, for instance, has become so culturally vibrant with its South Asian community that it’s often called “Little India.” The smell of samosas from street vendors, the sounds of Hindi film songs from storefronts, and yes, the presence of multiple temples within walking distance of each other.

But it’s not just about numbers. The Hindu temples in New York area have become more than just places of worship. They’re community centers, cultural preservation hubs, language schools, and social safety nets for new immigrants. I’ve seen temples organize everything from classical music concerts to immigration help sessions, from yoga classes to Indian cooking workshops.

The temples here have also had to adapt to American life in interesting ways. Many hold their main programs on Sunday mornings instead of traditional Indian weekday timings. They celebrate both Hindu festivals and acknowledge American holidays. They’ve become bridges between two cultures, helping second and third-generation Indian Americans stay connected to their roots while being fully American.

The Crown Jewel: Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple)

If there’s one temple that deserves to be called the heart of Hindu worship in New York, it’s the Hindu Temple Society of North America, affectionately known as the Ganesh Temple. Located in Flushing, Queens, this was the first traditional Hindu temple built in North America, and it remains the most iconic.

Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355
Phone: (718) 460-8484
Website: https://www.nyganeshtemple.org

Getting There:

By Subway: Take the 7 train to Main Street-Flushing (last stop). It’s about a 10-minute walk from there.
By Car: There’s street parking available, but it gets competitive on weekends. Arrive early or use the paid parking lots nearby.

What Makes It Special:

I still remember my first visit here on a Sunday morning. I was running late, worried I’d missed the morning aarti, when I rounded the corner and saw the temple’s distinctive South Indian gopuram (tower) rising above the Queens skyline. It was surreal—traditional Dravidian temple architecture in the middle of New York City.

The temple was consecrated in 1977, and walking in feels like stepping into a different world. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, but you’ll find deities representing all major Hindu traditions—Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Hanuman, and more. This inclusivity is deliberate. The founders wanted to create a space where all Hindus, regardless of their regional or sectarian background, would feel at home.

Timings:

Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Morning Aarti: 9:00 AM
Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM (7:30 PM on Sundays)

Best Times to Visit:

Sunday mornings are the busiest, with hundreds of devotees. Great for experiencing the full community vibe, but expect crowds.
Weekday evenings are quieter if you prefer a more contemplative experience.
Special occasions: Ganesh Chaturthi (usually August/September) is incredible here, with elaborate decorations and special programs spanning several days.

What You’ll Find:

Prasadam (blessed food): Available after major aartis
Temple shop: Sells puja items, books, CDs of devotional music
Community hall: Hosts cultural programs, weddings, and festivals
Canteen: Simple vegetarian South Indian food (the dosas are excellent!)

Insider Tips:

The temple provides a detailed calendar of events on their website. Check before visiting if you want to attend specific rituals.
Photography inside the main shrine is generally not allowed. Respect this rule.
They conduct pradakshina (circumambulation) around the main shrine. Join in if you’re comfortable.

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam: Flushing’s Sacred Space

Right in the same Flushing neighborhood, there’s another beautiful temple that many people don’t know about because they assume the Ganesh Temple is the only one in the area.

Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355 (same complex as the Ganesh Temple)
Website: https://www.nyganeshtemple.org

Actually, this is part of the larger Hindu Temple Society complex, but it deserves its own mention because of its unique significance. The temple has evolved over the years to include multiple shrines, and the complex now serves different aspects of Hindu worship.

What I love about visiting this area is that you can easily spend half a day here. After visiting the temples, you’re in the heart of Flushing, which has amazing Asian (especially Chinese and Korean) restaurants, shopping, and the beautiful Flushing Meadows-Corona Park nearby.

Jackson Heights: The Neighborhood That Feels Like Home

If the Ganesh Temple is the crown jewel, Jackson Heights is the necklace—a string of temples, cultural centers, and community spaces that make this Queens neighborhood feel like a slice of India transported to New York.

Why Jackson Heights?

Walking down 74th Street or 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights is an experience in itself. The aroma of fresh jalebis from sweet shops, the sound of Bollywood music, storefronts with signs in Hindi, Gujarati, and Bengali—and peppered throughout this vibrant neighborhood are several Hindu temples and prayer halls.

Key Temples in Jackson Heights:

Geeta Temple (Gita Mandir)
Address: 86-10 102nd Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418
While technically in Richmond Hill, it’s very close to Jackson Heights and serves the same community. This temple is particularly popular with the Gujarati community. Sunday mornings see families arriving in their traditional best, kids running around the spacious hall, and the smell of fresh prasad being prepared.

What to Expect:

Strong Gujarati cultural influence
Bhajan sessions on Sundays
Navratri celebrations that go on for nine nights (absolutely not to be missed!)
Community lunch after Sunday services

Swaminarayan Temple
Address: 81-03 77th Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
This BAPS Swaminarayan temple serves the large Gujarati Hindu community. The architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and beautiful murtis.

Website: https://www.newyork.baps.org

Highlights:

Beautifully maintained premises
Children’s classes in culture and values
Spectacular festivals, especially Diwali
Very welcoming to first-time visitors

Community Impact:

What’s special about Jackson Heights isn’t just the temples themselves, but the ecosystem they’ve created. After Sunday temple visits, families gather at the numerous South Asian restaurants. Kids make friends with other Indian American children. Adults network, share information about jobs, schools, and services. It’s a support system that makes the immigrant experience less isolating.

A friend once told me, “I came to Jackson Heights feeling homesick for Mumbai. After a few Sundays at the temple and some pani puri from the street cart, I started feeling like this could be home too.”

Edison, New Jersey: The Temple Town Just Outside NYC

Now, technically Edison is in New Jersey, not New York. But here’s the thing—for anyone living in the NYC metro area, especially in parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Staten Island, Edison’s temples might actually be more accessible than some Queens locations. Plus, Edison has earned its nickname as “Little India” with one of the highest concentrations of Indian Americans in the country.

How to Get There from NYC:

By Car: About 35-45 minutes from Manhattan via the New Jersey Turnpike (depending on traffic)
By Train: NJ Transit from Penn Station to Edison Station (about 50 minutes)

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville
Address: 112 North Main Street, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 (about 20 minutes from Edison)
Phone: (609) 208-9009
Website: https://www.robbinsville.baps.org

This isn’t just a temple—it’s an architectural marvel. Opened in 2014, this traditional stone temple was carved in India and assembled in New Jersey. The craftsmanship is breathtaking.

Why It’s Worth the Trip:

The traditional stone and marble architecture is unlike anything else in the area
Sprawling grounds perfect for peaceful walks
Educational exhibits about Hinduism, Indian culture, and the temple’s construction
Cultural performances and festivals
Excellent vegetarian café

Best Times to Visit:

Weekday afternoons if you want a quieter, contemplative experience
Weekend mornings for the full community experience
Festival times (Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami) for spectacular celebrations

What to Know:

Modest dress required (they provide cloth to cover shorts if needed)
No leather items allowed inside the main temple
Free entry, but donations welcome
Photography restrictions apply inside

Mahavir Swami Jain Temple, Edison
Address: 376 Amboy Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840 (very close to Edison)
Website: https://www.mahavir.org

While primarily a Jain temple, it welcomes all visitors and shares many philosophical similarities with Hinduism. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it worth visiting.

Hindu Temple of Central Jersey, Edison
Address: Multiple locations in the Edison area serve different community needs

The Edison area has several smaller temples and prayer halls serving specific communities (Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, etc.). These can be found through local community networks and Facebook groups.

Oak Tree Road: The Cultural Corridor

No visit to Edison is complete without experiencing Oak Tree Road, the mile-and-a-half stretch that’s home to dozens of Indian restaurants, sweet shops, clothing stores, and jewelry shops. After your temple visit, this is where you’ll want to be.

Other Notable Hindu Temples in the Tri-State Area

The New York metro area has many more temples worth visiting. Here are some notable ones:

Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore Falls (Upstate NY)
For those willing to drive about 3 hours north, this temple in the Catskills offers a peaceful retreat atmosphere.

Hindu Temple, Bridgewater, NJ
Address: 877 US-202, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Serves the Somerset County Indian community with regular services and festivals.

Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, Morganville, NJ
Address: 1 Bayberry Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751
Particularly popular with the Kerala community. Known for authentic Kerala-style temple traditions.

Bharatiya Temple, Loudonville (near Albany)
Address: 3 Maple Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
Serves the upstate New York Hindu community.

What to Expect on Your First Temple Visit

If you’ve never visited a Hindu temple before—or even if you have but not in America—here’s what you should know:

Dress Code:

Modest clothing is appreciated
Remove shoes before entering the main shrine area
Many temples provide shoe storage
Women traditionally cover shoulders and wear pants/skirts below the knee
Men should avoid shorts in the main shrine area

Temple Etiquette:

Circumambulation (walking around the shrine) is done clockwise
Photography rules vary—always ask before taking pictures
Mobile phones should be on silent
Touching the deity’s feet (if allowed) is a sign of respect
Prasadam (blessed food) is offered with the right hand

When to Visit:

Mornings (especially Sundays) see the most activity
Evening aarti times are special
Weekdays are quieter if you prefer solitude
Check temple calendars for special festival dates

What to Bring:

Donations are voluntary but appreciated
Flowers or fruit for offerings (optional)
Socks if you’re uncomfortable walking barefoot
An open mind and respectful attitude

Major Festivals and When to Visit

The Hindu temples in New York area come alive during major festivals. Here’s when to visit for the full experience:

Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September):
The Ganesh Temple in Flushing is THE place to be. Ten days of celebrations, special decorations, and incredible community participation.

Navaratri/Dussehra (September/October):
Nine nights of celebration, especially vibrant in Gujarati temples. Jackson Heights temples organize dandiya raas nights where hundreds gather to dance.

Diwali (October/November):
Every temple celebrates, but the BAPS temples go all out with lights, decorations, and cultural programs.

Holi (March):
Color festival celebrations at various temples, with some organizing outdoor events.

Janmashtami (August/September):
Krishna’s birthday is celebrated with midnight aartis, re-enactments of Krishna’s childhood, and special prasad.

Ram Navami (March/April):
Temples with Ram shrines have special programs celebrating Ram’s birthday.

Connecting Your Kids with Their Heritage

Many second-generation Indian American parents struggle with this question: How do I help my kids connect with their culture while they’re growing up fully American?

The temples I’ve mentioned offer various programs:

Bal Vihar/Sunday School:
Most major temples offer classes teaching:

Hindu scriptures and stories
Sanskrit basics
Indian classical music and dance
Yoga and meditation
Cultural values

Cultural Programs:

Classical dance performances (Bharatanatyam, Kathak)
Music concerts (Carnatic, Hindustani)
Drama and skits during festivals
Language classes (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati)

Social Opportunities:
Perhaps most importantly, temples provide spaces where your kids can meet other Indian American children, creating a peer group that understands both cultures.

Practical Tips for Temple Visits

Based on my experiences, here are some tips that will make your visits smoother:

Parking:

Arrive early on Sundays, especially at popular temples
Queens street parking can be challenging; consider public transportation
Edison temples generally have better parking availability

Food:

Most temples serve prasadam after major aartis
Some have canteens offering simple South Indian food
Always try the prasad—it’s a blessed offering

Language:

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Hindi or Sanskrit
Most volunteers speak English
Rituals are often explained in English nowadays

Timing:

Sunday mornings (9 AM-12 PM) are busiest
Weekday evenings offer peaceful experiences
Festival times are crowded but worth experiencing

Getting Involved:

Most temples welcome volunteers
Many have youth groups and cultural committees
Community participation is how you’ll make the deepest connections

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Finding Your Temple Community

Here’s something I learned: finding the right temple for you isn’t just about proximity—it’s about community fit.

Some temples feel more formal, others more casual. Some emphasize traditional rituals, others focus on community service. Some attract primarily one regional community (Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu), others are more pan-Indian.

My advice? Visit several. Attend a Sunday morning service, strike up conversations with people, see where you feel most comfortable. The right temple will feel less like a building you visit and more like an extended family.

Many temples have Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and email lists. Joining these keeps you informed about events and connects you with the community between visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are non-Hindus welcome at these temples?
Absolutely. All temples mentioned welcome respectful visitors of any faith interested in learning about Hinduism or experiencing the culture.

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?
No appointment needed for regular visits. Temples are open during posted hours, though specific rituals might have scheduled times.

Is there an entry fee?
No entry fees at any Hindu temple. Donations are voluntary and appreciated but never required.

Can I take pictures inside the temple?
Photography rules vary by temple. Always ask permission first, especially before photographing deities or rituals.

What should I do if I don’t understand the rituals?
Feel free to observe or ask volunteers. Most temples have friendly people happy to explain, and many provide printed guides.

Are the temples vegetarian?
Yes, all Hindu temples are vegetarian spaces. No meat, fish, eggs, or leather items are allowed inside sanctum areas.

How can I find out about special events?
Check temple websites, Facebook pages, or sign up for email newsletters. Community word-of-mouth is also strong in these networks.

Do temples offer wedding or other ceremony services?
Most major temples do perform Hindu weddings, naming ceremonies, and other sacraments. Contact them directly to discuss arrangements and fees.

Conclusion: Finding Your Spiritual Home in the City

When I first started exploring the Hindu temples in New York and the surrounding areas, I was simply looking for a place to pray on Sundays. What I found was so much more—a community, a cultural anchor, and a sense of belonging that I didn’t realize I’d been missing.

These temples aren’t just buildings with religious statues. They’re living, breathing community centers where culture is preserved, traditions are passed down, friendships are formed, and support systems are built. They’re places where the smell of incense mingles with the sound of children’s laughter, where ancient Sanskrit chants echo in the heart of modern America, where immigrants and their American-born children find common ground.

Whether you’re in Manhattan looking for a Sunday morning spiritual experience, in Queens searching for community, or in New Jersey wanting to connect your kids with their heritage, the temple landscape of the New York metro area offers something special.

The Ganesh Temple in Flushing will transport you to South India for an afternoon. The Swaminarayan temple in Robbinsville will leave you awestruck with its architectural beauty. The smaller community temples in Jackson Heights and Edison will welcome you like family.

Start somewhere. Pick the temple closest to you, or the one whose tradition resonates most. Visit on a Sunday morning. Take off your shoes, join the aarti, accept the prasad, and strike up a conversation with someone. You might just find your spiritual home away from home.

And remember—every regular temple-goer you see was once a first-time visitor too. We’re all just trying to maintain our connection to something ancient and sacred while building our lives in this remarkable, diverse, ever-changing city.

Have you visited any of these temples? What was your experience? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!

Hindu Temples in New York: Complete Edison & Jackson Heights Guide