Hinduism is one of the major religions of America, thanks to the large number immigrants from Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Carribean regions. One of major milestone for Hinduism in America is the famous speech by Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893. Later, in 1902, Swami Rama Thirtha spent about two years in America lecturing people about Vedanta. The Vedanta society is responsible for building early Hindu temples in America. The first traditional temple built in the US was the Shiva Murugan temple built in 1957. Currently, there are about 450 temples built across the country. This article explores some of the best temples in US that are popular for their art and architecture.
Famous Temples In America:
1. Jaya Hanuman Temple:
Among all the temples located in Washington, this temple is of special recognition. Located in Redmond, Washington, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is believed to be one of the most powerful Hindu gods. This temple gets devoted worshipers from al over the state and is the most popular Hindu temple in Redmond.
2. Shiva Murugan Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most popular temples in the city. The temple is situated in San Francisco and was built in the 19th century. According to legend, this temple was established by a Hindu monk named Sivaya Subramuniya Swami who was actually born in America.
3. Malibu Hindu Temple:
This temple was established in the 18th century and is dedicated to Ventakeshwara, a Hindu god. The temple is actually located in a place called Calabasas, located near Malibu, California. This temple is supervised by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California. The surrounding environment of this temple is breathtaking.
4. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir:
This Swaminarayan Hindu temple is situated in Downey and is one of the most historically important temples in this area. The architecture of this temple is extraordinarily beautiful and is actually one of the most beautiful Hindu mandirs in America.
5. Hindu Temple Of Delaware:
The Hindu Temple of Delaware is dedicated to goddess Mahalakshmi who is considered as the goddess of prosperity and wealth. According to the latest census, more than 6000 Hindu families residing in Delaware visit this temple on a regular basis.
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6. Hindu Temple Of Central Indiana:
This is one of the wealthiest Hindu temples opened recently in America. The pilgrimage is visited by a substantial number of worshipers. In this temple, daily pujas and kirtans are performed. The environment of this temple will make you feel nostalgic. The temple is designed to provide the worshipers with an Indian environment.
7. Hindu Temple Of Florida:
There are a number of Hindu temples in Tampa among which the best one is situated in Florida. This temple is also the cultural center of Tampa and is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimages in the city. The temple authorities have a simple motto that, ‘The God is one – wise men give different names’.
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8. Sri Marga Iraivan Temple:
This is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in America. Hindus from almost all corners of the country come to visit this temple, especially because of its unique architecture. The temple is basically a carved white granite stone which was actually sculpted in India. This pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located next to River Wailua. One of the most interesting facts about this temple, this is the first ever all-stone temple to be built in the United States of America.
9. Boise Hare Krishna Temple:
This temple was inaugurated in the 19th century and is also a Vedic Culture Center. The temple is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimages in the country. The main deity of this temple is Sri Radha-Bankebihari.
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10. Buddhist Temple In USA:
The Byodo-in Buddhist temple in Hawaii is one of the most beautiful temples in America. IT is located on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii and is a replica of a Japenese 900 hundred-year-old temple. It is covered in gold and one can find a huge bell outside that weighs 3 tons. This beautiful temple is located in a sprawling campus of over two acres. People here feel themselves at peace in the lap of nature.
With a major percentage of Hindu population in the country, temples are significant places of not just worship, but also to revive their relationship with the divinity. These beautiful temples have been established across the country and attract huge number of devotees, who are not just Indians, but also Americans. With Hinduism rampantly growing in America, these temples are symbols of how this religion has been embraced in the western countries. We hope you make it a point to visit these temples the next time you plan a visit to The USA.
