Top 10 Most Famous Hindu Temples in the USA You Must Visit in 2025
Hindu temples in America (United States) are more than just architectural marvels — they are sacred spiritual hubs that bring together tradition, devotion, and culture. These temples serve as vibrant centers for worship, meditation, festivals, and cultural education for the Hindu diaspora and all spiritual seekers across America.
According to the Pew Research Center, there were approximately 2.1 million Hindus in the United States in 2016, making up about 0.4% of the total population. With such a significant population, it’s no surprise that Hindu temples in the USA are flourishing as centers of spiritual practice and community engagement.
In this guide, we list the 10 most famous Hindu temples in the USA, with rich historical backgrounds, spiritual significance, and cultural contributions.
1. Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam – New York
Location: Flushing, Queens, New York
Established: 1970 (completed in 1977)
Main Deity: Lord Ganesha
Known as the first Hindu temple in the USA, the Ganesh Temple of New York is a sacred institution for devotees across the East Coast. Built in traditional South Indian style, the temple hosts major Hindu festivals, daily pujas, and community programs. It’s operated by the Hindu Temple Society of North America and remains one of the most visited temples in the U.S.
2. The Shiva Vishnu Temple – South Florida
Location: Broward County, South Florida
Established: 1999
Architectural Style: Dravidian
Constructed with the guidance of Dr. Ganapati Sthapati, the Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida was built using techniques by Mahabalipuram sculptors. Spread across 6200 sq. ft., the temple is a stunning representation of Tamil architecture and serves as a major cultural and religious site for South Indians in Florida.
3. Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple – Illinois
Location: Aurora, Illinois
Established: Early 1980s
Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara (Balaji)
Located on 20 acres donated by Indian-American families, this temple is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in the USA. It honors multiple deities, including Lord Balaji, Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. Renowned architects like Mutaiaistapathy and Subash Nadkarni helped design this traditional temple, blending Indian craftsmanship with American structural design.
4. Sri Lakshmi Temple – Ashland, Massachusetts
Location: Ashland, MA
Established: 1986
Architect: Muthiah Sthapathi
Spread over 12 acres, this South Indian-style temple rises 50 feet from the ground. It serves as a spiritual, educational, and cultural center offering daily pujas, shloka classes, language courses, and festival celebrations. The temple hosts deities such as Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Venkateswara, Sri Nataraja, and others.
5. Malibu Hindu Temple – California
Location: Calabasas, near Malibu, CA
Established: 1981
Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Run by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, the Malibu Hindu Temple is a South Indian architectural masterpiece nestled in the hills of Calabasas. It has served many celebrity visitors and is famous for hosting weddings and spiritual ceremonies.
6. Hindu Temple of Atlanta – Georgia
Location: Riverdale, Georgia
Established: Early 1980s
Main Deities: Lord Ramalingeshwara and Lord Venkateshwara
Made of beautiful white marble, this temple is home to both Shiva and Balaji shrines. The temple is a symbol of Indian heritage in Georgia and serves a growing Hindu population with regular rituals, youth programs, and major Hindu festivals like Navratri and Diwali.
7. Shiva Vishnu Temple – Livermore, California
Location: Livermore, California
Established: 1986
Run by: Hindu Community and Cultural Center
This large red-and-white temple features captivating architecture and houses deities such as Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, Lakshmi, and more. It also functions as a cultural hub providing language, music, and dance classes for Indian-American youth.
8. Sri Venkateswara Temple – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Location: Penn Hills, near Pittsburgh
Established: 1975
Main Deity: Lord Venkateswara
This Tirupati-inspired South Indian temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the USA. It houses the Golden Chariot and deities like Ganesh, Parvati, and Shiva. The temple also conducts Kalyanotsavam, Suprabhatam, and Vedic rituals with great devotion.
9. Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple – Washington DC
Location: Lanham, Maryland (Washington DC Metro)
Architectural Style: Pallava, Vijayanagara, Kerala, and Mayan styles
This temple is a fusion of various South Indian architectural styles, celebrating the unity of Hindu traditions. Major deities include Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, Ganesh, and Parvati. It regularly hosts interfaith events and educational workshops.
10. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham – Robbinsville, New Jersey
Location: Robbinsville, NJ
Established: Completed in 2017
Affiliated With: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
As one of the largest Hindu temples outside India, Akshardham USA is a marvel of intricacy, spiritual symbolism, and engineering. The temple stands 42 feet tall and spans 133 feet in length, constructed entirely from Italian Carrara marble by 12,000 artisans and volunteers.
Why Hindu Temples in the USA Are Important
Hindu temples in America are not just places of worship — they are:
- Cultural Centers for Indian festivals, language classes, and community bonding
- Spiritual Retreats for meditation, bhajans, and religious discourses
- Places of Unity that promote interfaith dialogue and inclusivity
These temples reflect the growing influence of Sanatan Dharma in the West, helping Hindus feel connected to their roots while encouraging non-Hindus to explore the universal values of Hinduism — such as dharma (duty), ahimsa (non-violence), and karma (action).
Final Thoughts: Which Temple Will You Visit First?
From New York to California, these temples are spiritual landmarks worth visiting. Whether you’re a devotee of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Vishnu, or Lakshmi, you’ll find a temple in the USA that makes you feel right at home — spiritually and culturally.
👉 Planning a religious ceremony in the U.S. or India? Book verified priests for online or in-person pujas through Panditji On Way – your trusted platform for authentic Vedic rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Hindu temples are there in the United States?
As of recent data, there are over 1,000 Hindu temples in the USA, including major temples in states like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. These temples cater to various sects of Hinduism such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.
What is the most famous Hindu temple in the United States?
The Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam (Ganesh Temple) in Queens, New York is considered the most famous and oldest Hindu temple in the USA, established in 1970. Other famous ones include the Akshardham Temple in New Jersey and the Malibu Hindu Temple in California.
Which is the biggest Hindu temple in the USA?
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey is the largest Hindu temple in the USA, completed in 2017. It is also one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India, built with over 2 million cubic feet of marble.
Can non-Hindus visit Hindu temples in the United States?
Yes, non-Hindus are welcome in most Hindu temples in the USA. Visitors are encouraged to follow basic etiquette such as removing shoes before entering, dressing modestly, and maintaining silence during prayers.
Are there South Indian-style Hindu temples in USA?
Absolutely! Many temples in the USA are built in Dravidian (South Indian) architectural style, such as the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Florida, Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, and Sri Lakshmi Temple in Massachusetts, often guided by traditional Sthapathis from India.
What is the best Hindu temple to visit in California?
The Malibu Hindu Temple in Calabasas and the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore are two of the most popular and beautiful Hindu temples in California. They regularly host festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Rath Yatra, attracting thousands of devotees.
Which Hindu temple in the USA is similar to Tirupati?
The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is inspired by the Tirupati Balaji Temple in India. It follows South Indian rituals and is one of the most authentic Tirupati-style temples outside of India.
Where can I find a Hindu temple near me in the USA?
To find a Hindu temple near your location in the USA, you can search on Google Maps using terms like “Hindu temple near me,” or visit platforms like PanditjiOnWay.com for temple recommendations and to book priests for online and offline pujas.
Discover divine peace and cultural splendor—visit a Hindu temple near you and feel the presence of the divine.
