The Hindu Temple Society of North America, also known as the Ganesh Temple, is located in the neighborhood of Flushing in Queens, New York City. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity who is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings.
The Ganesh Temple was founded in 1970 by a group of Hindu immigrants who had settled in the United States and were looking for a place to worship. The temple was originally housed in a small storefront in Flushing but has since grown to become one of the largest and most vibrant Hindu temples in the United States.
The temple complex spans over 80,000 square feet and includes multiple shrines, classrooms, community halls, and a vegetarian restaurant. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. The shrine is also home to several other deities, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Murugan.
The temple is a hub of religious and cultural activity, hosting daily prayers and rituals, as well as festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals celebrated at the Ganesh Temple is the annual Ganesh Chaturthi, which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by Hindus around the world.
The Ganesh Temple has become an important landmark in the Flushing neighborhood and is a symbol of the growing presence of Hinduism in the United States. The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds and is a testament to the rich cultural diversity of New York City.
To reach the Ganesh Temple, visitors can take public transportation to Flushing, Queens, and then walk or take a short taxi ride to the temple. The temple is also easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on site. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and to remove footwear before entering the temple complex, as a mark of respect to the local customs and traditions.
By Public Transit: Visitors can take the subway to the Flushing-Main Street station on the 7 train line, which is the last stop on the line. From there, the temple is about a 10-15 minute walk away. Visitors can also take the Q27 or Q26 buses from the Flushing-Main Street station to the Bowne Street stop, which is right outside the temple.
By Car: Visitors can drive to the temple, which is located near the intersection of Bowne Street and Elder Avenue in Flushing. There is a parking lot available on site for visitors.
By Taxi or Rideshare: Visitors can take a taxi or a rideshare service to the temple. The temple’s address can be provided to the driver to reach the destination.
The temple is open to visitors every day, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and to remove footwear before entering the temple complex, as a mark of respect to the local customs and traditions.
