History, Timing, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Mahavallabh Ganapati Devsthanam or Ganesh Temple, Flushing, New York, America
Shri Mahavallabh Ganapati Devsthanam, also popular as Ganesh Temple is the first Hindu temple of North America, located in Flushing, part of Queens County in New York City. The most famous Hindu temple of America has the presiding deity of Lord Ganesha, thus it is popular as Ganesh temple in Queens, New York. Hindu Temple society of North America, the nonprofit organization is managing the temple and social and spiritual activities. Along with the main idol of Lord Ganesha, there are other idols of gods are installed here in temple premise which includes Shiva - Parvati, Radha – Krishna, Lakshmi – Narayana, Hanuman, Sudarsana and Narasimha, Shivlinga, Nataraja etc.
Algappan and few others had established the Hindu Temple Society of North America – the non-profit religious institution in 1970. Society had acquired land of former Russian non-functioning Orthodox Church and constructed small traditional Hindu temple at that place. The construction was completed in 1977 and the opening ceremony was arranged on July 4, 1977 – coincidently with the US Independence Day. The temple architecture is influenced by the traditional South Indian, Dravidian style temple. As lots of Indians are living in USA, temple witness lots of visitors across the year and especially during festivals, social and spiritual events. Ganesh temple is believed to be the first authentic and traditional Hindu Temple of North America. Thus it holds great importance in terms of historical as well as architectural values in the Western world.
Ganesh Temple Premise, Activities, Timings, Importance.
Ganesh Temple has huge canteen in basement where initially food for deities was prepared, now canteen has also started serving food to devotees. The temple canteen serves traditional vegetarian South Indian food items like Dosa, Sambar, Idli, Pongal, Upma, several sweets and snacks also. Lots of devotee and tourist visits here in canteen and enjoy the pure and traditional South Indian food here. This canteen has also started serving food for events and in the community center as well as nearby area. The Temple Canteen is open for dining, take-out, and delivery every day from 8.30 am to 9.00 pm
Devotee needs to wear appropriate dress while visiting temple campus, as sleeveless top, shorts, skirts etc. is not allowed in temple premise.
Ganesh Temple has one of the largest community center in Flushing, New York. Three storied center has wedding hall auditorium and large kitchen and dining hall. Lots of cultural, spiritual events and weddings arranged in this community center throughout the year.
Temple trust manages several activities like yoga and meditation classes, senior center activities, Temple School etc.
Recently street outside Ganesh temple has been named as Ganesh Temple Street, really the proud moment for Hindu Community of USA.
The Ganesha Temple offers a wide range of services like Abhishekam, Annaprasanam, Ganapathi Homam, Namakaranam, Satyanarayana Pooja, Upanayanam, Vehicle Pooja, Weddings, etc.
How to Reach Ganesh Temple or Shri Mahavallabh Ganapati Devsthanam, The Hindu Temple Society of North America, Flushing, New York, USA
The Hindu Temple is situated on Bowne Street and now co named as Ganesh Temple street in Flushing, Queens County of New York. Both La Guardia Airport and JFK Airport of New York have frequent bus, train and taxi services to reach Flushing. You can also reach easily to temple by public transport, trail or private car.
