History, Timing, Social and Spiritual Activities, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Lanham, Maryland Washington D.C, America
Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple is one of the biggest Hindu temples in the United States of America. The temple is situated in Lanham, Maryland, just at the outskirt of Washington D.C. The main gods of this shrine are Shiva in the form of Ramanathaswamy and Vishnu in the form of Ananthapadmanabha. The Ramanathaswamy is the idol of the Rameshwaram temple (India) and the Ananthpadmanabha is the idol of the Padmanabhaswami temple (India). Apart from them, there are other temples of Durga, Laxmi, Saraswati, Rama, Ganapati, Krishna, and Hanuman also present. The temple was constructed between 1988 to 2002.
The idea of constructing a Hindu temple in the capital city came to the mind of a group of people in 1976. They started discussing the plan with others as well. Eventually, when a larger group of people came to know about it, the temple trust was built. The purpose of building the temple inspired all the Indian residents, who left their country and became a citizen of the United States. The main motive to build the temple was to bring together all the Hindus residing in America. The Hindus were different from each other in their traditions but united by their devotion.
In 1984, the temple trust obtained an area of land with a small house in the inhabited Washington D.C. The temples were primarily set up in this house. Eventually, a large number of visitors started to visit the temple. Then the temple authority started to develop ideas for a bigger temple with conventional architecture and design. A plan was made based on their ideas with the guidance of renowned temple architect Dr. Ganapati Sthapati.
Around 1400 people were present when the sanctification of the temple was performed. The Kumbabhishekam was arranged in 1991 because temples of other deities were constructed and sanctified. After several years, the temple obtained more plots to build temples for Ayyappa and Venkateshwara. These temples were completed in 2002.
The temple reflects the flavour of traditional Hindu temple architecture. The temple ground houses around 17 small and large temples of different deities. Apart from the shrines, the compound has a large concert hall for performing several events as well as cultural programs. There is a huge dining hall for the devotees to offer bhogs to them. The pattern of the main temple resembles the Southern style of architecture i.e. the Dravida style. The rest of the temples show the blending of Pallava, Kerala, Mayan, Vijaynagara, and South Kanara styles of architecture.
As the temple is home to many deities, multiple festivals are celebrated with the same enthusiasm. Although, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are the presiding deities here. So, the Shiv Ratri and the Vaikuntha Ekadasi is the major festival celebrated by the people. Apart from this, devotees gather here to celebrate Diwali, Ram Navami, Navratri, Krishna Janmashtami, and the Ganesh Chaturthi. All the Hindu devotees of that community come together to participate in every major festival here.
The temple opens at 9.00 am every morning. The first worship of the day starts at 9.30 am for all the deities. The evening ritual starts at 6.30 pm.
There are two types of prayers performed every day. The morning prayers start at 9.00 am and end at 1.00 pm every day. The evening schedule is from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
To get more information about the temple, you can contact the authority via email at – ssvt@ssvt.org or call the number – (301) 552-3335.
The Sri Shiva Vishnu temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington DC. Apart from the Hindu residents, visitors from outside also come to enjoy the magnificent view of the temple. It is a must-visit travel destination in the city.
How to Reach Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, Lanham, Maryland Washington D.C, USA
The temple is situated in Maryland. The place is about 12 miles away from the capital city, Washington. Buses, trains, and airways all facilities are available to reach there. If you are traveling from India, take a flight to Dulles International Airport (Washington DC). Cab facilities are available outside the airport to reach the temple. There are local trains also available within a few kilometers of the airport. The trains will also take you to the destination.
