Visit to Swami Narayan Temple,New York

1st July 2026

As we both got out of the airport with my son and daughter, they asked us what should we do. Should we go to our home first and have a rest or would you prefer to travel somewhere after having some food etc. We immediately showed keen interest in moving around instead of resting at home. They were literally surprised, that after coming from such a long journey of over 24 hours, we were much fresh and ready to travel again instead of resting.

Then he suggested one or two places we can visit in a day before returning to home. First one Swami Narayan Temple and then Times Square. I was not much keen to visit temple, as i had swami narayan temples experience in Pune. It is big,spacious, beautiful, etc. etc. but what i really feel is that it is without god, without any divine vibrations within. It is like a Big museaum, big carvings, paintings, showcasing, hundies for donation, receipt books for pooja, prasad and what not, big canteen serving all sorts of foods. But I said OK, let us move out first.

Swami Narayan Temple, New York 

My Son Akshay and daughter Gayatri both le, New York of them drives cars very well, as each of them have separate one for going office etc. So it was not issue. Comfortably Akshay drove us to Swami Narayan Temple, one of the biggest temple in the world as proclaimed by them in USA. We had a great tour of the temple premises, surrounding gardens etc. It was a very hot day there, so use of caps, goggles was much essential to save from scroaching sun and heat. We all four moved to the main temple area. Right from entry we could notice many volunteers ready to give information about it, two-three halls for showcasing their films and information. Instead of wasting time more there, we started on our own seeing the temple premises. It was a classic show of art, carvings, paintings, illumination everywhere. Everyone is just amazed by the beauty and caricature of the so called temple. We moved in different rooms, parts and had a wonderful view of everything which was on display. As usual the main part of the temple was keep closed and darshan of God was not available. It is a peculiarity of swami narayan temple , same as in Pune. There are many sculpures, images of different of gods and goddesses on show - including Lord Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati, Saraswati, Laxmi, kalimata, Vithhal rukhmini and many more. They want to attract and satisfy devotees of almost very god there at one place.

We were hungry too, so went to dining are of temple, where there was a big line, que for purchasing tickets after giving order and making payment on desk . Only after having full payment of your order, and ticket you can be in a line towards the dining area. Further there is self service. You have to take your own dishes, glasses, water, and all accessories needed for you . As there was rush , i moved forward and sat on one table making a room for four of us, by the time akshay went to give order, take tickets, and then bring us the food we expected.

All of us four comfortably sat at the table and enjoyed whatever food we got as per orders. The quality of food was alright and price as per usa standard. I think dining area, or canteen etc. is important part of earning of this temple. It is like a very big hotel than a temple, as we normally visaualise in mind as per indian standard of any really good temple.