One of the most historically and architecturally important temples in the West, the Hindu Temple Society was the first authentic Hindu Temple in North America built with traditional granite stones imported from India. Construction of the temple was completed in June 1977, and the consecration took place on July 4, 1977. The temple has since been renovated and expanded, more than doubling in size.

The temple has five big and four small black granite stone shrines with stone icons and twenty wall shrines with metal icons, five domes, four on all the cardinal directions, one 50-foot tall tower facing east, a sun-lit glass-roofed walkway with eight granite stone pillars on either side, artistically carved teak-wood doors and two pure silver 11' x 16' chariots.

Below the adjacent community center, the Temple's famed Canteen serves authentic South Indian food to 4,000 people a week including traditional idli, dosa, pongal, upma, sambar, and chutney.

Tours are conducted year-round by senior priests in English. Want to see the temple but can't make it to Queens? This virtual tour will show you all the key features and discuss the history of this astonishing building.

Dress code: Covered shoulders; no shorts, mini-skirts, or ripped jeans. Shoes must be left outside at the entrance or in the basement.