The Hindu Temple Society of North America

Hindu temple · Flushing

4

@atlasobscura

"The intricately carved temple to Ganesha, one of the most worshipped of the Hindu deities, with his distinctive elephant head, is a beautiful sculpted building, that wouldn’t look out of place in Southern India. Remarkably, this astonishing temple is not to be found in India, but amongst the suburban family homes of Flushing, Queens. Home of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, but popularly known as the Ganesh Temple, it was the first traditional Hindu temple built in the United States. Built on Bowne Street on land bought from the Russian Orthodox Church, the incredible Hindu temple was begun in 1970, for the rapidly increasing Hindu immigrant population of New York. Built in the South Indian style, by skilled craftsmen and temple builders from India, the idol images are carved from granite imported from India as well. The temple itself is a thriving place of worship and popular community centre. Non-Hindu visitors are welcome, although photography of the silver shrines covered in colourful garlands is not allowed. Underneath the Temple is the community canteen, that serves some of the best South Indian Dosas to be found in the city. The beauty, serenity and friendliness of the Ganesh Temple, is matched by the deliciousness of the food below, making the Hindu Temple Society of North America a delight to all the senses. Know Before You Go If you want to go into the temple, they have a dress code. No sleeveless tops, no shorts, no short skirts, no leather, no furs, basically no dead animal products. If your bottoms are inappropriate, they will rent you some baggy pants. No shoes are allowed inside the temple. Be prepared to take your shoes off outside. Canteen is in the basement accessed off Holly St." - Luke J Spencer, krazzo, e1savage, Michael Busch

The Ganesh Temple of Queens – Queens, New York - Gastro Obscura

45-57 Bowne St, Queens, NY 11355 Get directions

nyganeshtemple.org

4 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Mercy Bar

Bar · Gramercy

Brick- & wood-accented bar featuring beer & cocktails amid moody lighting & a tree-topped garden.

2 Postcards

Cornbread Brooklyn

Soul food restaurant · Crown Heights

Charming and welcoming, Cornbread Farm to Soul serves up a delightful array of soul food staples, featuring crispy fried chicken, savory catfish, and swoon-worthy cornbread in a bright and friendly setting.

4 Postcards

169 Bar

Bar · Lower East Side

Tucked away on the Lower East Side, 169 Bar is a vibrant dive adorned with palm trees and a leopard-print pool table, serving up cheap drinks and good vibes in a kitschy atmosphere.

9 Postcards

Ciccio Cincin

Italian restaurant · West Village

Ciccio Cincin is the West Village's newest culinary gem, offering a stunning space where inventive Italian dishes meet a charming vibe and killer cocktails.

4 Postcards

Adda Indian Canteen

Indian restaurant · Long Island City

Nestled in a quirky space adorned with newspapers, Adda Indian Canteen offers an elevated twist on traditional Indian dishes, all served with a side of warm hospitality.

64 Postcards

Kinjo

Japanese restaurant · DUMBO

Kinjo is an intimate 13-seat omakase gem in Dumbo, serving a stellar 11-course menu for $95, complemented by creative cocktails and a cozy vibe.

2 Postcards

Donna

Cocktail bar · West Village

Donna is a chic cocktail bar in the West Village serving expertly crafted Pan-Latin bites and refreshing drinks, all in a welcoming vibe.

7 Postcards

Wildair

New American restaurant · Lower East Side

Wildair, the laid-back sibling of Contra, serves creative small plates and natural wines in a bustling Lower East Side space that’s always a scene.

55 Postcards

Hakata TonTon

Authentic Japanese restaurant · Midtown West

Hakata TonTon brings a vibrant slice of southern Japan to Midtown, serving adventurous Japanese soul food and a trendy hot pot experience in a cozy setting.

5 Postcards

Odd Fox Coffee

Coffee shop · Bedford-Stuyvesant

This charming coffee spot offers delicious brews and tempting pastries—like their standout croissants—perfect for a cozy morning pick-me-up.

2 Postcards