Sri Rama Temples in the USA: Complete State-by-State Guide 

Sri Rama Temples in the USA: A Devotee's Complete State-by-State Guide

 Jai Shri Ram! The United States is home to a vibrant, thriving Hindu community of over 3 million devotees, and with it, hundreds of sacred temples dedicated to the deities of the Hindu pantheon. Among these, the temples dedicated to Lord Sri Ramachandra — the ideal king, the eternal embodiment of dharma, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu — hold a very special place in the hearts of the Indian-American community.

When the first wave of Indian immigrants arrived in America in the late 1960s and 1970s following the landmark Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, they brought with them not just their skills and ambitions, but their faith, their culture, and their devotion to Lord Rama. These immigrants kept small puja altars in their homes. As families grew and communities formed, those home altars became the seed of magnificent temple complexes that today serve as powerful spiritual, cultural, and community centres for millions across the country.

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago holds the esteemed honour of being the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the United States. But today, Rama temples and shrines exist in virtually every major metropolitan area — from New York to Los Angeles, from Chicago to Houston, from Atlanta to Seattle.

This complete guide from HinduTone takes you through the most important Sri Rama temples in the United States, state by state, with addresses, timings, deities, and visitor information.

A Brief History of Sri Rama Temples in America

The rise of counterculture of the 1960s in the United States saw the arrival of many gurus and swamis from India. In the 1960s and 1970s, these teachers established centers, temples, and ashrams, many of which continue to the present day.

By the 1970s, religious groups and cultural associations started working together to create Hindu "temple societies." These societies formed in metropolitan areas with large Indian American populations such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C.

As of recent data, there are over 1,000 Hindu temples in the USA, including major temples in states like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. Among these, dozens are primarily or significantly dedicated to the worship of Lord Rama. They range from dedicated Rama Mandirs built in authentic South Indian Chola or Dravidian architectural styles to multi-deity complexes where Rama is the principal deity or holds a prominent shrine.

Sri Rama Temples in the USA — State by State

ILLINOIS — The Oldest Rama Temple in America

1. Sri Rama Temple – Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Lemont, IL  OLDEST RAMA TEMPLE IN USA

Address: 10915 Lemont Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Established: 1977 (Temple inaugurated: July 4, 1986)
Architecture: South Indian Chola style (white exterior)
Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Nearest Airport: O'Hare International Airport (~28 miles)

The temple holds the esteemed honour of being the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the United States. The Temple sits atop a hillock in the suburbs of Lemont, Illinois, approximately 28 miles from downtown Chicago.

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) is a Hindu temple complex in Lemont, Illinois. It was inaugurated and opened to the public on July 4, 1986. The complex includes a Rama temple and a temple for Ganesha, Shiva, and Durga. They chose Rama as the main deity of the future temple due to his wide appeal among Hindu immigrants in the United States.

The Sri Rama Temple is built in the Chola style of architecture, a South Indian style, and has a white exterior. The temples and interior ornamentation throughout were hand-crafted by artisans who came all the way from India to build these sacred spaces.

Principal Deities at the Rama Temple:

• Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana (primary shrine)
• Lord Ganesha
• Sri Hanuman
• Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji)
• Mahalakshmi
• Sri Krishna and Radha

Also on Campus:

• Ganesha-Shiva-Durga Temple (Kalinga / North Indian architectural style)
• Swami Vivekananda Spiritual Center (yoga, meditation, spiritual lectures)
• 10-foot bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda — the first such statue installed in a public place in the USA

Festivals Celebrated: Ram Navami, Shiva Ratri, Janmashtami, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Kumbhabhishekam (every 12 years)

 This temple is a must-visit for every Rama devotee in the United States. Its hilltop location, authentic South Indian architecture, and deep community roots make it one of the most spiritually powerful Hindu sites in all of America.

 MARYLAND — The Largest Hindu Temple Near Washington D.C.

2. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT), Lanham, MD 

Address: 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham, MD 20706
Established: 1976 (Deity consecration began 1988, completed 2002)
Architecture: Fusion of Mayan, Pallava, Vijayanagara, Kerala, and South Canara styles
Timings: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Weekends 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Distance from Washington D.C.: ~12 miles

Sri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) is a Hindu temple located in Lanham, Maryland, about 12 miles (19 km) from Washington D.C. It is one of the largest temples in the United States. The actual temple construction began in 1988 and the last deity consecration took place in 2002.

The next shrine is that of Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshman as represented in Bhadrachalam. This is the only place where Sri Rama, to grant the wish of a famous devotee, appears in the Vishnu Swarupa form with four hands and with Sita seated on his lap. This makes the SSVT's Rama shrine truly unique in all of America.

Deities at the Rama Shrine:

• Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Bhadrachalam form
• This is the only Rama shrine outside India with the unique Vishnu Swarupa four-handed form of Rama with Sita on his lap

Other Major Deities on Campus: Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu (Ananthapadmanabha), Sri Krishna, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, Ma Andal, Lord Hanuman, Ma Parvathi, Ma Lakshmi, Ma Saraswathi, Ma Durga, Ayyappa shrine (with 18 steps modelled after Sabarimala), Navagrahas

Special Features:

• Auditorium, dining hall, and multi-purpose rooms available for community events
• Weekend community lunches served for a nominal donation
• One of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the eastern United States

 PENNSYLVANIA — The Pioneer State of Hindu Temples in America

3. Sri Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Temple), Pittsburgh, PA 

Address: 1230 McCully Drive, Penn Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Established: 1976 (Consecrated: June 8, 1977)
Architecture: Inspired by the Tirupati Venkateswara Temple — South Indian Dravidian style
Principal Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Timings: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Weekends 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

This Tirupati-inspired South Indian temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the USA. It houses the Golden Chariot and deities like Ganesh, Parvati, and Shiva. The temple also conducts Kalyanotsavam, Suprabhatam, and Vedic rituals with great devotion.

While Lord Venkateswara is the presiding deity, the Pittsburgh temple was among the very first consecrated Hindu temples in America and set the standard for all Hindu temple construction that followed. It houses shrines to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and celebrates Ram Navami with a grand puja and cultural program every year.

4. Vraj Hindu Temple, Schuylkill County, PA

Address: Eastern Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County
Established: 1990 (founded by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj)
Area: 300 acres
Architecture: Magnificent marble construction with intricate carvings

The Vraj Hindu Temple in Pennsylvania is a stunning temple complex that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism. The temple complex is spread over 300 acres of land, which includes a sacred lake and beautiful gardens that add to the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

The Vraj Temple is a major Vaishnava centre where Lord Rama is celebrated alongside Radha-Krishna as a central divine figure. Ram Navami programs here include devotional discourses, bhajans, and community satsangs.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

 NEW JERSEY — America's Largest Hindu Temple Complex

5. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Robbinsville, NJ 

Address: 1 Akshardham Boulevard, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Established / Completed: 2017
Architecture: Hand-carved marble and Turkish limestone — one of the most ornate temples in the Western Hemisphere
Area: 162 acres
Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)

The Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in USA and the second-largest Hindu temple in the world. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is dedicated to several Hindu deities such as Radha-Krishna, Rama-Sita, and Shiva-Parvati and is often the centre of the religious congregation of Hindus in USA.

The Akshardham Temple features a beautifully crafted Rama-Sita shrine as one of its principal sanctums. Its construction required over 33,000 pieces of hand-carved marble and limestone, and the area spreads over 22 acres of the main temple structure. This is one of the most visited Hindu religious sites in the entire Western Hemisphere and a landmark destination for Rama devotees.

 TEXAS — The Heart of South Indian Hindu Culture in America

6. Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland (Houston), TX 

Address: 17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584
Architecture: Authentic South Indian Dravidian style with a 50-foot Rajagopuram (entrance tower)
Principal Deity: Goddess Meenakshi; Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva)
Timings: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM; Saturday–Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM

The Sri Meenakshi Temple in Houston is one of the largest and most architecturally authentic South Indian Hindu temples in North America. It houses a prominent Sri Rama shrine among its many sanctums, and celebrates Ram Navami with elaborate Vedic rituals, special abhishekam, and prasadam distribution.

7. Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Bridgewater, NJ / Austin, TX

Multiple Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) temples across Texas — including in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and the greater Houston area — feature dedicated Lord Rama shrines as part of their multi-deity complexes. These temples celebrate Ram Navami annually with special Kalyanam (divine wedding ceremony) events.

8. Sita Ram Mandir, Jackson, Mississippi

Address: Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS
Significance: A dedicated Sita-Rama Mandir serving the Hindu community of Mississippi

Named directly after the divine couple Sita and Rama, this temple is a community focal point for Rama devotion in the Deep South, celebrating Ram Navami, Diwali, and other major Hindu festivals throughout the year.

 GEORGIA — The Growing Hindu Hub of the American South

9. Hindu Temple of Atlanta (Sri Venkateswara Temple), Riverdale, GA

Address: 5851 GA Highway 85, Riverdale, GA 30274
Established: Early 1980s
Architecture: White marble South Indian Dravidian style
Phone: 770-907-7102

Made of beautiful white marble, this temple is home to both Shiva and Balaji shrines. The temple is a symbol of Indian heritage in Georgia and serves a growing Hindu population with regular rituals, youth programs, and major Hindu festivals like Navratri and Diwali.

The temple features a dedicated Lord Rama shrine and observes Ram Navami with puja, bhajans, and prasadam distribution. It serves the large and fast-growing Indian-American community of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.

10. Greater Atlanta Vedic Temple Society, Lilburn (Metro Atlanta), GA

Address: Lilburn, Metro Atlanta, GA
Significance: A major Vedic cultural and religious centre with Rama worship as a central practice

This temple society hosts regular Vedic discourses, Ramayana recitations, and Ram Navami celebrations that draw devotees from across the Atlanta area.

 CALIFORNIA — Sri Rama Temples Across the Golden State

11. Shiva Vishnu Temple, Livermore, CA 

Address: 1232 Arrowhead Avenue, Livermore, CA 94551
Architecture: South Indian Dravidian style
Principal Deities: Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, with shrines for Lord Rama, Hanuman, and many others
Timings: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore, California, is one of the most popular and beautiful Hindu temples in California. It maintains a prominent Sri Rama shrine and hosts Ram Navami celebrations with Vedic rituals, classical music, and community prasadam. The Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore regularly hosts festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Rath Yatra, attracting thousands of devotees.

12. Malibu Hindu Temple (Sri Venkateswara Temple), Calabasas, CA 

Address: 1600 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Architecture: South Indian Dravidian style nestled in the hills of Calabasas
Principal Deity: Lord Venkateswara
Timings: Daily, please check website for current hours

Run by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, the Malibu Hindu Temple is a South Indian architectural masterpiece nestled in the hills of Calabasas. It has served many celebrity visitors and is famous for hosting weddings and spiritual ceremonies.

The Malibu temple features a Sri Rama shrine and celebrates major Vaishnava festivals including Ram Navami with traditional South Indian rituals and cultural programs.

13. Hindu Temple Society of Southern California (Various Locations)

The San Diego area hosts a Radha-Krishna and Balaji Temple, and the Bay Area has several ISKCON temples in Berkeley and San Jose where Lord Rama is prominently worshipped alongside Radha-Krishna. Ram Navami celebrations at these ISKCON centres draw thousands of devotees annually.

 NEW YORK — The First Hindu Temples in America

14. Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple), Flushing, Queens, NY 

Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, Queens, NY 11355
Established: 1977 (one of the first two Hindu temples consecrated in America)
Principal Deity: Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati
Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

The Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, inaugurated on June 8, 1977, and the Hindu Temple Society of North America in New York, consecrated on July 4, 1977, became the first Hindu temples in the U.S. built by Indian immigrants.

The Ganesh Temple in Flushing, Queens, is the oldest standing Hindu temple in America and has served the Hindu community of New York for nearly five decades. It features a Lord Rama shrine among its sanctums and celebrates Ram Navami with traditional Vedic puja and cultural events.

15. ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir, Brooklyn, NY

Address: 305 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Established: 1966
Architecture: Traditional Vaishnava temple style

One of the most historic ISKCON centres in the United States, the Brooklyn Hare Krishna temple has been a major centre of Vaishnava devotion since the 1960s. Lord Rama, as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, is honoured here with special Ram Navami programs including 24-hour kirtans, Ramayana readings, and community feasts.

 UTAH — America's Most Photogenic Ram Temple

16. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON), Spanish Fork, UT 

Address: 8628 S. State Street, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Architecture: White marble South Indian-inspired design; spectacular mountain backdrop
Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Some of the most popular ISKCON temples in the US include Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah, New Raman Reti in Florida, and Radha Kalachandji Temple in Texas.

The Spanish Fork ISKCON temple — nestled against the backdrop of the Utah mountains — is arguably the most photographically stunning Hindu temple in the United States. The annual Holi Festival of Colors here draws over 100,000 participants. The Ram Navami celebrations here feature kirtans, Ramayana discourses, and prasadam distribution to thousands.

FLORIDA — Ram Temples in the Sunshine State

17. New Raman Reti (ISKCON), Alachua, FL

Address: 1 Minute from I-75, Alachua, FL
Significance: One of ISKCON's most important rural temple communities in North America
Deities: Radha-Shyamasundara, Gaura-Nitai, Sita-Rama-Lakshmana-Hanuman

New Raman Reti is a genuine Vaishnava community and temple centre in northern Florida. The Sita-Rama-Lakshmana-Hanuman deities here are among the most beautifully adorned Rama deities in America. Ram Navami is observed with all-day programs, Ramayana recitations, and elaborate deity worship.

18. Shiva Vishnu Temple, Orland, FL

Address: 460 O'Berry Hoover Road, Orlando, FL 32825
Significance: South Indian-style temple serving Central Florida's large Hindu community with prominent Rama shrine

The Central Florida Hindu community — one of the fastest-growing Hindu communities in the Southeast — has established a vibrant temple life centred on Shiva, Vishnu, and Rama worship. Ram Navami celebrations in the Orlando area draw thousands of devotees from across Florida.

 WEST VIRGINIA — ISKCON's Spiritual Community

19. New Vrindaban Community (ISKCON), Moundsville, WV 

Address: 1032 Vrindaban Road, Moundsville, WV 26041
Established: 1968
Architecture: Ornate Vaishnava palace-style temple complex
Deities: Radha-Vrindaban Chandra, Sita-Rama-Lakshmana-Hanuman

New Vrindaban was one of the first ISKCON rural communities in America and remains one of the most important Vaishnava pilgrimage sites in the United States. New Vrindaban temple at West Virginia is an ISKCON Hare Krishna temple located in Marshall County, named after Lord Krishna's Vrindavan.

The Ram temple within New Vrindaban features beautifully worshipped Sita-Rama deities. Ram Navami is celebrated with great devotion here, including sunrise to sunset kirtans and evening Ramayana dramas.

 NORTH CAROLINA — Temples in the Research Triangle

20. Sri Somesvara Temple, Clyde, NC

Address: Clyde, NC 28721 (near Asheville and Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Contact: 828-476-4073
Significance: A unique sacred space near the Great Smoky Mountains with Rama and Shiva as principal deities

This temple, surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Carolina mountains near Asheville, offers a uniquely tranquil atmosphere for worship. Ram Navami celebrations here blend Vedic ritual with the serene Appalachian landscape in a rare and memorable spiritual experience.

 MICHIGAN — Rama Temples in the Great Lakes Region

21. Bharatiya Temple, Troy, MI

Address: 6850 Adams Road, Troy, MI 48098
Contact: 248-879-2552
Significance: One of the principal Hindu temples serving Metro Detroit's large Indian-American community

The Bharatiya Temple in Troy is a major multi-deity Hindu temple serving the large Indian-American community of Greater Detroit. Lord Rama is worshipped prominently, and Ram Navami is observed with special puja and community gatherings.

 WASHINGTON STATE — Pacific Northwest Rama Devotion

22. VEDA Temple, Redmond, WA

Address: Redmond, Washington
Significance: A significant Hindu cultural and spiritual centre in the Pacific Northwest serving the large tech-industry Indian-American community of the Seattle area

The Seattle-Bellevue-Redmond corridor is home to one of the most rapidly growing Indian-American communities in the United States, driven by the technology industry. The VEDA Temple serves this community as a centre for Rama worship, Vedic education, and Hindu cultural preservation. Ram Navami here draws devotees from across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, Canada.

Quick Reference: Sri Rama Temples in the USA by State

Sri Bhadradri Rama Temple of USA — A Special Mention

A unique effort in the Indian-American community is the Sri Bhadradri Rama Temple of USA, an initiative inspired by the legendary Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana. This dedicated Rama temple project aims to bring the spirit of Bhadrachalam's Rama worship to the Telugu and broader Hindu community in America, keeping alive the tradition of the Rama Navami Kalyanam on American soil.

How to Plan Your Sri Rama Temple Visit in the USA

General Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code: Most temples require modest clothing. Traditional Indian attire (saree, salwar kameez, dhoti, kurta) is always welcome. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing are not appropriate inside the sanctum.

Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering any temple. Most temples have dedicated shoe racks at the entrance.

Photography: Always ask before taking photographs inside the sanctum. Many temples restrict photography near the deities.

Temple Timings: Most Hindu temples in the USA have two darshan sessions — morning (typically 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) and evening (typically 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Weekend timings are generally extended.

Festivals: Ram Navami (March–April) is the best time to experience the most vibrant temple celebrations. Most temples announce their Ram Navami programs 2–4 weeks in advance on their websites and social media.

Making Offerings

• Fresh flowers, coconut, fruits, and tulsi leaves are universally appropriate offerings
• Many temples allow you to sponsor a puja — called Archana — where the priest performs a personalised prayer with your name and family name
• Prasadam (blessed food) is typically distributed after the puja

Sri Rama Navami 2026 Celebrations at US Temples

Sri Rama Navami 2026 falls on March 26–27, 2026 (depending on your regional tradition). Across the United States, every major Sri Rama temple will observe this sacred day with:

• Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) starting at sunrise
• Madhyahna Puja (midday special puja) — the most auspicious time, corresponding to Lord Rama's birth
• Kalyanam (divine wedding ceremony of Rama and Sita) at many South Indian-tradition temples
• Ramayana Parayanam (recitation of the Ramayana)
• Bhajan and Kirtan programs through the day
• Cultural programs — classical music, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi performances
• Community prasadam — distribution of Panakam, Vada Pappu, Kosambari, and cooked meals

 Check your nearest temple's official website or social media for their specific Ram Navami 2026 schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which is the oldest Sri Rama temple in the USA?
A: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, Illinois holds the esteemed honour of being the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the United States. It was inaugurated on July 4, 1986.

Q2: Which is the largest Hindu temple in the USA with a Rama shrine?
A: The Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey is the largest Hindu temple in the USA and the second-largest Hindu temple in the world. The temple is dedicated to several Hindu deities including Rama-Sita.

Q3: How many Hindu temples are there in the USA?
A: As of recent data, there are over 1,000 Hindu temples in the USA, including major temples in states like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey.

Q4: Why did Indian immigrants choose Lord Rama as the deity for the first major dedicated temple in America?
A: The founders of the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago chose Rama as the main deity of the future temple due to his wide appeal among Hindu immigrants in the United States. Rama's universal values of dharma, family devotion, and ideal leadership resonated deeply with immigrants navigating life in a new country.

Q5: Are non-Hindus welcome to visit Rama temples in the USA?
A: Absolutely. Non-Hindus are welcome in most Hindu temples in the USA. Visitors are encouraged to follow basic etiquette such as removing shoes before entering, dressing modestly, and maintaining silence during prayers.

Q6: Which US state has the most Hindu temples?
A: Major temples are in states like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. California, Texas, New York, and New Jersey have the highest concentration of Hindu temples, reflecting their large Indian-American populations.

Conclusion: Lord Rama's Grace Across America

From the hilltop Chola-style Rama temple in Lemont, Illinois, to the marble splendour of Akshardham in New Jersey, from the mountain-backdrop ISKCON temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, to the tranquil Sita Ram Mandir in Mississippi — Lord Rama's divine presence graces every corner of the United States.

These temples are far more than places of worship. They are the living heartbeat of the Indian-American community — preserving culture, teaching the next generation the values of dharma, and welcoming all who seek peace, purpose, and the blessings of Maryada Purushottam Sri Ramachandra.

Wherever you are in America, there is a Rama temple not far away, waiting to receive you with open doors and the sacred sound of "Jai Shri Ram."

 Jai Shri Ram! Jai Siya Ram!

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Author: HinduTone Editorial Team
Published: March 2026
Last Updated: March 24, 2026