Ganesh Temple in Flushing: Canteen, Directions, and Pooja Timings

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple in Flushing, Queens is the 2nd oldest Hindu temple in the USA. The temple is managed by the Hindu Temple Society of North America. The Ganesh Temple in Flushing opens to all the devotees at 08:00 AM and closes at 08:30 PM. The temple has a vegetarian restaurant/canteen, which feeds thousands of devotees during the major Hindu festivals.

Image Source: Temples Of India

A Devotional Center: The Ganesh Temple in Flushing

The Ganesh Temple in Flushing is known as Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple. In the United States of America, it is the 2nd oldest Hindu temple that has been built by Indian immigrants. It is managed by the Hindu Temple Society of North America, which has been run by its president Uma Mysorekar, since 1994. The temple is known for its accomplishments & contributions to the Indian community, especially to the devotees of Shri Ganesha – the presiding Deity of the Temple. 

The Ganesh Temple in Flushing indulges in fundraising activities such as organizing pooja sponsorship (services), cultural events, dinners, etc. It celebrates all the Hindu festivals, however, the celebrations on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi are always something special. During this occasion, you will see vibrant decorations in every part of the temple along with devotional hymns and long rituals. Also, during this festival, the devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers and seek the blessing of Lord Vighnaharta. Further, you can smell the fragrance of incense along with the sound of rhythmic chants that create a serene and spiritual environment.

Key Highlights of The Ganesh Temple in Flushing

• Address: 45-57 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 1135, United States
• Hours:  Weekdays: 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM and Weekends: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
• Website: https://nyganeshtemple.org/
• Management: The Hindu Temple Society of North America
• Pooja Timings: Mahã Ganapati Suprabhãtam is done daily at 08:00 AM and Sarva Devata Mangala Hãrati is done daily at 7:30 PM

Architecture of The Ganesh Temple in Flushing

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple has a complete granite construction and a gopuram gateway. Lord Ganesha’s idol resides in the main shrine,  with other shrines having the idols of Lord Balaji, Sri Nagendra Swamy, Goddess Mahalakshmi, and Lord Hanuman. The architect of this temple is Sthapathi Muthiah who has also supervised the reconstruction of its premises. The special features of the temple’s architecture are a rajagopuram (lofty tower) and a dhvaja sthambha (column).

Temple Canteen

Created in 1993, the temple canteen is a vegetarian restaurant located underneath the ground level. On average, it feeds 4,000 people every week, with the numbers increasing to nearly 10,000 during the festival of Deepavali (Diwali).

Epilogue

With the Indian community in the USA thriving and growing, the Ganesh Temple in Flushing has become a symbol of devotion and cultural unity. The temple is open on all days till 08:30 PM and it serves 4,000 devotees every week via its vegetarian restaurant. With a combination of satvik food and devotion, Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam Temple has become a beacon of light for those who seek inner peace and fulfillment.