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The temples in Washington DC are a perfectly viable mix of tradition and modernity, providing peaceful abodes to worship and community for Indian-Americans. Beautifully designed, these temples host ceremonies and events, holding the Hindu traditions intact with American life. They provide not only spiritual comfort but cultural hubs that blend the old traditions with contemporary life. Exploring these temples in Washington DC reveals how important they are in the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Top 10 Temples In Washington DC To Visit
Discover the top 10 famous temples in Washington DC, with a blend of rich history, ancient architecture, and spiritual energy:
1. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple
Photo: Docku / Wikimedia Commons
With construction finished in 2002, the Sri Siva Vishnu temple is among the biggest in the United States. Many Hindu gods can be found in these temples in Washington DC area. Shiva as Ramanathaswamy and Vishnu as Ananthapadmanabha reside at the principal shrines. The temple features a kitchen, an auditorium, and a multipurpose, soundproofed space for a range of social events and activities. Visitors from a variety of religious backgrounds are welcome to witness the temple’s interiors and customary Hindu rites.
Location: 6905 Cipriano Rd, Lanham, MD 20706, United States
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM – 9 PM (Weekends)
2. Washington DC Temple
Photo: Joe Ravi / Wikimedia Commons
The Washington DC Temple is one of the most important landmarks in this region, standing as an impressive structure for religious purposes. Members conduct regular prayer, and visitors are encouraged to do so too. The temple has a visitor centre that shares the history of the temple and the Mormon faith. During the holiday season, it hosts the annual Festival of Lights event. Visitors can enjoy thousands of sparkling lights, musical performances, and festive displays. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable experience for people of all ages.
Location: 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895, United States
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
3. ISKCON DC
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
In 1975, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness inaugurated the Hare Krishna Temple in Maryland. The 12-acre property includes a farm where vegetables are cultivated and cattle are raised, as well as a cultural centre. Regardless of their religious beliefs, people of all ages are welcome to attend the temple. With considerable ceremony, the temple commemorates Janmastami, the birth of Krishna. Visitors are treated to special pujas and carnival-style celebrations during the fall, with traditional Indian games and rides serving as the main draw.
Location: 10310 Oaklyn Dr, Potomac, MD 20854, United States
Timings: 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
4. Murugan Temple Of North America
Photo: prasanna_devadas / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
The Murugan Temple of North America was the first temple devoted to Murugan, a Hindu god. The main statue, dedicated to Murugan with Valli Devasena, was inaugurated in 1999. Every Hindu and South Indian holiday is celebrated with tremendous fanfare at the temple. Participation in these festivals is open to visitors of all faiths, providing them with an opportunity to experience South Indian customs and celebrations. Along with teaching Tamil, a regional language of India, the temple also hosts religious sessions and bhajans.
Location: 6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, MD 20706, United States
Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM (Monday to Friday); 9 AM – 9 PM (Weekends)
5. The Hindu Temple Of Metropolitan Washington
Photo: Koushalya Karthikeyan / Pexel / Image For Representation Only
One of the oldest Hindu temples in the US is the Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington. The temple was founded in 1982 and provides a calm and serene environment for people of all faiths to connect with their inner selves. Many people are reminded of the architecture of temples in northern India by the exterior facade. For a variety of festivals, the temple provides the local Hindu community with puja, jagran, and havan services. Additionally, it features an auditorium and banquet hall that promote community gatherings for celebrations of various holidays and events.
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM (Monday to Friday); 8 AM – 8 PM (Weekends)
Location: 10001 Riggs Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783, United States
6. Washington Kali Temple
Photo: Kolkatar Chobiwala / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
In 2002, The Kali Temple was established in Washington, DC, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali; it also honors Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesh. Primarily catering to a South Asian population, the temple is an important cultural and spiritual hub. A language school instructing Bangla, commonly spoken throughout Bangladesh and Eastern India. It is also a library of Hindu scriptures and mythology books to make resources available to study scriptures. The temple encourages devotion but provides shelter not only for devotion but also for the preservation and promotion of South Asian languages and heritage within the community.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Location: 16126 New Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866, United States
7. Golden Lotus Temple
Photo: Vijay Krishnawat / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the distinctive temples in Washington, DC, is the Golden Lotus Temple, which is a part of the Self-Revelation Church of Absolute Monism. The temple was established in 1952 to encourage each person to discover God inside themselves. Every component of the temple’s thoughtfully designed architecture has a purpose in our day-to-day existence. For instance, the foot-shaped blue reflecting pool at the church’s entryway represents the legacy one leaves behind. While on the temple’s grounds, visitors will encounter a genuinely calm and tranquil environment.
Location: 4748 Western Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816, United States
Timings: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
8. Chua Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple
Photo: Sachith Ravishka Kodikara / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Chua Giac Hoang Buddhist Temple, established in 1976, is a cultural centre of the American Vietnamese Buddhist Community, maintained by Vietnamese Buddhist devotees. The temple holds morning prayers every day and special Sunday events, which encourage community bonding. It also holds traditional events for Vietnamese holidays, including Buddha’s birthday and Vietnamese New Year. The temple goes beyond its spiritual offerings, thereby preserving the culture and unifying the Vietnamese Americans. It stands as a centre of strength for faith and heritage.
Location: 5401 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20011, United States
Timings: 10 AM – 3 PM (Monday to Friday), 9 AM – 5 PM (Weekends)
9. Nichiren Shoshu Myosenji Buddhist Temple
Photo: Patibutkan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Nichiren Shoshu branch of Buddhism is represented by the Myosenji Buddhist temple. To assist the locals in their quest for spiritual sustenance, this temple was established in 1972. The temple assists interested individuals in their quest to become Buddhist adherents while providing instruction on the fundamentals of Buddhism. Anyone can use these facilities, regardless of their prior religious affiliation. For a genuinely mystical and spiritual experience, the temple also provides pilgrimage services to the head temple in Taisekiji, Japan.
Location: 310 University Blvd W, Silver Spring, MD 20901, United States
Timings: 7 AM – 8:30 PM
10. National Gurdwara
Photo: Gursher Gill / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This national gurdwara was opened in 2005 and serves Sikhs in the Washington, DC area while welcoming visitors of all faiths throughout the week. A museum and library on site offer guests an opportunity to learn about Sikhism. Punjabi and Kirtan classes offered by the gurdwara encourage cultural education among the locals. Members prepare and provide Langar to homeless people and those in need on Sundays. This is based on the Sikh tradition of selfless service. The National Gurdwara acts as both a place of worship and a rallying point around cultural understanding and community support.
Location: 3801 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
The temples in Washington DC offer a unique blend of spiritual serenity, architectural magnificence and cultural bonding which beautifies the diverse canvas of the city. From Hindu temples to Buddhist shrines and Sikh gurdwaras, it catalyses a feeling of community-for worship, learning, and for celebrations of one’s cultural heritage. Book your trip with TripXL to curate your ideal journey, so book now to experience personalised tours.
Cover Photo: Docku / Wikimedia Commons
