A prominent Hindu temple in Queens has seen the Indian and South Asian immigrant immigrant around it grow and flourish in the decades since it was constructed.

“The visits to this place awakens the spiritual aspect… and once that is open you are calmer, you are accepting,” said Mohan Ramaswamy, a devotee and board trustee of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, or as it’s called by devotees, Ganesh Temple.

There’s no photography or recording allowed inside the temple, which was constructed in 1970.

What You Need To Know

  • Mohan Ramaswamy is a devotee and board trustee of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, or as it’s called by devotees, Ganesh Temple

  • It's widely acknowledged as the oldest authentic Hindu temple in the country

  • Ramaswamy has seen the temple serve a growing Indian American and South Asian immigrant community since its construction in the 1970s

It’s widely acknowledged as the oldest authentic Hindu temple in the country.  

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, recognizing more than 330 million gods with adherents following principles like the law of karma.

For many, being Hindu is more of a way of life.

“Religion is not the right word for us,” explained Ravi Vaidyanaat, director of religious affairs. “For us, every living entity has faith… it includes human, animal, plants and trees, everything. Every living entity has a right to live in this world and enjoy their life.”

Ramaswamy has seen the temple serve as a growing Indian American and South Asian immigrant community since emigrating to New York in the 1970s.

“When we first started, there were hardly any people of Indian origin,” remembered Ramaswamy.  

Now, he says the temple has registered email of over 15,000 families.The community’s growth is reflected in the city’s decision to recognize Diwali, as a school holiday.  

Hindus are among the faith traditions that celebrate the holiday known as the Festival of Lights.

“Over 200,000 New Yorkers celebrate Diwali and the time has come, and the time has come to make Diwali an American holiday,“ said Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu-American and first South Asian woman elected to New York state office.

Elected officials like Rajkumar are continuing to press for broader recognition as devotees like Ramaswamy marvel at how far they’ve come.

“It is extremely gratifying, and I would say as a devotee it’s a blessing from the Lord,” said Ramaswamy.