The place of worship for people of all Hindu faiths
First temple in USA dedicated to Bhagwati Durgaji.
Religion plays a crucial role in shaping individuals and communities by guiding their beliefs, values, and daily practices. These practices have traditionally been encouraged in houses of worship and cultural centers, creating spaces for spiritual growth and communal connection.
About Us
Since its founding, the Hindu community in the Washington Metropolitan area has reflected the nature and philosophy of attracting immigrants to the United States from all over the world.
Buoyed by this country's freedom, liberty, and opportunity, countless people have come here.
A Short History
Since 1999, the Hindu community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has embodied the American ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity. Drawn by these promises, immigrants from India have enriched the cultural landscape of the region. Their diverse food, languages, music, and Hindu traditions have become vibrant threads woven into the Indian American tapestry. This multicultural society continues to flourish, fostering a dynamic and enriching community.
The Establishment of Durga Temple
Hindu migration to the United States increased significantly following the independence of South Asian and other former colonial nations in the mid-20th century. The Washington D.C. metropolitan area attracted numerous professionals, some of whom started successful businesses under American law. These professionals and entrepreneurs united to establish Siva Vishnu, Hindu, Jain, and Rajdhani temples. In 1989, with the support of pioneering Hindu businesspeople, the Durga Temple was founded, becoming a vital center for the growing Hindu community.
Challenges in the Growth Process
Like any volunteer-based organization, Durga Temple faced difficulties in aligning diverse personalities and viewpoints around a shared mission. This process was time-consuming and, at times, contentious, particularly when disagreements arose about the organization's overall goals.
Additional challenges included navigating architectural design by Dewberry and Davis, obtaining zoning permits from Fairfax County, and addressing neighborhood concerns regarding zoning compliance. Despite these obstacles, the temple persevered and overcame these hurdles over time.
Foundation Ceremony and Construction
After much anticipation, the foundation ceremony took place in October 1994 with grand festivities and religious rituals. Construction commenced in October 1996, financed by a $2.5 million loan from First Virginia Bank. Dr. Jai Gupta provided a $250,000 personal guarantee to secure the project's funding.
The Blessings of the Lord
A wiseman once said, “In all adversities, there is always a treasure of spiritual blessings secretly hidden in its depth.” For Durga Temple, this treasure was Dr. Jai N. Gupta assuming the role of construction manager. His involvement led to significant cost savings and a professional, methodical approach to the construction process.
Timely financial contributions from key supporters, including Dr. Jai N. Gupta, Mr. Chander Narang, Mr. B.B. Sahay, and Mr. Girish Jindia, were instrumental in ensuring the project's success. Today, the temple continues to thrive with the ongoing support of its 27 contributing trustees.
Challenges in the Growth Process
Like any volunteer-based organization, Durga Temple faced difficulties in aligning diverse personalities and viewpoints around a shared mission. This process was time-consuming and, at times, contentious, particularly when disagreements arose about the organization's overall goals.
Additional challenges included navigating architectural design by Dewberry and Davis, obtaining zoning permits from Fairfax County, and addressing neighborhood concerns regarding zoning compliance. Despite these obstacles, the temple persevered and overcame these hurdles over time.
The Opening of the Temple
The temple's inauguration on March 21, 1999, was a joyous occasion celebrated with religious ceremonies and rituals. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the auspicious unveiling of the Durga Mata idol.
The Durga Temple organization was established in early 1991, with the first general meeting and adoption of bylaws taking place in September of the same year. Key milestones included the groundbreaking ceremony in April 1996, the Bhoomi Pooja in October 1996, and the completion of the dome construction in March 2006.
Spiritual Guidelines
Durga Temple's Board members are dedicated to preserving and promoting Hindu culture in America. While America's religious freedom allows everyone to practice their faith freely, the temple emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind rituals. These practices help us cultivate a closer connection with the Divine through our thoughts, words, and actions.
The ancient Hindu texts, The Upanishads, emphasize that spiritual growth comes from true knowledge and a deep connection with God. While we inherit cultural values from our families, it is essential to explore and strengthen our understanding of the universal principles that govern our lives.
The Philosophy of the Temple
The concept of God plays a central role in our Vedas and Upanishads, serving as a guiding principle toward a deeper understanding of the divine. Constructing a temple serves as an initial step in the journey to connect with the deeper aspects of the divine. This progression from the material to the spiritual realm mirrors the journey from the earth to water, fire, air, and ether - a journey that recognizes the presence of all five elements within us.
Embracing this path helps us transition from the material to the spiritual, although the material world is more easily understood. This approach enables us to transcend cultural and religious limitations, promoting individual growth and potential. The temple serves as a center for personal development, providing an environment for self-improvement and spiritual enrichment that benefits society.
Durga Temple's ultimate aim is to become a center where individuals can deepen their understanding of themselves, their communities, and their spiritual connection. The temple will enrich the values, culture, and beliefs of its members, cultivating unity and love under divine guidance. Individuals of all faiths who believe in God are invited to participate in this spiritual journey.
Our Members
Dr. Jai N. Gupta
Principal Trustee Emeritus
Dr. Suresh C. & Adarsh Gupta
Chairman
Raj & Asha Kapoor
Vice Chairman
Madan & Monica Gupta
Treasurer
Kusum L. Taneja
Secretary
Poonam Bansal
Trustee
Varun & Neha Chudiwale
Trustee
Mahendrasinh & Naline Chudasama
Trustee
Rajinder & Kiran Garg
Trustee
Akhil & Madhu Govil
Trustee
Ved R & Kailash Goyal
Trustee
Asit N. Gupta
Trustee
Chand & Sunita Gupta
Trustee
Ram & Rashmi Gupta
Trustee
Ravi & Anjali Gupta
Trustee
Girish & Indu Jindia
Trustee
Amit & Michelle Kapoor
Trustee
Chander & Shashi Narang
Trustee
Rajiv Kumar Narang
Trustee
Dr.Brajnandan & Rupa Sahay
Trustee
Sajan & Pushpa Saraff
Trustee
Rani Sharma Harnal
Trustee
Madhulika & Dr Dharam V Singh
Trustee
Sudhir & Sharda Oberoi
Trustee
Ved & Urmil Bansal
Trustee
Rattan Chand & Urmil Dadoo
Trustee
Prashant Gaur
Trustee
Kuldip & Shashi Goyal
Trustee
Krishan Gupta
Trustee
Dr. Sushil Jajodia
Trustee
Anirudh Kulkarni
Trustee
Ramendra & Champa Kumar
Trustee
Bobby & Sonia Makheja
Trustee
Ramesh Raj
Trustee
Dr. Soma Reddy
Trustee
Pawan Singh
Trustee
Dr. Om Chhabra
Trustee
Mondays
Morning : 7:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Tuesdays - Fridays
Morning : 9:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Holidays
Morning : 9:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Sundays
Morning : 9:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 6:30 PM
Regular Timings
Please note: The Durga Temple's opening hours vary seasonally and by day of the week.
The Temple is open until 9:00 PM during spring and summer, and until 8:00 PM during winter.