Spread across a spacious 7.5 acre property, the Ananda Mandir New Jersey is a beautiful Hindu Bengali temple. It functions as both a temple and a community center. Temple is built on an acquired property where an old structure was standing already. This old ranch-style building was eventually converted into a temple priest’s residence, as well as their office, meeting, and classroom space. The construction of a new temple with a classical Bengali temple facade and a multi-functional cultural center was later completed in 2003. Another $4 million+ property redevelopment project completed in 2015-2016 is the one you see presently. Mother Kali with her beautiful idol is the presiding deity of temple .
All Hindu pujas (especially those relating to Bengali culture) are celebrated very beautifully and religiously. Bengali community in New Jersey would get the vibes of a mini Kolkata here during Durga Puja festival. Although the presiding Deity of the temple is Mother, Goddess Durga and few other Deities are also present here.
This beautifully designed temple is one of the most popular temples here in Indian community of New Jersey, USA. Other Festivals of Hindus are celebrated here throughout the year by temple, however the highlight is Durgotsav in Sharadiy Navratri and Kalipuja on Kali Chaudas of Diwali.
Temple arranges ‘Prasad’ meal to all visitors for free but they have to take prior appointment for visitation from their website during festive occasion.
Temple Itinerary Help
Hindu Temple New Jersey Address - Ananda Temple Address: 269 Cedar Grove Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873, United States Website: http://www.anandamandir.org/ Contact: +17328739821 Google Map: 1. GF56+3P Somerset, Franklin Township, NJ, USA 2. https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfTM9Vdpa8EJAq5V6 Timings: Open on All days of week from Sunday to Friday Open Time: 9–11:30 am 5:30–8 pm
Temple Structure
The temple’s architecture appears spectacular from the outside. Though the main temple is smaller than the other constructions, the temple hall can accommodate 152 people. The venue has a fantastic auditorium too. It has a spacious hall that is well-illuminated. Any musical function or event will sound fantastic thanks to the excellent acoustics. The auditorium provides seating for roughly 725 people.
Main Temple and Auditorium
Tagore Community Hall
Tagore Hall is a large community center located on the temple campus. This community hall,Tagore Hall was built couple of years ago only. Tagore Hall is a mixed use facility that can be used by our members as a banquet space or an auditorium. The space is ideal for religious ceremonies (Uppanayan, Vibabha,etc.), cultural events, and for major social events.
An event at Tagore Hall Auditorium
Atmosphere- Ambience
Mandir has great atmosphere during festival occasions.This is a Hindu temple in New Jersey USA hence those who love sweet Bengali culture will absolutely love the atmosphere and the warmth of people around.
However you may feel a bit of money oriented processes here. On big festive occassions Anand Mandir allows people inside temple who pre-register after paying some fee. This is because they want to have an exact count of people visiting so that food can be prepared accordingly. This Prasad Food is free of cost.It is ok for those who wish to eat here, but there would be some people who just want to visit temple & take blessings. In our opinion food should not be imposed on them. In past there are some reports about rough treatment by volunteers during Durga Puja. It could be because of the rush , but still this temple is far off in US were the Hindu population is still very less. It could be better managed for visitors speaclly on big festive events only.
Caution
There is no sign or board for the Anand Mandir nearby, making it difficult to spot while driving. If you are stuck in traffic or are unfamiliar with the region, you may miss a turn. As a result, use Google Maps to get to the temple without getting lost.
Aarti-Pooja Prayer Time
Customs of the Place-Rules
- You have to take off the shoes before entering the temple. Outside the temple you can use your shoes to roam around.
- Dress appropriately while entering the main temple.
- You may take Photographs outside and inside the main temple with permission from temple authorities .
- Please do not bring or eat any non-veg food here, especially beef. As cows are considered selfless creatures and sacred in Hinduism and are given special status.
- Maintain silence in main temple while Darshan
Auditorum
Festivals Celebrated at Ananda Mandir New Jersey
Temple celebrates all Bengali festivals including Durgapuja and Kali Pooja. Durga pooja is held in Shardiya Navratras( Around October or November) and Kali pooja is observed on Kali Chaudas , a day before Diwali festival. During Durga Pooja, there are stalls for Indian ethnic clothes and handicrafts. Temple celebrates Durga Pooja & Kali pooja regularly every year. Apart from festive days the temple has pleasant and calm environment during the usual days.
Maa Durga
Cultural Activities at Ananda Mandir NJ
Temple has also runs Anand Mandir School of Arts. where they oragnise for dance classes and other culture education activities.
Sahitya O Alochana is a monthly literary and topical discussion forum sponsored by temple that strives to live up to the slogan “Alochana Brings Good Things to Mind.” It hosts a number of entertaining workshops throughout the year, usually once a month.
Jagannath Ji with Baldau and Mai Subhadra
Parking
They have ample of parking space, you don’t have to worry at all for parking at least. This is very helpful during festivals.
Ample parking available inside Campus
