Durga Mandir Princeton :An Introduction to A Hindu Temple in New Jersey

Durga Mandir Princeton, is one of the most important Hindu temple in New Jersey. New Jersey is blessed with quite a few other Hindu temples as well, However this Temple is dedicated to Ashtbhuja (Eight Handed) Durga Mata Goddess. Goddess Durga is the divine prowess that protects humans and Gods alike. She is one of the five most powerful divine powers along with Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh and Surya as per Panchayatan system of pooja. At this Durga Mandir New Jersey, Divine Mother Goddess blesses her devotees from her lively looking idol here.

Although a Durga temple, this temple houses all important deities of Hindu religion as well. All ‘Pratimas’ (idols) are made from Marble and appear very lively, pleasantly smiling upon devotees. There is also a Panchmukhi Hanuman here draped in traditional orange color sindoor similar to what you find in most of the local temples in India.

Once you visit the this stunning temple and you will be immediately struck by its beauty and tranquility. Whole temple is replete with positive vibes. A sense of peace and serenity permeates from every corner of the space. It is very evident that this temple is not just a place of worship, but a true sanctuary of peace for for all who enter its doors. If you are looking for a truly special and unforgettable spiritual experience, try visiting this temple once. You will be left in awe of its beauty and deeply moved by the sense of peace and tranquility it provides.

Try visiting during weekdays if possible , because during weekends peoples from far places also visit this place. You will love the peaceful atmosphere, the chanting of mantras and the friendly priests here : your search for the best Durga Temple New Jersey USA ends here.

God’s worshipped Here

Along with Mother Durga as the primary deity, the temple is home to numerous other deities. Some say it gives them vibes of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu. Mata Durga stands majestically in the midst of all the Deities present. All of the idols in the temple are made of marble and are finely adorned. There is also a big Panchmukhi Hanuman murti at the temple. If you look closely, you’ll note that the idols of Sri Ganesha, Shankar, Krishna, and Mata are arranged in the appropriate sequence for completing the darshan in a single parikrama.

God’s worshipped here are

  1. Lord Ganesha
  2. Mata Durga
  3. Bhagwan Shiva- Mata Parvati
  4. Shri Hanuman (In Panchmukhi form) & in Marble too
  5. Saraswati Mata – Bhagwan Brahma ji
  6. Prabhu Rama ,Mata Sita, Lakshman Ji
  7. Bhagwan Shri Krishna -Mata Radha and more
  8. Bhagwan Vishnu – Mata Lakshmi

Durga Mandir New Jersey Itinerary Help

Address: 4240 NJ-27, Princeton, NJ 08540, United States
Map Location: 1. 9CM2+6F Princeton, New Jersey, USA
              2. https://maps.app.goo.gl/SEHgV76fADQ1RNBC7
Contact: +16095801935
Website: http://durgamandirnj.org/
Email: durgamandirnj22@gmail.com

Timings: Open on all days of week;
         Sunday,Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday
         Open Time: 7 am–8:30 pm

Upgrades Going On

There are some upgrades going on currently. This temple has been going through lots of upgrades and it’s amazing now.

Temple Architecture

The Durga Mandir New Jersey is very spacious and has a large hall after reception area. Its intricate architecture and vibrant colors create a serene and spiritual atmosphere. Down the Hall there is big sitting area. All of the exquisite murthi’s are situated inside the huge hall, which has good seating arrangements.

Ambience of Durga Mandir Princeton

The temple offers a remarkably serene environment that fosters spiritual and mental peace, creating a superbly beautiful place with a very peaceful, calm, and relaxing ambiance. The cleanliness, the atmosphere is so engaging that you will feel like coming here again and again. Super maintained temple and courteous pandits make this temple a must visit place. You will love the positive vibes, serenity and beauty of this place.

The temple’s peaceful ambiance offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The devotion and reverence of the visitors are palpable, adding to the overall sense of tranquility. Whether you’re a believer or simply interested in exploring cultural landmarks, the Durga Temple is a must-visit destination that provides a profound experience.

Mother Durga Murti at Durga Mandir Princeton

Location

This is one of the best managed temples in and around Central Jersey area. In our opinion, this Mandir is an ideal place worship for Indian Hindus living in Edison New Jersey area.

How to Reach Durga Temple New Jersey

From New York & North Take NJ Turnpike to exit 9 (New Brunswick, Route 18 North). Take route 18 North. After 1 mile take Route 1 South for approximately 11 miles. After passing Best Western on your right, make right on Raymond Road. After one mile turn right on traffic light to Route 27 North. Second building on your right is DURGA MANDIR across Kingston Mall.

From Philly & South:Take I-95 North to exit 1 ( Princeton, Route 1 North). Take route 1 North for approx. 6 miles to Raymond Road. Take jug handle and make left on Raymond Road and follow directions above.

Take NJ Turnpike North to exit 7A (I-195, Shore Points). Take I-195 West to Trenton. Once on I-195 West look for the signs for I-295 North and follow directions above.

Mother Durga in central Hall at Durga Mandir Princeton

Cultural & Private Events at Durga Mandir Princeton

Durga Temple, Princeton is a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub. It hosts frequent religious and cultural events, fostering community celebration.

Temple has a separate superb hall attached which is perfect for family events. They have a outdoor area – room which can be used for dinner and eating. Also for smaller events, this room can also be used as the main event hall.

The priests can perform puja and all havan puja services are available for a fee. Temple helps you organise private events like

  • Private Pooja like Katha, Homa
  • Mundan Ceremony
  • Upanayana
  • Car pujan
  • Udyapan etc

All the poojas are done in accordance with with authentic Hindu Karmkanda scriptures by priests who are knowledgeable and friendly.

Centra Hall houses many Deities at Durga Temple New Jersey

Temple also organises events very frequently. There are celebrations every weekend. So, there are many events where you can just go and participate in the puja. Some regular events are given below,

Trayodashi Pooja : Temple organises special pooja on Trayodashi. Trayodashi is the thirteenth day of Hindu Lunar month. This is considered a special day for Bhagwan Shiva. Participating in Shiv puja on trayodashi is very auspicious.

Sundarkand : Temple also organises Sundarkand recitation on every 2nd Saturday of the month at Durga Temple New Jersey. Recitation of Sunderkand pleases Shri Hanuman ji. It removes sorrows and brings success.

Sunday Kirtan : Every Sunday there is a beautiful kirtan organised around 4-6 pm. The environment, ambience and vibes during Kirtan is very devotional positive. Devotees after doing kirtan and then several Pundit Jis perform elaborate Durga Maa Aarti 6-630. It will give you feeling of just like in India

Bhandara : Bhandara’s are organised every Sunday in the temple. ‘Bhandara’ or ‘Langar’ is a feast for everyone. Bhanadar is done after Aarti, families donate or take sewa for Bhandara. Bhadara hall is so Big that 300 people could easily sit and eat in together. Bhandara is very Satvik & tasty. Sattvik means no on veg or onion or garlic. If you wish you can pack some for home as well, in case there is some extra.This Sunday langur is delicious as well. Devotees can sponsor lunger if they wish to.

Navratri: During Navratri, Dandia happens almost everyday.

Temple also ‘Jagran’ by many celebrities like Anup Jalota, Chanchal etc on various festive occasions.

Aarti-Pooja Prayer Time

Morning Aarti is performed at 7:30 a.m. every day and 
Evening Aarti (Maha Mangalaarthi) is performed at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and 7:00 p.m. on all other days. (It may vary depending on season and day)
Shiv Lingam Abhishekam closes at 8:15 P.M. every day. 
Bhagwan Shiva Mata Parvati at Durga Temple New Jersey

Customs of the Place – Rules

  • Inside photography is not permitted at the temple. Hence Kindly avoid taking pictures inside.
  • Dedicated space available for storing foot wears, belongings is there on the southern side.
  • Keep the shoes in designated Shoe area before entering temple. Well organized show racks.
  • There are nice bathrooms. Keep restrooms clean.
  • Please wear proper clothes. Avoid wearing shorts and torn jeans to temple. Even if wearing Saree, salwar and dhoti are not possible , then also try to be fully covered.

Support at Durga Mandir New Jersey

Inside the temple, you will find warm and welcoming staff who are happy to answer your questions and provide necessary guidance.

The priests are very humble, knowledgeable and courteous to all of us. Pandits Sriyuths Vimal Shastri, Hari Gopal Shastri, Pavan Shastriji are very friendly with all the devotees. Pavan Shastri Panditji has been there from almost 14 years till the time of writing this post. After the pooja they were mingling with the devotees.

In a normal ritual Pandit ji pray over devotee and tie a band around their wrist. and may offer some Prasadam like coconut etc and flowers which have been offered to Deity. Prasad usually includes all nuts, if you are allergic to any nuts, do not touch it.

Marble Hanuman ji at Durga Mandir New Jersey

Parking

Temple has good on site parking place which is free for visitors. The bigger parking helps on crowded days. However, if there is an overflow, parking across the street is also available on special occasions.

Festivals at Durga Temple New Jersey

This holy place provides the Indian community an opportunity to perform prayers and participate in all the festivals. They hold puja ceremonies for every occasion. They have various programs through out the year. The Navaratri being the best of all. It is highly attended by people from various sects.

Temple organises various cultural events and concerts during the year. Temple also ‘Jagran’ by many celebrities like Anup Jalota, Chanchal, Kavita Paudwal etc on various festive occasions.

Panchmukhi Hanuman ji at Durga Mandir New Jersey

Food

Temple has big canteen attached as well which serves snacks and refreshments. If you are lucky to be there in a day when langar is served then count that as Mata’s blessing.

At Durga Mandir in Princeton, New Jersey you instantly feel at peace when you enter the temple. Take a moment to sit down meditate and seek Goddess Durga’s blessings. We are sure that you will get some memorable moments for sure.


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