Shree Swaminarayan Temple - Secaucus, NJ

The Shiva Durga Mandir of New Jersey is a spiritual and cultural beacon for the community, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, as well as numerous other deities. The temple offers a sacred space for prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth, embracing the rich traditions of Hinduism. As a hub for the community, it hosts major festivals, cultural events, and provides religious and educational services to foster a deeper connection to faith for all generations.

Key features

Worship and deities

Principal deities: The temple is centered around the deities of Shiva and Durga. Shiva represents the stillness and cosmic consciousness, while Durga, as a manifestation of Shakti, embodies divine energy and creation.

Full Hindu pantheon: The mandir also houses and performs rituals for many other important deities, including Anjaneyar (Hanuman), Dakshanamurthi, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi.

Daily and special pujas: The temple observes daily prayer services (pujas), as well as special rituals during auspicious occasions.

Festivals and events

Annual celebrations: A central focus of the temple is the celebration of major Hindu festivals throughout the year. Notable among these is the annual Kali Yatra festival, which has been documented in Newark. Other festivals include Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri, dedicated to Shiva and Durga respectively.

Community gatherings: The mandir serves as a place for devotees to come together to celebrate, share meals (prasad), and participate in cultural performances.

Services and outreach

Educational initiatives: The temple aims to educate future generations about Hindu culture and values.

Life-cycle ceremonies: The mandir and its priests can assist with a range of life-cycle rituals and special ceremonies for individuals and families.

Private ceremonies: The temple may offer its space for private events like worship, weddings, and community meetings.

Community support: Like other Hindu temples, it is likely involved in various community outreach programs and charitable activities.