Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Colonia, NJ
State New Jersey
This temple was inaugurated in 2005 by Acharya Maharajshree Koshalendraprasad Pande and it belongs to the Ahmedabad Gaddi of Swaminarayan sect. It is a Shikhar-bandh mandir, with a main idol of NarNarayan Dev that is a replica of the one in Kalupur, Ahmedabad.
Temple Information
Key information
- Official name:
-
Address: 220 Temple Way, Colonia, NJ 07067.
- Deities: The principal idol is of NarNarayan Dev, and the installation ceremony was performed by Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj.
- Hours: The temple is typically open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
- Community: The mandir hosts weekly spiritual sessions, daily sermons, and various cultural and social activities for the community.
History
Early beginnings (1978–2005)
- The Swaminarayan satsang (spiritual fellowship) began in the NY/NJ area in 1978 after the first visit of His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj to the United States.
- With a handful of families, the vision was born to establish a temple in one of the most densely populated Indian communities in the U.S.
- Over two decades, the community of satsangi families grew throughout Central New Jersey, keeping the dream of building a Shikhar-bandh (traditional spire-domed) mandir alive.
Temple inauguration (2005)
- The dream was officially realized with the opening of the temple on September 4, 2005.
- The temple is located at what was formerly the
, a Jewish place of worship, demonstrating the area’s changing demographics.
- The murti pratistha (deity installation) ceremony was performed by His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj and was celebrated with great splendor in front of thousands of people.
- The main idol of NarNarayan Dev is a replica of the NarNarayan Dev idol in the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Kalupur-Ahmedabad, India.
Community growth and legacy
- Since its inauguration, the mandir has become an Indian community landmark serving families throughout the NY, NJ, and Pennsylvania areas.
- It serves as a hub for spiritual sessions, daily sermons, and various cultural and social activities that leave a lasting impression on attendees.
- The mandir has welcomed visitors from diverse backgrounds, including Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, who come for the divine darshan (sacred viewing) of Lord Swaminarayan.
Contact Information
- Website: https://www.swaminarayan.info/mandirs/usa/shree-swaminarayan-mandir-colonia-isso
- Email: cnj@issocnj.org
- Phone: 732-669-1008
Festivals
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Colonia, NJ celebrates numerous special festivals throughout the year with great fervor and community involvement. These festivals commemorate important events in the Hindu calendar and the Swaminarayan tradition. Some of the festivals celebrated at the mandir include:
- Patotsav: The anniversary of the mandir’s idol installation, a significant and historic event for the community. The 20th Patotsav was celebrated in August 2025.
- Phuldol Utsav: This is the festival of flowers, where devotees play with colored powders and flowers. It is celebrated around the same time as Holi.
- Hindola Utsav: Celebrations involving the decoration of a swing for the deities.
- Krishna Janmashtami: Commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: Honoring Lord Ganesh with special poojans and prayers.
- Diwali and Annakut: The festival of lights and the subsequent Annakut festival, where a mountain of food is offered to the deities.
- Tulsi Vivah: A symbolic marriage ceremony between the sacred tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu.
- Maha Shivaratri: Celebrations dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Holi: The vibrant spring festival of colors.
- Ram Navami: The festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
- Raksha Bandhan: Celebrating the spiritual bond between brothers and sisters.
Temple Timings
- Everyday
Morning – 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Evening – 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm