Shri Krushna Vrundavan Edison New Jersey
State New Jersey
Website: https://www.krishnavrunda.org
This Krishna temple built in a 15000 sq ft area was inaugurated in 2017 and offer multiple services.
The presiding deity in the Vrundavana is Udipi Sri Krishna. In line with Hari sarvottamatva-Vayu jeevottamathva, the Vrundavana worships Mukhyapraana, a deity in the form of Sri Hanuman.
“Hari Sarvottama-Vayu jeevottama” is a key Vaishnava tenet, particularly within the Madhwa tradition, asserting that Lord Vishnu (Hari) is supreme over all beings (Sarvottama), and Lord Vayu is the best among all individual souls or living beings (Jeevottama). This declaration places Lord Hari as the ultimate, omnipotent God and Vayu as the most powerful and highest of all created entities, often revered as a conduit of divine knowledge and a preserver of Vedic dharma.
The temple maintains the traditions of the Udupi Shri Krishna temple in India, performing daily pujas in the Udupi sampradaya. Original Udupi temple was established by Vaishnavite saint Madhavacharya in Udupi in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Daily puja is offered (thrice) to the above deities in the udipi sampradaya with recital of Veda mantras followed by annadhana (twice a day).
Temple Information
History
The Shri Krishna Vrundavana temple in Edison, New Jersey, was founded in December 2002 by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Udupi Sri Puthige Matha. The temple is affiliated with the Sujnana Religious & Charitable Foundation (SRCF).
Key milestones
- December 2002: The temple is established.
- 2002–2009: Before acquiring its own space, the organization operated at various other Hindu temples in the area, including the Dwarkadish temple in Parlin.
- January 2009: Shri Krishna Vrundavana found its permanent home at its current location, 215 May Street in Edison. The property spans 3.5 acres and includes a 15,000-square-foot building with a puja hall, prasada (meal) hall, and a multi-purpose community hall.
- June 2017: A major consecration ceremony, the “Shri Krishna Pratishtapana and Brahma Kalashothsava,” was held for the installation of the main deity, the Shaligrama Shila Vigraha of Lord Shri Krishna.
Key Information
Services and activities
- Daily worship and prayers: The temple maintains orthodox practices and provides spiritual teachings.
- South Indian cuisine: The temple serves prasadam, which is a traditional and appreciated aspect for visitors.
- Ample parking: Free car parking is available for visitors.
- Community events: The temple is a hub for religious and cultural gatherings.
Rules
Dress code
- Modesty is required: All clothing must cover your shoulders and knees.
- Inappropriate attire: Shorts, short skirts, ripped or truncated jeans, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted in the Puja hall.
- Vedic rituals: Dhoti is compulsory for men while reciting Vedic mantras.
General conduct
- Respect the atmosphere: Maintain silence and be mindful of others praying in the Puja hall.
- Phones and devices: Turn off all mobile phones and other devices or set them to silent mode.
- Supervise children: Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Do not allow them to run around, especially in hallways, for safety reasons.
- Food and drinks: Outside food, beverages (including alcohol), and chewing gum are strictly prohibited on temple property.
- Offerings: You may offer fruits and flowers. Uncooked, sattvic vegetables (no onion, no garlic) can be donated to the temple kitchen. Do not bring cooked food for offering.
- Respectful behavior: Do not touch the temple deities or the priests performing puja.
- No pets: Pets are not allowed on the temple property.
Specific areas
- Shoe removal: Shoes must be removed before entering and placed on the designated racks to avoid creating a safety hazard.
- Pooja hall: After puja, form a line to receive Theertha and Prasaada. Use the provided printouts for recitations and return them after use.
- Prasada hall: Comply with the posted meal timings. Avoid wasting food (Prasada) and dispose of plates and cups properly.
Photography
- Photography and videography is prohibited inside the temple.
Contact Information
- Website: https://www.krishnavrunda.org/
- Email: sevas@krishnavrunda.org
- Phone: 732-283-8982
- Social Media: Facebook page
Temple Timings
- All Days
Morning – 6:30 am to 12:00 pm
Evening – 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm