Sri Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Mandir)

Venkateshwara temple is a 11000 sq ft temple in Bridgewater New Jersey.  This temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara but other deities are also worshipped like Radha Krishna, Subramanhya Swami and Ayappa Swami and several others.

The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bridgewater, New Jersey, was built by a group of local Hindu residents who formed the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society (HTCS) in 1989. The organization first purchased an existing church property in 1991 before undertaking the construction of a new, traditional Hindu temple in the late 1990s.

Temple Information

• Architecture: The 11,000-square-foot traditional stone temple was inaugurated in 1998 and built in the Chola style of temple architecture, resembling those in South India.
• Main deity: The central deity is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the god Vishnu, though the temple also houses many other deities.
• Atmosphere: Visitors often praise the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
• Facilities: The temple includes a gift shop and a cafeteria that serves delicious South Indian cuisine.
• Events: The temple hosts special events and conducts various pujas for new cars, weddings, and newborns. 

Visitor information

• Dress code: Modest attire is required. Shorts and cutoff shirts are not permitted.
• Photography: Photography is not allowed inside the temple, but it is permitted in the cafeteria and outside areas.
• Removal of footwear: Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple’s main area. A hand and foot washing area is available at the entrance.
• Accessibility: The temple offers wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms.
• No entry fee: There is no charge to enter the temple.

Regular cultural activities

• Dance classes: The temple offers folk dance classes that explore Indian performing art forms. These programs are designed to increase cultural awareness and teach participants about the history and heritage of folk dances from different regions of India.
• Religious classes: The Hindu Temple and Cultural Society (HTCS) sponsors religious and cultural classes for both children and adults. These classes aim to instill a sense of belonging and provide insight into Hindu religion and traditions. The curriculum includes prayers, devotional songs (bhajans), yoga, and cultural arts and crafts.
• Temple festivals: In addition to its regular worship services, the temple organizes major festival celebrations throughout the year that include special cultural programs.

Contact Information

• Website: https://www.venkateswaratemple.org/index.shtml
• Phone: 908-725-4477

Temple Timings

• Monday to Friday

Morning – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Evening – 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Saturday and Sunday

8:30 am to 8:30 pm