Back in 1985 few Vaishnavs got together to conduct Satsang in their homes. In November 1985 they registered an organization Vaishnav Temple of New York, Inc. (VTNY) in the leadership of the late Dr. Arvind Shah. In December 1986 they had purchased the Knights of Columbus building in Holliswood, Queens. In 1987 they had done a Temple fundraising program in Hotel Panta in Manhattan. Under the guidance of VTNY’s Spiritual Benefactors ShriVakpati Pithadhish PujyaPaad Goswami 108 Shri Mathureshwarji Maharajshri and Nitya Lilasth PujyaPaad Goswami 108 Shri Indirabetiji Mahodaya, the temple was inaugurated and the first Patotsav of ShriGoovardhanNathji was celebrated on the auspicious day of Ganga Dashhara – June 25, 1987.
Established in 1988, The Vaishnav Temple of New York is the first traditional ‘Pushtimargiya’ temple in North America. We have been fortunate enough to have Shri Govardhannathji Prabhu enhance our lifestyles by his presence in New York for more than thirty-two years through our beloved temple. The Vaishnav Temple of New York has done an excellent job in serving Lord Shrinathji and helping fellow Vaishnavs. The Vaishnav Temple has experienced a rapid growth in the flow of Vaishnavs that participate in the religious and communal services for the temple.
The Vaishnav Temple of New York holds many religious activities every year, a few of which include, the Bhagwat Gyan Yagna, Gita Gyan Yagna, Giriraj Mahotsav, and many spiritual discourses by various Vallabh kul balaks. The Vaishnav Temple of New York also celebrates various pushtimargiya utsavs such as UttrayanPhag Khel (Holi)/Dolotsav, Shree Mahaprabhuji Prakatotsav, Hindola, Janmashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Sanzi, Nav Vilas (NavRatri), Diwali/Annkut, Tulsi Vivah and many others. Our board of trustees and committee members are grateful to the support of Pushtimargiya Spiritual Leaders and Vallabhkulna Balako such as P.P. Goswami 108 Shri Mathureshwarji Maharaj and Ni. Li. P.P. Goswami Shri Indirabetiji along with others. The Vaishnav Temple of New York also, serves as community service center whose purpose is to enrich people’s lives. Vaishnav Temple of New York participates in many community services such as the Senior Community Center of VTNY, Computer Classes, Gujarati language Class, Yoga Class, and Health Fairs. Vaishnav temple supports many other organizations as well, who assist people struggling after natural disasters.
