Overview

Hinduism is considered “the world’s oldest organized religion.” The major differences between Hinduism and other major religions are the lack of a single holy book, and a single “concept” of a God or deity.  Still, Hinduism differs from polytheism in that fact Hinduism comes in many forms, and each form recognizes a different deity- all the deities are seen as manifestations of the creator Brahma.  While there is not single book or compilation to refer to, Hindus draw information from a variety of texts, including the Vedas and various stories, such as the story of Ramayana.

Sikhism, on the other hand, does relate more to other major religions in that it refers to a holy text, and acknowledges a single God. Sikhism forbids the worship of icons or images, as well as the observance of “blind rituals.” The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhism, presents a collection of hymns and poems that proclaim God, and a collection of guidelines for Sikhs to live by- the text itself is seen as a teacher or guide, hence the name “Guru.” The Rehat Maryada provides a code of conduct.

About the Temple: 

One of the most prominent temples in Jackson Heights is Satya Narayan Mandir. While not one the largest temples, it is the oldest Hindu-Sikh temple in the United States.

Satya Narayan Mandir is an example of a GurMandir, a combination of a Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and a Mandir (a Hindu place of worship).  The combination – or rather, the bringing together – of Hindu and Sikh traditions called Sindhi tradition.

Goals

• To offer a place for the Sindhi community to worship in peace
• To educate Indian youth about Sindhi culture
• To offer services at some point in the future for the elderly

Interesting Facts

• 2012 marks the year of its 25^thanniversary
  • Continues to expand, even crossing the border of Jackson Heights
• Serves up to 200 people a day
  • Can serve between 400 and 500 people on a holiday or special occasion
  • Some worshipers hail from Jackson Heights
    • Most come in from other parts of Queens, some from Long Island
• Sikh worshipers either read parts from individual copies of the Guru Granth Sahib or have one person read aloud from the entire book

Services Offered

• Pujas
  • Ritual in which offerings are made to the deities
  • Weddings
  • Naming Ceremonies (Namakaran)
    • Special ceremony that strengthens the bond between baby and entire – including extended – family

Sources:

Information from phone interview with staff members of temple

Satya Narayan Mandir New York. Web. 9, May. 2012.

Robinson, B.A.. Religious Tolerance. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 1995-2011. Web. 9, May. 2012.

Sikhs. Web. 9, May 2012.