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Daily Schedule
Fri, 16 Oct 2026
Temple Closes
4:00 PM
Temple Opens
4:00 AM
Temple Opens
4:00 AM
Temple Opens
4:00 AM
Temple Opens
2:00 AM
Temple Opens
4:00 AM
Upcoming Events
News
About Us
A Legacy of Faith, Culture, and Community
Since its founding, the Hindu community in the Washington Metropolitan area has reflected the nature and philosophy of attracting immigrants to the United States from all over the world. Buoyed by this country's freedom, liberty, and opportunity, countless people have come here.
A Short History
Since 1999, the Hindu community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has reflected the enduring American ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity. Guided by these values, immigrants from India have contributed richly to the region's cultural and spiritual landscape.
Through diverse cuisines, languages, music, and vibrant Hindu traditions, the community has woven meaningful threads into the broader Indian American fabric. Today, this multicultural community continues to flourish - strengthening connections, preserving heritage, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for future generations.
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About Us
A Legacy of Faith, Culture, and Community
Since its founding, the Hindu community in the Washington Metropolitan area has reflected the nature and philosophy of attracting immigrants to the United States from all over the world. Buoyed by this country's freedom, liberty, and opportunity, countless people have come here.
A Short History
Since 1999, the Hindu community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has reflected the enduring American ideals of freedom, liberty, and opportunity. Guided by these values, immigrants from India have contributed richly to the region's cultural and spiritual landscape.
Through diverse cuisines, languages, music, and vibrant Hindu traditions, the community has woven meaningful threads into the broader Indian American fabric. Today, this multicultural community continues to flourish - strengthening connections, preserving heritage, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for future generations.
The Establishment of Durga Temple
Hindu migration to the United States grew substantially after the independence of South Asian and other formerly colonized nations in the mid-20th century. The Washington metropolitan area became a major destination for highly skilled professionals, many of whom went on to establish successful businesses under U.S. law.
As the community expanded, these professionals and entrepreneurs came together to build places of worship and cultural preservation, including the Siva Vishnu Temple, Hindu and Jain Temples and the Rajdhani Temple.
In 1989, with the vision and support of pioneering Hindu business leaders, the Durga Temple was established, becoming an important spiritual and cultural hub for the growing Hindu community.
Our Journey of Faith
From vision to devotion—how Durga Temple came into being through unity and perseverance.
Challenges in the Growth Process
Like any volunteer-based organization, Durga Temple faced difficulties in aligning diverse personalities and viewpoints around a shared mission. This process was time-consuming and, at times, contentious,
Poonam Bansal
Trustee
Varun & Neha Chudiwale
Trustee
Mahendrasinh &
Naline Chudasama
Trustee
Mahendra Chudasama
President
Sarda Sistla
Vice-President
Mini Pillai
Deputy Treasurer
Ranjna Sachdeva
Secretary
Viny Frontin
Executive Member
Naveen Gupta
Executive Member
Manjit Shahjpal
Executive Member
Amol Sharma
Executive Member
Darshana Thakral
Executive Member
Jay Kumar Vedapuri
Executive Member
Sonia Wadhwa
Executive Member
Poonam Bansal
Trustee
Varun & Neha Chudiwale
Trustee
Mahendrasinh &
Naline Chudasama
Trustee
Our Members
Acharya Omkar Sharma
Performing various Hindu pujas and paths including Sundarkand, Satyanarayana, Akhand Ramayan, Yagnas, Temple Kumbhabhishekam, Preaching Ved path, Geeta path, Shanthi path etc. Also performs Jyotish vidya and prepares computerized Janam Kundali. His Mother tongue is Hindi. Speaks English, Sanskrit, and can understand Punjabi.
Acharya Shanti Vashisht
Shanti Ji is fluent in Hindi, Sanskrit, Punjabi and English. He is expert in various Hindu rituals. His specialized skills include Mata ki Chowki, Sundarkand Path and Bhajans.
Pandit Kamal Bhatt
Kamal Bhatt Ji is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi. He can perform various hindu rituals. His specialized skills include Ganesh Puja, Navagrah Puja, Satyanarayana Puja etc.
Pandit Karthik Shivachariyar
Fluent in Sanskrit, Hindi, Telugu and English. His mother tongue is Tamil. He is expert in various Hindu rituals. His specialized skills include Chandi Homan, Rudrabhishekam, Brahmotsavam and Kumbhabhishekam. He is well versed in Pooja, Aaradhana for Lord Shiva, Parvarti Devi, Durga Devi, Ganesh, Subrahmanya, Ayyappa Swamy, Navagraha and also performing all outdoor kriyas.
Satyanarayana Ravada
Temple Manager
Bharat Patel
Temple Manager
The Philosophy of the Temple
The concept of God plays a central role in our Vedas and Upanishads, serving as a guiding principle toward a deeper understanding of the divine. Constructing a temple serves as an initial step in the journey to connect with the deeper aspects of the divine. This progression from the material to the spiritual realm mirrors the journey from the earth to water, fire, air, and ether - a journey that recognizes the presence of all five elements within us.
Embracing this path helps us transition from the material to the spiritual, although the material world is more easily understood. This approach enables us to transcend cultural and religious...
Sri Lalitha Sahasranama ParayanamOct 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sharad Navratri FestivalOct 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Upcoming Events
Temple Timings
Mondays
Morning : 7:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Tuesdays - Fridays
Morning : 9:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Mondays
Morning : 7:00 AM - 12 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Holidays
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open All Day
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 8:00 PM
Sundays
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Open All Day
Aarti : 10:00 AM & 6:30 PM
Please note: The Durga Temple's opening hours vary seasonally and by day of the week.
The Temple is open until 9:00 PM during spring and summer, and until 8:00 PM during winter.