From Greensboro to Across America: The Triumphs and Trials of Hindu Temples in the Indian Diaspora

Indians migrating to Western countries such as the United States often carry a rich tapestry of their cultural heritage and values with them. This migration creates a dynamic process of cultural preservation and community building, as these immigrants seek to maintain their religious practices and social bonds in a foreign land. One powerful expression of this is the establishment and nurturing of Hindu temples and places of worship, which become crucial centres for cultural identity and community cohesion among Indian diaspora populations.

According to Garamchai.com, a comprehensive digital directory of Indian-American religious sites, North America is home to over 800 Hindu temples and places of worship. These temples vary widely in architectural style and scale, reflecting the diverse traditions within Hinduism itself. At the larger end, landmarks like the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Jersey and the Malibu Hindu Temple in California stand as monumental symbols of faith, heritage, and community strength.

Smaller temples might follow South Indian Dravidian architectural styles, while others are part of larger cultural complexes. Regardless of size, these temples serve as spiritual and cultural hubs where festivals, religious rituals, language classes, and social events take place, helping to preserve traditions across generations.

Visitors to Hindu temples in the diaspora are encouraged to respect local temple customs, such as dressing modestly and removing footwear before entering the prayer hall. These norms reinforce respect and sanctity and foster a welcoming environment for devotees from all backgrounds.

Most Hindu temples are managed by local Indian-immigrant volunteers who dedicate their time motivated by devotion and service to their community. These grassroots efforts underscore the strong communal spirit that drives the maintenance and growth of temples abroad. While these temples generally function smoothly and quietly, rarely catching public attention beyond the local community, there are occasional incidents of vandalism — such as hate crimes or graffiti defacing temple property — which thankfully remain isolated occurrences.

Scandal involving management board at the Hindu Temple of Greensboro, North Carolina 

However, the human element inevitably includes complexities and challenges. Even within these tightly knit communities, tensions can build around management, governance, and social dynamics. A revealing example emerged from Greensboro, North Carolina, where the local Hindu temple experienced a scandal involving its management board.

This temple, frequented by many local Indian families, was run largely by "old timers" from the community who volunteered to manage its affairs. About ten years ago, the group embarked on expanding the temple by planning a larger facility, which involved raising substantial funds from community members. Recently, rumours surfaced about irregularities related to temple finances and governance, prompting the temple board to issue a statement dismissing these concerns. But as often happens, rumours hinted at deeper issues.

A more detailed “Summary of Facts” released by the temple's governing body described two major problems:

1.      Serious Irregularities in Accounting and Membership Recordkeeping

2.       Operational Process Violations  

Although much of the investigation remained confidential, resulting in the removal of two board members, this incident highlights the challenges that arise when community institutions try to scale up operations under volunteer management.

Such scandals offer a lens into the complexities of diaspora life. Indian immigrants, or NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), come to distant lands seeking not only economic opportunities but a sense of belonging and continuity for their families. Temples and community centres become essential to nurturing both friendships and cultural identity, especially for children born in a new country. Yet, human dynamics and local politics inevitably colour these efforts.

Indian diaspora communities often experience subtle but persistent divisions rooted in regional and linguistic backgrounds—such as Tamils versus Gujaratis, Telugu speakers versus North Indians—manifesting in social and organizational settings. Additionally, distinctions between newer immigrants on temporary visas (H1, F1) and longer-term residents who have green cards or citizenship can contribute to cracks within the community fabric.

When tensions flare, these rifts sometimes polarize groups that otherwise share a common identity, leaving difficult-to-heal fissures in what ideally would be a unified community. Still, amid these challenges, Indian diaspora temples serve as vital cultural and spiritual anchors, continuing to inspire devotion, service, and togetherness across continents.