Pomona Ranganathar Temple, Pomona, New York

Pomona Ranganathar temple established in 2001, is the only temple dedicated to Lord. Ranganathar in U.S. and probably the only one outside India. It is a wonderful temple, unique and captivating in many ways. It is the only Vaishnavite temple in U.S. Though it is modelled after Sri. Rangam temple, there are some minor differences deliberated between the two idols.

The residing deities also include Tirupathi Balaji, Sri. Krishna, Kodandaramar, Chakrathalwar, Garudar and Anjaneyar, and beautiful bronze idols of the 12 Alwars. (Temple layout) . All Sannidhis are beautifully decorated and the "moolavars" are very captivating.

The temple was founded with the pious notion of treating the people of U.S. with the grace of Sri. Ranganathar. The project was itself a grandiose one, but unfortunately the temple ran into debt. even before it opened. The situation brought out the devotion of the priests who even agreed to work without salary. With God's grace and donations from devotees, the temple cleared all its debt. this January (2007).

The spiritual experience in this temple is very rewarding in many ways and cannot be expressed by words. For people living outside India, this is divinity at its best.

The place:

The temple is situated in a small town, Pomona in New York. It is an hour away from the New York city. The town is sparsely populated, although the temple neighbourhood is filled with farm houses, bungalows and office spaces. The Village hall and post office are closest landmarks to the temple.

How to get there:

If you have a car then it's about an hour drive from NY city. Google maps should get you there easily.

If you dont have a car, and rely on public transport you can take a bus from Union station, NY. Though the schedule sheet shows Pomona Heights as a stop, since the town is sparce, the drivers would prefer to drop you at a place you like. In any case the designated Pomona Heights stop is where you need to get down, in the intersection of Rt. 202 and Rt. 306. Its a 10 min walk from there to No.8, Ladentown Road. The return journey is fairly simple too. Come back to the intersection and wave to the bus as it approaches. (Remember I said no designated bus stop, so stand in a place good enough for the bus to stop!)

There are some points to note:
-> The bus service keeps up the time :) but there are few scheduled buses, so you have to time your trip carefully. The ideal trip would be to leave NY at 8:45 am and leave Pomona at 11:45 am.

-> Since there are no designated bus stops you have to make sure the driver sees you. Be vigorous in waving, you dont want to look like a bunch of school children waving the bus goodbye.

All in all its a great temple to visit, especially if you are anywhere close to NY.

For more information, do visit the temple website.


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