Elmira, New York

Find your inner peace

Experience the living presence of the Divine through prayer, kirtan, sacred rituals, community and service.

Book a Tour Explore Events

All are welcome

Come experience Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram

Book a Tour Apply for a Stay

Welcome

Welcome to Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram

Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram is a sacred spiritual home in Elmira, New York. It is a place to pray, experience devotional music, participate in ancient Vedic rituals, deepen your relationship with God and share in the life of a welcoming spiritual community inspired by Paramahamsa Vishwananda.

Whether you join the daily prayers, arrange a guided tour, attend an event or stay at the ashram, you are warmly invited to experience the beauty of the temple and the path of devotion.

Discover the ashram

Devotees gathered inside Paranitya Narasimha Temple

What we offer

A complete spiritual destination

Visit for a few hours, join a festival, make your stay a retreat, or enter more deeply into prayer, learning and service.

Sacred destination

Visit the Temple

Come for prayer, kirtan and darshan, or arrange a guided visit during the temple’s opening hours.

Plan your visit

The ashram building in Elmira beneath a rainbow

Immersive experience

Stay at the Ashram

Step away from daily distractions and enter a rhythm of prayer, reflection, community, vegetarian meals and seva.

Discover ashram stays

Musicians leading devotional kirtan in the temple

Living bhakti

Events & Retreats

Join festivals, kirtan, meditation, satsang, Vedic ceremonies, workshops and community gatherings.

View events

Upcoming at Paranitya

Come together in devotion

Festival celebrations, public meditation, kirtan, courses and special pujas bring the temple community together throughout the year.

WeeklySun

Community

Sunday at the Temple

Morning prayers from 9:00–11:15 AM, OM Chanting from 11:45 AM–12:30 PM, and free community lunch at 12:00 PM.

Monthly3rd

Ritual

Satya Narayana Puja

A devotional ceremony and sacred story offered for blessings and spiritual upliftment.

SpecialOM

Meditation

OM Chanting

A transformational group practice that supports inner peace and collective harmony.

Open Events Page Full Calendar ↗

Who we are

A living spiritual community

Monastics, residents, guests, volunteers and visitors come together around prayer, devotion, learning, hospitality and service.

The Ashram

A place to slow down, participate in a sacred daily rhythm and experience life centred on God.

Stay with us →

Our Values

Sincerity, devotion, respect, hospitality, responsibility for nature and selfless service guide community life.

Our values →

Community

People of many backgrounds meet through prayer, seva, shared meals, festivals, kirtan and spiritual learning.

Meet the community →

Visitor feedback

A place people carry in their hearts

Explore public visitor feedback and share your own experience of Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram.

Google ★★★★★ Read Google reviews Facebook ★★★★★ View community feedback Tripadvisor ★★★★★ Explore visitor reviews

The stars are decorative platform indicators; no live numerical rating is claimed in this code.

Plan your visit

Visit the Temple

Come for daily prayer, sacred rituals, kirtan, darshan, quiet reflection or a guided tour.

Opening and prayer times

The temple is open beyond prayer times

Prayer times are listed separately so visitors can clearly see when the building remains open for tours, darshan and quiet visits.

Temple Opening Hours

Morning

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
7:00 AM–1:00 PM

Tuesday & Sunday
9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Evening

Every day
4:00–8:30 PM

Prayer Times

Morning Prayers

Monday–Saturday
7:00–8:30 AM

Sunday
9:00–11:00 AM

Evening Prayers

Every day
6:00–7:15 PM

Shayan Arati

Every day
8:30 PM

Outside prayer times

Guided tours are available

The temple remains open during the hours above even when formal prayers are not taking place. Please announce your visit by booking a guided tour in advance. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday.

Book a Tour

What to expect

Come as you are

Visitors of every background are welcome. You may sit quietly, observe the prayers, join the chanting, receive darshan, ask questions or simply experience the atmosphere of the temple.

Modest, comfortable clothing is appreciated.
Shoes are removed before entering sacred spaces.
Photography may be limited during worship; please ask first.
Children and families are welcome with respectful supervision.
Free parking is available.

Directions

Two sacred locations in Elmira

01

Paranitya Narasimha Temple

1100 W. Church St.
Elmira, NY 14905

Open in Maps →

02

Ashram & Devi Mandir

304 Demarest Parkway
Elmira, NY 14905

Open in Maps →

03

Contact

elmira@bhaktimarga.us
(607) 405-7990

Join WhatsApp →

Explore the region

Make Paranitya part of a Finger Lakes journey

Visitors often combine their temple visit with Elmira’s cultural sites, Corning, Watkins Glen, Ithaca and the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.

⌖

Elmira

Local history, parks and the Chemung River valley.

◇

Corning

Art, glassmaking and a lively historic centre.

≈

Watkins Glen

Gorges, waterfalls and access to Seneca Lake.

✦

Ithaca

Waterfalls, nature, learning and vegetarian-friendly culture.

Ashram stays

Make your visit a retreat

Stay across the street from the temple and immerse yourself in prayer, community, seva and reflection.

Apply for a Stay

Overnight stays

Enter the rhythm of ashram life

An ashram is more than accommodation. It is a place where daily life is oriented toward spiritual practice and service. Guests are invited to attend prayers, participate in temple activities, share vegetarian meals, help through seva and create space for inward reflection.

Stays can support a personal retreat, a festival visit, deeper spiritual practice or a first experience of communal devotional life.

Ashram & Devi Mandir

304 Demarest Parkway
Elmira, NY 14905

ashramstay@bhaktimarga.us

Prayer and devotional life at Paranitya Narasimha Temple

Your experience

What an ashram stay can include

ॐ

Daily Prayer

Begin and end the day in the temple’s devotional rhythm.

♫

Kirtan

Sing the Divine Names and experience devotion through music.

♡

Seva

Offer practical help as a form of selfless service.

♨

Prasadam

Share nourishing vegetarian meals in community.

◌

Reflection

Create quiet space for contemplation, reading and rest.

☷

Learning

Join satsang, courses or informal spiritual conversations when available.

Before applying

A shared spiritual home

Ashram accommodation is simple and community-oriented. Guests should be prepared to respect quiet hours, sacred spaces, a vegetarian and substance-free environment, community guidelines and the daily rhythm of the ashram.

Apply for a Stay Ask a Question

Stay inspired

Continue your journey

01

Plan around an event

Explore festivals, retreats, rituals and community gatherings.

Events → 02

Meet the community

Learn about the values and daily life of Paranitya.

Community → 03

Offer seva

Discover practical ways to participate and serve.

Seva →

Gather in devotion

Events, Retreats & Workshops

Celebrate, learn, meditate and experience the joy of spiritual community.

Open Live Calendar

Featured experiences

Something for every step of the journey

The cards below describe the main kinds of gatherings held at Paranitya. Dates and registration details are maintained in the Bhakti Marga America calendar.

Temple celebrations

Festivals

Celebrate sacred days with prayer, abhishekam, yajna, kirtan, processions, satsang and prasadam.

Immersive stays

Retreats

Step away from the ordinary and spend focused time in prayer, meditation, learning, nature and community.

Kirtan and spiritual learning at Paranitya

Practical learning

Workshops & Courses

Explore meditation, philosophy, devotional music, sacred art, ritual, yoga and practical spiritual living.

Sacred ceremonies

Pujas & Rituals

Join regular and special Vedic ceremonies offered for purification, gratitude, protection and Divine blessing.

Open to all

Community Gatherings

Meet through Sunday programs, public talks, shared meals, open houses, service days and local outreach.

Inner transformation

Meditation & OM Chanting

Experience group practices designed to calm the mind, open the heart and support collective harmony.

Live calendar

See current dates and registration

The embedded calendar may be restricted by the source website’s security settings. The button below always opens the official calendar directly.

Calendar not visible?

Open Official Calendar

Bring a group

Plan a pilgrimage, retreat or private gathering

Groups may combine temple visits, guided tours, spiritual programs, meals, accommodation and use of event spaces.

Host Your Event Contact the Team

Explore Paranitya

Discover a living path of devotion

Ancient spiritual practices come alive through temple worship, knowledge, meditation, music, art, community and service.

Transformational experiences

Many doors, one journey toward Divine Love

Explore the dimensions of ashram life that help visitors become more centred, inspired and connected to God.

ॐ

The Living Master

Discover the teachings and mission of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, founder of Bhakti Marga.

Meet Him →

☷

Knowledge

Explore timeless Hindu philosophy, bhakti teachings, satsang and practical spiritual wisdom.

Bhakti Life Blog →

♨

Rituals

Experience worship that engages the senses and creates a direct, personal relationship with the Divine.

Temple & Rituals →

◌

Yoga & Meditation

Calm the mind, awaken the heart and cultivate inner steadiness through spiritual practice.

Find a Practice →

♫

Music & Arts

Enter bhakti through kirtan, sacred sound, devotional creativity and cultural expression.

Music & Events →

✦

Sacred Spaces

Visit Paranitya Narasimha Temple, Devi Mandir and spaces for quiet contemplation.

Plan a Visit →

♡

Community

Share prayers, meals, friendship, festivals and the everyday practice of living with purpose.

Our Community →

∞

Seva

Transform ordinary action into worship by serving the temple, community, animals and environment.

Offer Seva →

⌂

Hospitality

Enjoy vegetarian prasadam, welcoming community spaces and selected café-style gatherings.

Stay With Us →

◇

Bhakti Shop

Find books, devotional items, art and spiritual tools to support your path at home.

Visit the Shop →

◎

Guided Tours

Discover the temple’s deities, sacred stories, architecture and daily devotional life.

Book a Tour →

⌖

The Surroundings

Explore Elmira, Corning, Watkins Glen, Ithaca and the Finger Lakes during your visit.

Travel Information →

Services & facilities

Designed to welcome visitors, guests and groups

♿

Accessible Areas

◈

Card Payment

⌁

Wi-Fi

P

Free Parking

♨

Vegetarian Meals

⌂

Ashram Stays

◎

Guided Tours

◌

Meditation

ॐ

Temple

♨

Vedic Rituals

☷

Workshops

♫

Kirtan

♡

Seva

❀

Gardens & Nature

◇

Bhakti Shop

⊘

Smoke-Free

A sacred home

Paranitya Narasimha Temple

Encounter the protective and compassionate presence of Lord Narasimha in one of the most remarkable Hindu temples in North America.

The temple

The largest Narasimha Temple in the Americas

Paranitya Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, the fierce and loving protector of devotees. The temple is also home to Maha Lakshmi, Rukmini-Panduranga, Ramanuja Acharya, Mahavatar Babaji, Tulsi Devi and more than 3,000 sacred Shaligrama Shilas worshipped through daily prayer and ritual.

Daily worship makes the temple a living sacred space—not a museum or monument, but a home of the Divine where visitors can pray, receive darshan and participate in bhakti.

Book a Temple Tour

Sacred presences

Deities and traditions within the temple

01

Paranitya Narasimha

Lord Narasimha reveals that Divine protection is always present for the sincere devotee.

02

Maha Lakshmi

The Divine Mother bestows grace, abundance and the inner wealth of devotion.

03

Rukmini-Panduranga

The Divine Couple reveal loving devotion, steadfast surrender and the Lord’s nearness to His devotees.

04

Ramanuja Acharya

The great Vaishnava acharya represents the lineage of devotion, surrender and service to Narayana.

05

Shaligrama Shilas

More than 3,000 sacred Shaligramas are cared for and worshipped every day as direct manifestations of Lord Narayana.

06

Babaji & Tulsi Devi

Mahavatar Babaji and Tulsi Devi are honoured within the temple’s living Vaishnava tradition.

Across the street

Devi Mandir

Located at the ashram, Devi Mandir is dedicated to the Divine Mother and is home to Kali Maa, Lakshmi Maa and Durga Maa. It offers a peaceful space for prayer, contemplation and special devotional gatherings.

The temple and Devi Mandir together express the fullness of Divine love, protection, abundance, wisdom and transforming grace. Lalita Sahasranama chanting is offered at Devi Mandir on Sundays at 11:30 AM.

Rituals and prayer requests

Let sacred worship support your intentions

Vedic rituals engage body, mind and heart through mantra, offerings, fire, water, flowers, light and devotion. They can be offered in gratitude, for protection, purification, healing support, important life moments or the welfare of loved ones.

01

Request a Private Puja

Contact the temple to request a private puja at Paranitya Narasimha Temple or Devi Mandir.

Contact the temple → 02

Sponsor Satyanarayana Puja

Support the monthly Satyanarayana Puja and submit your sacred intention.

Sponsor the puja → 03

Adopt a Shaligram

Support the daily care and worship of more than 3,000 sacred Shaligrama Shilas.

Learn more →

Life together

Community & Values

A spiritual community grows through devotion, sincerity, shared responsibility, hospitality and service.

A living spiritual community

Bhakti becomes part of daily life

Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram is a Bhakti Marga spiritual centre where monastics, residents, guests and visitors gather to live and share the path of loving devotion.

Community life is built through ordinary moments: praying together, preparing meals, welcoming guests, maintaining sacred spaces, learning from one another, celebrating festivals and helping wherever help is needed.

Community gathered at Paranitya Narasimha Temple

Our values

How we seek to live and serve

01

Service Is Love in Action

We offer practical work, attention and care as a direct expression of devotion.

02

Change Begins Within

We seek to change the world by first changing ourselves through spiritual practice and self-awareness.

03

Selflessness & Kindness

We try to lead with generosity, compassion and concern for the welfare of others.

04

Life Is a Gift

We celebrate life with gratitude and recognise every day as an opportunity to love and serve.

05

Unity Brings Strength

We value cooperation across backgrounds and discover strength through shared purpose.

06

Stewardship

We care responsibly for resources, animals, the local environment and the Earth.

Community and local involvement

Love expressed through action

Spiritual practice naturally expands into care for the wider community and the natural world.

♨

Cooking for People in Need

Preparing and serving meals through local community-kitchen initiatives in the Elmira area.

≈

Chemung River Care

Supporting local clean-up efforts and helping protect the river environment shared by the community.

♞

Helping Animals

Offering practical support to animal-sanctuary work and cultivating compassion for all living beings.

♣

Planting Trees

Participating in tree planting and ecological initiatives that strengthen the land for future generations.

Sustainable practice

Small choices become a shared culture

Community life encourages mindful use of food, energy, water and material resources. Vegetarian meals, reducing waste, reusing what is possible, caring for the grounds and participating in local ecological work are practical expressions of respect for creation.

This is an ongoing path rather than a finished achievement. The intention is to keep learning and improving together.

Selfless service

Seva at Paranitya

Offer your time, skills and care as a practical expression of devotion.

Service as a spiritual practice

Transform action into worship

Seva means selfless service. It invites us to move beyond “What do I get?” and discover the joy of offering our energy for God, the community and the welfare of others. No task is too small when it is done with love and attention.

Ways to serve

Find a place for your hands and heart

ॐ

Temple Support

Help prepare sacred spaces, flowers, lamps, offerings and practical needs around daily worship.

♨

Kitchen & Hospitality

Prepare vegetarian meals, welcome visitors, serve prasadam and care for shared spaces.

❀

Gardens & Grounds

Support seasonal work, beautification, maintenance, planting and care for the property.

♫

Events & Kirtan

Assist with setup, registration, guest care, sound, music, communications and cleanup.

⌂

Ashram Life

Help with housekeeping, organization, repairs and the everyday needs of a shared spiritual home.

♡

Local Outreach

Participate in food service, environmental initiatives, animal care and partnerships in the region.

◇

Creative & Media

Contribute photography, writing, design, video, social media or technical skills.

∞

Professional Skills

Offer specialized help in administration, planning, legal, construction, fundraising or technology.

Participate

Begin with a conversation

Seva opportunities depend on current needs, your availability and the level of training required. Contact the team and share your interests, skills and preferred dates.

Apply for Seva Join the Community

A meaningful setting

Host Your Event at Paranitya

Bring people together for weddings, retreats, cultural programs, conferences, workshops and community celebrations.

Request Information

A unique venue

Where sacred atmosphere meets practical capacity

Paranitya offers an exceptional setting for Hindu weddings, spiritual retreats, cultural celebrations, educational programs and large community gatherings.

For families who understand Hindu sacred tradition, celebrating near Lord Narasimha and thousands of worshipped Shaligrama Shilas creates a deeply meaningful context for blessings, commitment and shared prayer.

Our team can help coordinate the use of spaces, temple participation, food, accommodation and the practical flow of your gathering.

Large gathering at Paranitya Narasimha Temple

Event spaces

Spaces for intimate and large gatherings

Capacities are planning estimates and should be confirmed for the desired layout, production needs and local requirements.

Up to 2,000

Event Hall

For major celebrations, conferences, performances, festivals and large community programs.

Up to 500

Main Temple

A sacred setting for ceremonies, prayer, kirtan and selected spiritually aligned events.

Up to 500

Multi-Use Room

A flexible option for workshops, meals, talks, breakout sessions and community activities.

Up to 25

Small Meeting Room

For intimate classes, planning meetings, private sessions and small group programs.

Ideal for

Gatherings with purpose

♡

Hindu Weddings

Sacred ceremonies, receptions and family celebrations.

◌

Retreats

Spiritual, wellness, yoga and contemplative programs.

♫

Cultural Events

Kirtan, dance, music, festivals and community arts.

☷

Conferences

Educational, nonprofit and values-aligned gatherings.

♨

Community Meals

Banquets, prasadam service and fellowship programs.

✦

Private Ceremonies

Milestones, blessings, memorials and family observances.

Start planning

Tell us about your event

Share the type of gathering, preferred dates, estimated attendance, space needs, catering expectations, accommodation needs and whether you would like temple or spiritual programming included.

Contact the Venue Team Call (607) 405-7990

About Paranitya

A home of devotion in the Finger Lakes

Learn about the temple, the ashram, Bhakti Marga and how to connect with the community.

Who we are

Paranitya Narasimha Temple & Ashram

Paranitya is a sacred spiritual home where ancient Hindu tradition is lived through daily prayer, the worship of the Divine, devotion to the spiritual master, community life and service.

It is part of Bhakti Marga, the international spiritual mission founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda. Bhakti Marga means “the path of devotion” and offers contemporary seekers practical ways to develop a personal relationship with God.

Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira

Contact us

We look forward to welcoming you

01

General Contact

elmira@bhaktimarga.us
(607) 405-7990

WhatsApp Community →

02

Temple

1100 W. Church St.
Elmira, NY 14905

Directions →

03

Ashram Stay

304 Demarest Parkway
Elmira, NY 14905

ashramstay@bhaktimarga.us →

Find your inner peace

Come experience Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram

Welcome to Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram

A complete spiritual destination

Visit the Temple

Stay at the Ashram

Events & Retreats

Come together in devotion

Sunday at the Temple

Satya Narayana Puja

OM Chanting

A living spiritual community

The Ashram

Our Values

Community

Paramahamsa Vishwananda

A place people carry in their hearts

Come visit us in Elmira

Visit the Temple

The temple is open beyond prayer times

Temple Opening Hours

Morning

Evening

Prayer Times

Morning Prayers

Evening Prayers

Shayan Arati

Guided tours are available

Come as you are

Two sacred locations in Elmira

Paranitya Narasimha Temple

Ashram & Devi Mandir

Contact

Make Paranitya part of a Finger Lakes journey

Elmira

Corning

Watkins Glen

Ithaca

Make your visit a retreat

Enter the rhythm of ashram life

Ashram & Devi Mandir

What an ashram stay can include

Daily Prayer

Kirtan

Seva

Prasadam

Reflection

Learning

A shared spiritual home

Continue your journey

Plan around an event

Meet the community

Offer seva

Events, Retreats & Workshops

Something for every step of the journey

Festivals

Retreats

Workshops & Courses

Pujas & Rituals

Community Gatherings

Meditation & OM Chanting

See current dates and registration

Plan a pilgrimage, retreat or private gathering

Discover a living path of devotion

Many doors, one journey toward Divine Love

The Living Master

Knowledge

Rituals

Yoga & Meditation

Music & Arts

Sacred Spaces

Community

Seva

Hospitality

Bhakti Shop

Guided Tours

The Surroundings

Designed to welcome visitors, guests and groups

Bhakti is lived, not only learned

Paranitya Narasimha Temple