Vajiradhammapadip Temple
Vajiradhammapadip Temple, located in the West Bronx, New York City, was officially set up as a Not-for-Profit Organization under the State of New York Religious Corporation Law on July 22, 1975 (B.E. 2518). Today, it proudly claims to be the first fully recognized Thai Buddhist temple in the United States, with legal and religious standing.
The Vajiradhammapadip Temple complex comprises two buildings on a 4.98-acre lot, formerly a church. The main building has a large hall that can hold up to 500 attendees, with separate restroom facilities for men and women. The property also includes a four-bedroom house used for occasional guests and a parking lot that accommodates 150 cars. The temple's location, not too close to other residences, adds to its appeal. Buddhist communities in the Tri-State area during all significant holy days and festive occasions.
The temple is known for hosting merit-cultivating ceremonies and festivals. Notably, it has seen many gatherings of friends and relatives participating in merit-making ceremonies, either within the temple or at the homes of generous alms-givers. These ceremonies mark essential occasions like birthdays, weddings, house blessings, and sad events like funerals and memorials. The observance of Buddhist holy days and cultural celebrations like New Year's Day and Songkran (a Thai cultural festival) are also integral to the temple's calendar, drawing large crowds that the relatively modest temple building can barely accommodate.
Over the years, Vajiradhammapadip Temple has become a central hub for Thai religious and cultural activities in New York and is a crucial point for such activities throughout the United States. It attracts diverse visitors, including Thais, Americans, and people from various nationalities living in the Tri-State area, other states, and even from Thailand.
Detailed information:
- Address: 110 Rustic Rd, Centereach, NY 11720, United States
- Phone: +1 631-471-8006
- Website: https://www.vajira.org/
