A Fight To Save A Hindu Temple For The ‘Unheard And Unseen’ In New York

The Shri Shakti Mariammaa temple in Queens, New York, founded in 2008, serves as a spiritual refuge for Indo-Caribbean Hindus, women, and LGBTQ individuals. Rooted in Caribbean Shaktism, the temple worships goddess Kali in raw, village-style rituals that challenge mainstream Hindu norms. It empowers women as priestesses and embraces inclusivity, even marrying same-sex couples rejected elsewhere. However, the temple faces closure due to city-mandated upgrades exceeding $150,000, following noise complaints and zoning issues. The building, originally a factory, requires extensive renovations to meet community space regulations. Despite financial hardship, the temple refuses to charge worshippers, relying on donations and a GoFundMe campaign. Its unique worship style—marked by possession rituals and intense spiritual energy—has drawn growing interest. Supporters argue the temple represents the full spectrum of Hinduism and must be preserved as a safe haven for marginalized communities.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/a-fight-to-save-a-hindu-temple-for-the-unheard-and-unseen-in-queens-8919788