Temples in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local Guide to Spiritual Centers Across the City

Atlanta is home to a wide range of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and other faith-based temples, reflecting the city’s diverse communities. Whether you live in the metro area, are visiting for a few days, or are exploring local culture and spirituality, you’ll find many temples in and around Atlanta that welcome visitors.

This guide focuses on temples in Atlanta, Georgia and nearby suburbs that Atlanta residents commonly visit, along with what to expect, how to visit respectfully, and practical tips for planning a trip.

Understanding Temples in the Atlanta Area

In and around Atlanta, temples generally fall into a few broad categories:

• Hindu temples
• Buddhist temples
• Jain temples
• Sikh gurdwaras (often called temples informally)
• Other Asian religious and cultural temples

Most are located in the city or in the north and east suburbs such as Chamblee, Doraville, Tucker, Duluth, Norcross, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville, where many immigrant communities have settled.

Many Atlanta-area temples offer:

• Daily or weekly worship services
• Festivals and holy day celebrations
• Cultural and language classes (for adults and children)
• Community meals and volunteer opportunities
• Tours or orientation for first-time visitors

Major Hindu Temples in and Around Atlanta

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Lilburn)

Location:
460 Rockbridge Road NW
Lilburn, GA 30047

This is one of the most visually striking temples near Atlanta and is often called the Atlanta Hindu Temple by visitors, though it is formally a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

What to know:

• Built from hand-carved marble, limestone, and sandstone, it’s a major architectural landmark.
• Open to visitors of all backgrounds; you can walk the grounds, view the temple interior, and often watch daily aarti (prayer rituals).
• A separate visitor center and exhibition typically explains the basics of Hinduism and Swaminarayan tradition.
• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered); shoes must be removed before entering the main temple.
• Photography rules may vary between the exterior, interior halls, and sanctum—signs and volunteers explain what is allowed.

This is a popular place to take out-of-town guests from Atlanta due to its scale and beauty.

Hindu Temple of Atlanta (Riverdale)

Location:
5851 Georgia Highway 85
Riverdale, GA 30274

Located on the south side of Atlanta, this complex includes shrines to Venkateswara and Shiva and serves a wide regional Hindu community.

What to know:

• One of the older and more established Hindu temples serving metro Atlanta.
• Offers regular puja services, religious classes, and major festival celebrations such as Diwali, Navaratri, and Ugadi.
• Has a cafeteria / canteen on many weekends and festival days offering vegetarian South Indian and North Indian food.
• Standard expectations include removing shoes, dressing modestly, and maintaining silence in worship areas.

For residents on the south or west side of Atlanta, this temple is often closer than the northern suburban temples.

Other Notable Hindu Temples Around Atlanta

Below is a quick-reference overview of several Hindu temples commonly visited by Atlanta residents:

Many of these temples:

• Post darshan (visiting) hours and aarti times at their entrances.
• Offer Sunday school / Bal Vihar-style programs for children.
• Have gift shops or book stalls with devotional items and literature.

Because schedules and programs change, calling ahead is the most reliable way to confirm open hours and event times.

Buddhist Temples in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta has Buddhist temples representing Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, many centered around Chamblee, Doraville, and the northeastern suburbs.

Wat Lao Buddha Phothisaram (Laotian Buddhist Temple)

Location:
5310 Rockbridge Road
Stone Mountain, GA 30088

This Laotian Buddhist temple is known for:

• Serving the Lao and broader Southeast Asian community.
• Hosting colorful New Year celebrations and cultural festivals.
• Providing a quiet place for meditation and offering alms to monks.

Visitors are usually welcome but should be prepared to:

• Dress conservatively.
• Remove shoes indoors.
• Sit respectfully in meditation or worship spaces (often on the floor).

Other Buddhist Temples Near Atlanta

Some additional Buddhist centers and temples Atlanta residents often visit include:

• Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese Buddhist temples in the Doraville, Stone Mountain, and Riverdale areas.
• Tibetan and Zen Buddhist centers closer to in-town Atlanta and Decatur, which may operate more as meditation centers than large temple complexes.

Typical features:

• Meditation sessions (sometimes in English).
• Dharma talks or teachings on scheduled days.
• Cultural festivals associated with Buddhist holidays.

Many of these places post signage in English as well as their community language and welcome visitors who are respectful and quiet.

Jain Temples Serving Atlanta

Shree Jain Temple of Atlanta / Jain Society Facilities

Jain families in Atlanta typically gather at Jain temples and community halls in the northeastern suburbs (often around Norcross, Duluth, or Lilburn). These centers generally:

• House idols of Tirthankaras for darshan and puja.
• Offer pathshala (religious classes) and Jain philosophy discussions.
• Emphasize ahimsa (nonviolence) and strict vegetarian practices.

If you are visiting a Jain temple around Atlanta:

• Leather items (belts, handbags) may be discouraged in the main shrine area.
• Many members follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets; community meals will reflect that.
• Silence and reverence in the main shrine are important.

Sikh Temples (Gurdwaras) in Metro Atlanta

Gurdwara Sahib of Atlanta / Sikh Gurdwaras

Several Sikh gurdwaras serve the Atlanta area, particularly in Lawrenceville, Norcross, and Duluth.

Common characteristics:

• A Darbar Hall where the Guru Granth Sahib (holy scripture) is honored.
• Kirtan (devotional singing) and langar (free community kitchen) open to all.
• Strong emphasis on equality, service, and hospitality.

If you visit a Sikh gurdwara in or near Atlanta:

• Cover your head (scarves and bandanas are usually provided at the entrance).
• Remove your shoes before entering the main hall.
• Sit on the floor in the prayer hall, typically with men on one side and women on the other, though practices can vary.
• Langar (the free meal) is vegetarian and open to everyone regardless of background.

Gurdwaras in the area usually welcome visitors who want to learn about Sikhism or participate in community service.

What to Expect When Visiting Temples in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is so diverse, each temple has its own customs. Still, a few general guidelines apply almost everywhere.

Dress Code and Etiquette

• Modest clothing: Covered shoulders, chest, and knees are typically expected. Avoid very tight or revealing outfits.
• Shoes off: Most temples require visitors to remove shoes before entering the main worship space. Socks are usually fine.
• Head coverings:
  • Often required at Sikh gurdwaras.
  • Sometimes encouraged at Hindu temples but not always mandatory.
• Photography:
  • Often allowed on temple grounds or in outer halls.
  • Frequently prohibited inside sanctum areas or during rituals. Look for posted rules or ask a volunteer.
• Behavior:
  • Keep your phone silenced.
  • Speak quietly.
  • Follow cues from regular worshippers (standing, sitting, bowing).

Festivals and Special Events at Atlanta Temples

One of the most vivid ways to experience Atlanta’s temple life is by attending major festivals. Depending on the tradition, these may include:

• Hindu festivals:
  • Diwali (Festival of Lights)
  • Navaratri / Garba nights
  • Holi (often with outdoor color events)
  • Janmashtami (Krishna’s birthday)
• Buddhist festivals:
  • Vesak / Buddha Day celebrations
  • Asian New Year festivals (Lao, Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese)
• Jain festivals:
  • Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti, and other holy days.
• Sikh observances:
  • Gurpurabs (Guru birthdays and anniversaries)
  • Vaisakhi celebrations.

During these times, Atlanta temples may:

• Extend open hours.
• Offer special prayers, music, dance, lectures, and food stalls.
• Have increased traffic and limited parking, especially evenings and weekends.

If you’re planning to visit a temple for the first time, festivals are a good introduction—but arriving early and being patient with crowds helps.

Getting Around: Where Temples Cluster in Metro Atlanta

While you can find temples across the metro area, certain zones have small clusters:

• Northeast I‑85 corridor:
  • Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville host many Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh temples.
• South of Atlanta (Riverdale, Lake City, Forest Park):
  • Home to several Hindu temples and Buddhist temples, convenient for residents on the south side and near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Northwest suburbs (Smyrna, Marietta):
  • A few well-known Hindu temples and cultural centers.
• In-town Atlanta and Decatur:
  • More likely to have smaller temples, meditation centers, and cultural associations in converted buildings or community halls.

Public transit (MARTA) rarely goes directly to large temple complexes, so many visitors rely on cars, rideshare services, or carpools.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Temple Visitors

Here are some simple, Atlanta-focused pointers to make your visit smoother:

• Call before you go 📞
  • Atlanta traffic and variable hours make it wise to confirm open times, special events, or closures before driving out, especially to suburban temples.
• Check weekend schedules
  • Many Atlanta temples are busiest on weekends and may offer additional programs then (classes, cultural events, extended darshan hours).
• Plan for parking
  • Large temples like the ones in Lilburn and Riverdale have on-site parking, but it can fill fast during festivals. In some cases, overflow parking or shuttles may be used.
• Bring cash or a card for donations
  • While not required, small donations to the temple or for prasad/food are common. Some temples accept cash only; others have digital or card options.
• Ask volunteers for guidance
  • Many Atlanta temples have greeters or volunteers who can answer questions, explain rituals, and help new visitors understand where to go.

How to Choose Which Temple to Visit in Atlanta

Your choice will depend on your religious background, interest level, and location:

• If you’re new to Hinduism or just curious:
  • The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn is a good starting point because of its visitor facilities and English-language explanations.
• If you’re a Hindu living on the south side:
  • The Hindu Temple of Atlanta in Riverdale is a major regional hub.
• If you want to explore Buddhist practice or meditation:
  • Look for Buddhist temples or centers near Doraville, Chamblee, Decatur, or Stone Mountain, and confirm whether they offer English-language programs.
• If you are Jain or Sikh, or want to learn about those faiths:
  • Search specifically for Jain temples or gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in the Norcross–Lawrenceville corridor, then call ahead to ask about visitor hours or introductory sessions.

By focusing on the temples in and around Atlanta, Georgia, you can explore a wide range of spiritual traditions without leaving the metro area. Whether you’re attending a festival, finding a regular place of worship, or simply learning about your neighbors’ cultures, Atlanta’s temples offer many welcoming doors to step through.