There may be more than 500 Hindu organizations in the USA. There is no single, comprehensive, official list of all Hindu organizations in the United States, as there are hundreds of temples, cultural groups, advocacy bodies, and spiritual organizations. Some directories list hundreds of groups, and there are over 165 notable temples and centres alone in the U.S. Many operate locally at the city or temple level, so they are not included in national lists.
Below is a structured list of major Hindu organizations operating in the United States, grouped by type.
A. Major Hindu Umbrella/Advocacy Organizations
These represent Hindu interests, advocacy, or community coordination.
1. Hindu American Foundation (HAF):
A non-profit organization representing the Hindu American community, advocating for Hindu Americans and educating about Hindu traditions. (Hindu American Foundation)
2. Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA):
A grassroots civil rights and advocacy group dedicated to protecting the collective interests of the Hindu community in North America (Coalition of Hindus of North America)
3. World Hindu Council of America (VHPA):
VHPA is one of the oldest and largest Hindu organizations in the US (VHP America).
4. World Hindu Federation:
The World Hindu Federation (WHF) is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization founded in 2016 to empower the global Hindu diaspora. Representing communities in over 100 countries, the WHF works to protect Hindu rights, promote cultural identity, and address contemporary issues through the application of Dharma (World Hindu Federation)
5. North American Hindu Association (NAHA):
The North American Hindu Association (NAHA) offers educational programs that focus on foundational Hindu concepts, specifically through its “Dharma Series” and “Karma Series.” These initiatives offer structured learning, including supplementary publications, designed to deepen understanding of Hindu traditions. (North American Hindu Association)
6. Hindu Society of America (HSA):
The Hindu Society of America (HSA) is an organization dedicated to promoting Dharma philosophy and organizing the Hindu community within the U.S. It emphasizes fostering a supportive environment for Hindu students and the broader community. (HSA)
7. Hindus for Human Rights:
A non-profit organization, founded in 2019, that acts as a progressive voice for the Hindu community in North America (HfHR).
B. Cultural and Community Organizations
These organize festivals, education, and Hindu community programs.
1. Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS USA)
2. Sewa International USA
3. Kashmir Hindu Foundation
4. Americans4Hindus
5. US-India Relationship Council
6. Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus (Sadhana)
7. Hindu Association of Northwest Arkansas
C. Student and Youth Organizations
1. Hindu Student Council (HSC)
2. Hindu YUVA
3. Balagokulam (run by HSS)
4, Hindu Education Foundation
D. Spiritual/Mission-Based Hindu Organizations
Many Indian spiritual movements operate major centres in the U.S.
1. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
2. Chinmaya Mission
3. Art of Living Foundation
4. Self-Realization Fellowship (founded by Paramahansa Yogananda)
5. Ananda Marga
6. Arya Samaj
7. Gayatri Parivar (All World Gayatri Pariwar)
8. Bharat Sevashram Sangha
9. Ramakrishna Mission / Vedanta Society
10. Divine Light Mission
11. Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog
12. Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center
13. Science of Identity Foundation
14. Society of Abidance in Truth
15. Himalayan Academy.
16. Self-Realization Fellowship.
E. Sect-Based Hindu Organizations
These are global Hindu sects with a strong U.S. presence.
1. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
2. Sri Sathya Sai Organization
3. ISKCON
4. Isha Foundation
5. Siddha Yoga / SYDA Foundation
6. Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi Foundation)
7. International Swami Narayan Satsang Mandal
F. Temple Associations/Temple Organizations
Organizations that run or coordinate temples.
1. Hindu Temple Society of North America
2. Hindu Temple Society of Southern California
3. Hindu Temple Society of Texas
4. Sri Meenakshi Temple Society of Houston
5. Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
6. United Hindu Temple of New Jersey
7. Radha Madhav Dham
G. Charity/Service Organizations
1. AIM for Seva
2. Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA
3. Hindu Relief organizations
H. Other Organizations:
1. Republican Hindu Coalition.
2. American Hindu Coalition.
What Kind of Work Do Hindu Organizations in the USA Do?
Hindu organizations in the United States serve a wide range of religious, cultural, educational, and social functions for the Hindu community. They manage temples and places of worship, organize festivals and religious ceremonies, teach Hindu scriptures and philosophy, and promote practices such as yoga and meditation. Many also run educational programs for children and youth to preserve cultural heritage, support community networking, and provide humanitarian services such as charity work, disaster relief, and social welfare initiatives. In addition, some organizations engage in public outreach, interfaith dialogue, and advocacy to represent the interests and perspectives of the Hindu community in American society.
Importance of Hindu Organizations in the USA:
Hindu organizations in the United States play an important role in supporting both the Hindu community and the wider society. For Hindus living far from their traditional cultural roots, these organizations help preserve religious practices, languages, festivals, and philosophical teachings, allowing younger generations to stay connected with their heritage. They also provide community spaces where people can gather for worship, education, and cultural activities, strengthening social bonds within the diaspora.
Beyond the Hindu community, these organizations contribute positively to society through charitable activities, disaster relief efforts, educational initiatives, and volunteer service. Many promote values such as compassion, non-violence, environmental responsibility, and community service, which benefit the broader public. They also participate in interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange, helping foster mutual understanding and cooperation among different religious and cultural groups in the United States.
If you wish to include any Hindu organization in the USA in this list, use the Comments section to let us know.