Albany Sanatani Mandir is actively working on registering as a members-owned, volunteer-driven, community-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Sanatani devotees pray to Lord Krishna, who is believed to possess supreme power over everything in the universe. Lord Krishna is revered for his divine qualities, teachings, and his role as an eternal protector and guide for humanity. Besides worshiping Lord Krishna, Sanatani families also celebrate other important festivals like Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja, reflecting the rich diversity of their spiritual practices.
In early 2014, only 8 to 10 Bangladeshi Hindu families lived in Albany. After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many more families migrated from New York City and other states to settle permanently. Previously, they traveled to NYC and New Jersey to participate in festivals like Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Naam-Sangkirtana. Recognizing the need for a local place of worship, devotees began working towards building a Mandir. The first Durga Puja in Albany was held in 2021, and since then, efforts to establish a dedicated Mandir intensified. Starting November 2023, a committed group purchased an old church lot (2.1 acres land) at 387 Krumkill Road for Albany Sanatani Mandir. After overcoming numerous legal challenges and waiting nearly two years, their dream was fulfilled on August 12, 2025, by Lord Krishna’s grace.
Albany Sanatani Mandir was named to reflect its dedication to Sanatan Dharma, the eternal and timeless principles of Hinduism. The name signifies that the temple welcomes all devotees who follow the Sanatani traditions, emphasizing inclusivity and unity among Hindu families. After consulting with all Sanatani devotees and families, a democratic decision was made to adopt this name, highlighting that the temple is a spiritual home for any Sanatani Hindus, regardless of their nationality or origin. The name embodies the temple’s mission to serve as a sacred space for Sanatani devotees from Bangladesh and other countries, fostering harmony and spiritual growth within the global Hindu community.
