In November 2015, on a date specifically chosen and ritually significant — 14th and 15th November — a community of Indian immigrants across the Tristate area completed something they had been working toward for years: the Balalaya Prathishta (preliminary consecration) of Lord Ayyappa, alongside Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, at a newly established temple in Westchester County, New York. The Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idols of all three deities had been specifically crafted in Mannar, Kerala — cast on the other side of the world from where they would ultimately be installed, and transported across an ocean to complete a community’s long-cherished dream of building an exclusive Lord Ayyappa temple in North America.
This was the culmination of work led by Guruswami Parthasaradhi Pillai, who had founded the World Ayyappa Seva Trust (WAST INC.) back in 1988 — a non-profit charitable organization that has, over more than three decades, grown to become the largest Ayyappa devotee organization in the world, leading bhajans across the United States, organizing pilgrim groups traveling from America to Sabarimala itself, and conducting Hindu funeral services, weddings, and Sapthahams for the diaspora community it serves.
Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple now stands as one of the most significant centers of authentic South Indian Ayyappa worship outside India — proof that the specific devotional traditions of Sabarimala, half a world away, can be sustained, transmitted, and genuinely lived by a community determined enough to build them a permanent home.
💡 Quick Answer Address: 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York 10543 (confirm current address — see note below) Regular weekly closure: Wednesdays (no service) Standard timings: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri); weekend mornings extend to approximately 12:30 PM Entry: Free for general darshan; sevas and offerings require online or in-person booking and payment Mandala season (November–December): Special sevas (Padi Pooja, Irumudi Pooja) at higher charges — book early Managed by: World Ayyappa Seva Trust (WAST INC.) Last Verified: June 2026
A Note on the Temple’s Address
This is worth flagging directly: sources show two different addresses for this temple — some cite 901 N Broadway, White Plains, New York 10603, while others, including the temple’s own current official site, cite 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York 10543. This discrepancy most likely reflects the temple having relocated at some point since its 2015 founding, with some sources not yet updated to reflect the current location. The Mamaroneck address (606 Halstead Avenue) appears in the most recently dated sources and the temple’s own official website, making it the more reliable current address — but confirm directly via newyorkayyappatemple.org before traveling, particularly if relying on an older printed or saved reference.
Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple Timings 2026
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Saturday & Sunday | Morning session extends to approximately 12:30 PM | Evening session until approximately 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed — no service | Closed — no service |
Daily ritual schedule (per one detailed source):
| Ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nithya Aaradhana | 8:00 AM |
| Deeparadhana (Aarti) | 7:00 PM |
| Archana and Bhajan | 7:05 PM |
| Maha Mangala Aarti | 8:00 PM |
| Harivarasanam | 8:20 PM |
| Temple closes | 8:30 PM |
Weekly special sevas:
- Maha Shani Pooja: Every Saturday at 5:30 PM
- Bhagavathi Seva and Lalitha Sahasranama Chanting: Last Friday of every month at 6:30 PM
Pro tip: Confirm any specific weather-related cancellations before traveling, particularly in winter — the temple’s own website has specifically posted announcements canceling individual rituals (such as Sathyanarayana Puja) due to inclement weather, reflecting the genuine seasonal challenges of operating a South Indian-style temple in the New York climate.
How to Book Sevas and Offerings Online
Step 1: Visit the official website: newyorkayyappatemple.org.
Step 2: Click on “Online Booking” on the homepage.
Step 3: Browse the list of available sevas and offerings, and select your desired item.
Step 4: Click “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout.
Step 5: Enter devotee name, contact details, and address.
Step 6: Click “Book Now” and complete payment.
Offline alternative: General darshan requires no booking at all — simply attend during open hours. Sevas can also potentially be arranged in person, though online booking is the more clearly documented standard process.
Currency note: Listed prices are in USD; confirm current rates directly, as charges may vary by season and specific seva.
Mandala Season — Special Sevas Requiring Early Booking
During Mandala Pooja season (November–December) — the same period corresponding to one of Sabarimala’s two main pilgrimage seasons in Kerala — Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple offers special, higher-tier sevas including Padi Pooja and Irumudi Pooja, both carrying higher charges than standard offerings and requiring early booking given significantly increased demand during this specific window.
Pro tip: If you are specifically interested in participating in Mandala-season rituals, check the online booking portal well ahead of November, as these particular sevas are documented as filling considerably faster than standard offerings throughout the rest of the year.
What Is World Ayyappa Seva Trust — The Organization Behind the Temple
Founded in 1988
Guruswami Parthasaradhi Pillai founded the World Ayyappa Seva Trust (WAST INC.) in 1988, establishing what has since grown into the largest Ayyappa devotee organization in the world — a claim grounded in over three decades of consistent devotional, cultural, and charitable activity across the United States.
Beyond a Single Temple — A Broader Devotional Mission
WAST’s activities extend well beyond simply operating the Westchester temple. Guruswami has, over more than 30 years, led Lord Ayyappa bhajans across the nation, organized and personally led pilgrim groups traveling from the United States to Sabarimala itself, conducted Karkkidaka Vavu Bali (a specific ancestral remembrance ritual), performed Hindu funeral services and Hindu weddings for the diaspora community, and hosted Sapthahams (week-long devotional recitation programs).
Introducing Authentic Ritual Traditions to the US
Among WAST’s most significant accomplishments, per the organization’s own account, is the introduction of authentic Lord Ayyappa rituals, Mandala Pooja, Ramayana and Bhagavatha chanting, Vishnu and Lalitha Sahasranamam recitation, and Makara Sankranthi observance to a US-based devotional community — effectively transplanting and sustaining a specific South Indian devotional tradition for a population separated from its original geographic and cultural context by thousands of miles.
Festivals at Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple
Beyond Mandala season, the temple celebrates a broad pan-Hindu festival calendar including Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Shivratri, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali — with Diwali specifically marking the Hindu New Year and drawing particularly large numbers of visitors and devotees, reflecting the temple’s role as a broader community hub beyond Ayyappa-specific worship alone.
Practical Visitor Information
Parking: Limited free onsite parking, available first-come-first-served, plus ample street parking in the surrounding area.
By car: From New York City or surrounding areas, use the New York State Thruway/I-95 or local highways to reach Mamaroneck.
By train: The nearest train station is the Mamaroneck Metro-North station; from there, take a local taxi or ride-share to the temple. (Note: one source cites White Plains Station and Westchester County Airport as the nearest transit points, consistent with the address discrepancy noted above — confirm current transit guidance via the temple’s own site.)
The Trap — What Catches Most Visitors
“Traveled to an outdated address found on an older website” → Cause: Genuine address discrepancy across sources, likely reflecting a relocation since the temple’s 2015 founding → Fix: Confirm the current address directly at newyorkayyappatemple.org before traveling — 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck appears to be the current location based on the most recently dated sources.
“Arrived on a Wednesday expecting darshan” → Cause: Unfamiliarity with the temple’s specific weekly closure day → Fix: The temple is typically closed on Wednesdays with no service — plan your visit for any other day of the week.
“Waited until November to book Mandala-season Irumudi or Padi Pooja” → Cause: Underestimating how quickly these specific high-demand seasonal sevas fill → Fix: Book well in advance of the November–December Mandala season specifically for these higher-tier sevas.
“Assumed general darshan required online booking” → Cause: Confusing the booking requirement for specific sevas with the no-booking-required policy for general darshan → Fix: General darshan during open hours is free and requires no advance booking — only specific sevas and offerings need to be booked and paid for, online or otherwise.
How to Reach Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple
Temple address: 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York 10543 (confirm current address at newyorkayyappatemple.org).
By car: Via the New York State Thruway/I-95 or local highways from New York City and surrounding areas.
By train: Mamaroneck Metro-North station, with onward taxi or ride-share to the temple.
By air: Westchester County Airport is the nearest regional airport.
Before You Visit Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple — Checklist
☑ Current address confirmed at newyorkayyappatemple.org before traveling, given the address discrepancy across sources ☑ Wednesday closure noted — plan your visit for any other day ☑ Standard timings confirmed — 9:00–11:30 AM and 6:00–8:30 PM (Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri), extended weekend mornings ☑ Online seva booking completed at newyorkayyappatemple.org if planning a specific ritual ☑ Mandala-season Padi Pooja or Irumudi Pooja booked well in advance if visiting November–December ☑ Weather-related cancellation announcements checked before winter visits ☑ Free onsite or street parking planned, given limited first-come-first-served availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple timings in 2026?
The temple is generally open 9:00 AM–11:30 AM and 6:00 PM–8:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with weekend mornings extending to approximately 12:30 PM. The temple is typically closed on Wednesdays with no service.
What is the current address of Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple?
Sources show some discrepancy, likely reflecting a relocation since the temple’s 2015 founding. The most recently dated sources and the temple’s own official website cite 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York 10543 — confirm directly via newyorkayyappatemple.org before traveling.
Is entry free at Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple?
Yes, general darshan during open hours is free and requires no advance booking. Specific sevas and offerings, such as archana or abhishekam, require booking and payment, typically through the temple’s online portal.
When was Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple established?
The Balalaya Prathishta (preliminary consecration) of Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman took place on 14–15 November 2015, with Panchaloha idols specifically crafted in Mannar, Kerala, and installed at the temple.
Who manages Westchester Ayyappa Swami Temple?
The temple is administered by the World Ayyappa Seva Trust (WAST INC.), a non-profit public charity founded by Guruswami Parthasaradhi Pillai in 1988, now recognized as the largest Ayyappa devotee organization in the world.
How do I book special sevas during Mandala season?
Visit newyorkayyappatemple.org, click “Online Booking,” select your desired seva (such as Padi Pooja or Irumudi Pooja), add it to your cart, enter devotee and contact details, and complete payment. Book well in advance given high demand during the November–December Mandala season.
Does the temple organize trips to Sabarimala in India?
Yes. The World Ayyappa Seva Trust has, for over 30 years, organized and led pilgrim groups traveling from the United States to Sabarimala, in addition to its activities at the Westchester temple itself.
Contact and Help
Official website: newyorkayyappatemple.org Email: contact@newyorkayyappatemple.org Address: 606 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck, New York 10543 (confirm current address before travel) Managed by: World Ayyappa Seva Trust (WAST INC.)
Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Online seva booking & temple updates | newyorkayyappatemple.org |
| WhatsApp updates | Available via temple contact page — join for event broadcasts |
One Last Thing
Somewhere in Mannar, Kerala, craftsmen cast three Panchaloha idols destined for a temple they would likely never see in person — Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman, shaped from the same five-metal tradition used for centuries of South Indian temple consecrations, then shipped across an ocean to a community of immigrants in Westchester County who had spent years raising the funds and the will to give their tradition a permanent home far from where it began.
What gets preserved across that distance is not just an idol but an entire rhythm — Nithya Aaradhana at 8 AM, Harivarasanam at 8:20 PM, the same Mandala-season intensity each November that anchors devotional life back in Sabarimala, recreated faithfully enough that a devotee who grew up with this tradition in Kerala could walk into this New York temple and recognize, in the chanting and the timing and the careful sequence of rituals, something genuinely unbroken.
The temple closes on Wednesdays. The rest of the week, an ocean away from where Lord Ayyappa’s mythology actually unfolded, the same devotion continues exactly as it was designed to.
Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.
