The Main Shrine
The sanctum of Lord Venkateswara, with daily pujas performed by priests trained in the Tirupati tradition.
Sri Venkateswara Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in the United States built by Indian immigrants, modeled on the great temple at Tirupati and a pilgrimage for Hindus across the country, in Penn Hills near Pittsburgh.
Sri Venkateswara Temple in Penn Hills, outside Pittsburgh, was one of the first traditional Hindu temples built in the United States, consecrated in 1977 by Indian immigrants. Modeled on the great temple of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati in South India, it draws pilgrims from across North America.
The white temple tower stands on a wooded hillside, and inside, priests perform the daily rituals as they would in India. Visitors are welcome to watch, and the canteen serves South Indian vegetarian food.
- Best Time
- Year-round; festival days are busiest and most colorful
- Time Needed
- 2 hours
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day; check svtemple.org for hours and puja times
- Getting There
- In Penn Hills, about 25 minutes east of downtown Pittsburgh by car.
What to See
1 of 2 are freeTemple Canteen
Dosas, idlis and other South Indian vegetarian dishes, a favorite with local families.
Know Before You Go
- Remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly.
- Photography isn't allowed inside the shrines.
Where to Stay
Stay in Pittsburgh.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-10-31. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.