Chinmaya Mission Vrindavan — Attraction in Cranbury Township

As a regular visitor to Chinmaya Mission Vrindavan, I am deeply moved by the extraordinary service they render—not only to the Indian community but to society as a whole. The Mission stands as a beacon of timeless wisdom and selfless service, carrying forward Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s rich legacy of spreading Vedantic knowledge through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita while also serving humanity through remarkable initiatives such as their medical institutions in India. What strikes me most about the Cranbury center is how beautifully it upholds these ideals. Every visit fills my heart with joy—especially when I see young children in traditional attire reciting shlokas, singing bhajans, and participating in cultural and religious activities. At the same time, these children are growing up as confident, well-rounded Americans. This seamless blending of deep Indian values with the spirit of responsible citizenship in America is truly inspiring and, I believe, a foundation for lifelong success. Chinmaya Mission Vrindavan is not just a spiritual center—it is a nurturing home for culture, learning, values, and service. It instills a profound sense of belonging while inspiring one to live a life of purpose and compassion. I am deeply grateful for the warmth, wisdom, and community spirit they continually...

I have been visiting Chimaya Vrindavan since they opened in July 2015. It has a traditional Hindu temple, but is also a cultural center as well as a learning center under the leadership of Swami Shantananda ji.

As far as learning goes, there is a very active Bal Vihar, which teaches children about Hinduism. There are a lot of other classes such as dance and math. There is also a small book shop on the premises. There are classes on Vedic chanting.

They have a exceptional sound system coupled with a stage which has been host a lot of concerts and dances. Noted singers of Carnatic as well as Hindustani styles of Indian classical music have performed here.

Swami Shantananda ji is renowned for his Bhagavad gita discourses.

The mission is very well run by a group of dedicated volunteers who give up a lot of time and effort to keep the mission running.

The temple has the following dieties, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Radhakrishna,and Lord Hanuman. All of the Hindu festivals are celebrated. Anyone is welcome to visit. The temple is also a calm and soothing place, highly suitable for meditation.

It is located in Cranbury,NJ, sorrounded by fields. Very beautiful place.

Highly recommend...

Chimaya mission is great, has excellent service centers. But this center has become so - so despite having excellent natural country environment, gorgeous views.

Swamiji Shantananda is the resident guru; a good person but due to aging he forgets good disciples and remember only a few around him.

After his discourses in disciple's home in Bridgewater, NJ I have several times given him ride all the way to Cranbury Ashram and then back to my home in Plainfield. A trip of 50+ miles. However he was not able to remember me at all, when I visited him recently. I think his age took the better off.

However, if you are ok with occasional cold treatment and differences you should be fine with...