Chinmaya Upavan

Chinmaya Upavan

A Sanctuary for Vedantic Learning in New York

From Forest to Fellowship

Chinmaya Upavan is a 4.5 acre wooded property aptly named by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda ji as it surrounded by luscious forest-like greenery. It has been acquired by Chinmaya Mission New York to build an Institute of Vedantic Studies along with a Hindu temple and a community center where people of all ages can converge to study, discuss and imbibe Vedantic wisdom. Located on 129 Woodbury Road, Woodbury, NY 11797, it is easily accessible by the highway and LIRR Cold Spring Harbor Station.

Vision & Purpose

Uniting Tradition, Community, and Self-Realization

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The Journey Within

Foundations

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  • Life’s aim is to realize oneness with the Divine.
  • Scriptures show three steps: listen, reflect, realize.
  • Early seekers gathered by rivers or in ashrams.
  • Inner purity and service help absorb spiritual truths.
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Power of Community

Togetherness

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  • Today, we access teachings online globally.
  • True growth comes from sincere companionship.
  • Shared spaces foster self-development and tradition.
  • Upavan invites seekers to connect and serve.
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Living Vedanta

Purpose

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  • Upavan’s main deity is Vanvāsi Rāma Parivār.
  • Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa modeled courage and devotion.
  • Chinmaya Mission serves worldwide through many initiatives.
  • Vedanta unlocks one’s full potential and inner genius.

Facility Highlights

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Yajña Hall

The yajña hall can accommodate around 200 seekers for events.

Vedantic discourses will be delivered by Swamins, Brahmacharins, and Sevaks.

The center will host workshops, training sessions, and cultural programs for the community.

Major festivals—like Navarātri, Deepāvalī, Mahā Śivarātri, Holi, Śrī Rāma Navami, Hanumān Jayantī, Sītā Navamī, and Guru Pūrṇimā—will be celebrated with explanations, pūjā, and community bhajans.

Space will be available to rent for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.

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Learning Spaces for All Ages

10 classrooms will be built for Bala Vihar, Study Groups, and Devī Group sessions.

Classes will impart Vedanta—the Science of Inspired Living—to children, youth, adults, and seniors.

A structured curriculum covers texts like the Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, prakaraṇa granthas, Self-Unfoldment, Bhaja Govindam, Upaniṣads, and Bhagavad Gītā.

Devī Group now offers expanded programs, including chanting Viṣṇu Sahasraṇāma and other stotras for women.

The classrooms ensure a safe environment for learning and can also host activities such as children’s summer camps.

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Holistic and Sustainable Community Kitchen

The fully equipped commercial kitchen will serve holistic vegetarian food for the community.

Focus is on eco-friendly practices and minimizing waste to honor nature.

Nourishing the body is valued as much as feeding the soul on the spiritual journey.

The kitchen creates opportunities for volunteers to serve and contribute in multiple ways.

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Ample Parking Facilities

Parking area designed to accommodate approximately 100 cars.

Ensures convenience for large gatherings and community events.

Supports accessibility for visitors attending classes, festivals, and programs.

Enhances the overall experience by providing safe and organized vehicle management.

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Inclusive Accessibility Features

The entire building is fully wheelchair accessible.

An elevator provides access to all floors for ease of movement.

Designed to ensure comfort and inclusion for everyone in the community.

Upavan Timeline

2013-2014 - Selecting the Ideal Ashram Location

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CM Board members started looking for a new ashram. They scouted over 50 places in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island and decided on a location in Long Island due to its ability to accommodate a larger number of people and car parking.

CMNY Upavan FAQ