In the heart of Richmond Hill, Queens, the Shri Shakti Mariammaa Temple—a rare women-led, LGBTQ+-inclusive Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali—stands as a beacon of spiritual solace and inclusivity for the Indo-Caribbean community. Since its founding in 2008, this vibrant sanctuary has offered refuge to women, same-sex couples, and marginalized groups, challenging patriarchal norms within mainstream Hinduism. Now, the temple faces an existential threat: without over $150,000 in mandated upgrades to meet New York City’s community space regulations, it risks closure by November 2025. The Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community, alongside temple devotees, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to save this cherished space. At NRIGlobe.com, we explore the temple’s unique role, the challenges it faces, and the global call to preserve its legacy.
A Sanctuary of Healing and Inclusion
Nestled in a converted factory, the Shri Shakti Mariammaa Temple houses a 1-ton, 6-foot-tall murti of Mariamman, an incarnation of Kali, the deity of time, death, and transcendental knowledge. The temple’s worship, rooted in Caribbean Shaktism, is distinct for its raw, village-like rituals, where incense mingles with cigarette smoke, and bottles of rum sit alongside fruit offerings. “Our religion is very rural, very authentic,” says Pandita Chandni Kalu, a 31-year-old priestess. “It’s a place where people find healing when all else fails.”
Unlike many Hindu temples, Shri Shakti Mariammaa is a haven for the “unheard and unseen.” It has married same-sex couples rejected by other temples, offered shelter to women escaping dire situations, and empowered women as priestesses, defying traditional restrictions. “We worship a goddess, so we don’t exclude women for menstruating or limit them to kitchen roles,” says Sharda Ramsami, a founding member. “This temple is about radical acceptance.” The majority-Indo-Caribbean congregation, descendants of 19th-century indentured laborers from southern India, brings a unique blend of Tamil traditions and Caribbean influences, passed down orally without scriptures.
For NRIs, the temple is a cultural lifeline. “It’s where we connect to our roots, our identity,” says Rohan Narine, a Queens native and organizer with Hindus for Human Rights, who hosts Om Night open mics at the temple. “The energy here is raw, unlike anything in mainstream ashrams.” The temple’s inclusivity and community events, like mental health workshops and cultural programs, make it a vital hub for Indo-Caribbean NRIs in New York.
The Threat of Closure
The temple’s future is in jeopardy due to costly city-mandated upgrades. A noise complaint in 2018 led to a fine from the NYC Department of Buildings, and a 2024 complaint from the same neighbor triggered a requirement to register the temple as a community space. This designation demands over $150,000 in renovations for electrical systems, plumbing, fire safety, and ADA-compliant accessibility, including a wheelchair ramp and bathroom upgrades. The building, originally zoned for manufacturing, may not be viable for these changes, and relocating risks losing elderly congregants who rely on its accessible location near a bus stop.
The neighbor’s complaints, particularly during the nine-night Navratri festival honoring Goddess Durga, reflect cultural misunderstandings. “He called our logo ‘Diablo,’ meaning devil,” says Ramsami, noting a 12-foot fence now separates the temple from the neighbor’s home. “It stems from fear of our practices.” Kali’s fierce imagery—dark, disheveled, with blood dripping from her tongue—often unsettles outsiders, a stigma Indo-Caribbean devotees have faced since their ancestors’ migration to Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname.
Crowdfunding to Save a Legacy
The temple, which has never asked congregants for tithes, relies on donations for specific rituals. “We believe worship should be free,” says Dave Kutaiyah, the temple’s chairman, who works in human resources. “Most of our congregants work blue-collar jobs—department stores, factories, JFK airport—so disposable income is limited.” To meet the $150,000 goal, the temple launched a GoFundMe campaign in June 2025, supported by organizations like Jahajee: Indo-Caribbeans for Gender Justice and the Caribbean Equality Project.
As the temple faces a November 2025 court date to address an outstanding fine, it seeks an extension to explore options. Moving to a new location is challenging, as higher costs and distance could alienate devotees, particularly the elderly. “This temple is our home,” says Pandita Chandni. “We’ve helped people escape violence, fed the hungry, celebrated Pride. Now we need help to stay.”
The NRI Community’s Call to Action
For the 4.8 million Indian-Americans, including New York’s Indo-Caribbean NRIs, the temple’s potential closure is a personal blow. “It’s more than a place of worship—it’s where we see people who look like us, share our history,” says Kutaiyah. The temple’s progressive values resonate with NRIs advocating for inclusivity, with events like Om Night fostering cultural pride.
Hindu advocacy groups, including Hindus for Human Rights, are rallying support. “This temple embodies Kali’s protective spirit for the marginalized,” says Narine. Posts on X reflect NRI urgency, with one user stating, “We can’t lose this sacred space. It’s a fight for our identity.” The Indian government, through its consulate in New York, has expressed solidarity, urging U.S. authorities to support community spaces like Shri Shakti Mariammaa.
A Path Forward: How NRIs Can Help
To preserve this unique sanctuary, NRIs and supporters can take action:
- Contribute to the GoFundMe: Donate to the temple’s campaign at GoFundMe to fund critical upgrades.
- Raise Awareness: Share the temple’s story on social media and with NRI networks to amplify the crowdfunding effort.
- Engage Locally: Attend temple events, like mental health workshops or cultural programs, to strengthen community ties.
- Advocate for Support: Urge local officials to provide extensions or grants to help the temple meet city regulations.
- Stay Informed: Follow NRIGlobe.com for updates on the temple’s fight and NRI advocacy efforts.
Resilience in Faith
Despite the threat of closure, the temple’s devotees remain steadfast. On July 13, 2025, congregants performed vibrant rituals, passing divine energy through dance and song, undeterred by uncertainty. “Mother Kali gives us strength,” says Hilda Thamen, a temple founder. “She’s protected us, and now we’ll protect her home.” For NRIs, the temple’s fight is a call to preserve a space that embodies their heritage and progressive values.
At NRIGlobe.com, we stand with the Indo-Caribbean NRI community, amplifying their efforts to save Shri Shakti Mariammaa. As the November court date looms, the global NRI diaspora is uniting to ensure this sanctuary of healing and inclusion endures.
May Goddess Kali empower the fight to preserve this sacred space. Visit NRIGlobe.com for updates on the temple’s campaign and NRI community initiatives.
