Religious Diversity in Austin

Many Austinites and visitors alike love to venture out into the country to enjoy a bit of “the real taste of Texas” at the Salt Lick Barbeque. The short trip takes one past rolling hills, farm country, peach orchards and barbed wire fences. Since 1995 however, there has been something new on the horizon. A glistening white and gold dome stands majestically above the treetops and marks the home of Barsana Dham. An impressive sight, Barsana Dham is one of the largest and most ornate Hindu temples in the United States. A lovely representation of the religious diversity in the region.

A large golden statue of the Buddha sits outside the Hsiang Yun Temple (International Buddhist Progress Society) on the scenic Capital of Texas Highway. This is just one of 20 different Buddhist congregations in our city. Five different mosques call Muslim Austinites to worship, and there are 10 synagogues. About 100 families belong to the Sikh faith.

There are at least nine Jewish congregations synagogues in the area, including reform, conservative and orthodox. There is a vibrant Jewish community with a number of organizations and affinity groups such as the Austin Chapter of Hadassah, B'nai B'rith International, the Austin Jewish Business Network and the j2j Social Group. The Austin Jewish Academy and Jewish Family Service provide education and services. The Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA) exists to enhance the quality of Jewish life through charitable, educational, social service, cultural, religious and recreational endeavors. It is located on the 40-acre Dell Jewish Community Campus in northwest Austin, an exciting cultural and educational center for all the citizens of our growing region.