By Raj Shah

It was my pleasure to attend this year’s Diwali celebrations at BAPS Mandir in Boynton Beach. The celebration marked an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of BAPS in North America. The celebrations included special exhibitions in the mandirs, each designed around five significant themes—service, Indian culture and traditions, faith, values, and inspiration. These themes encapsulated the essence of BAPS’s journey and contributions over the past five decades in North America.

The exhibitions provided a window into the remarkable efforts and achievements of BAPS. However, their uniqueness stemmed from the fact that young BAPS members, both boys and girls, curated and presented each aspect of the exhibition. It was an inspiring sight to see the youth so actively engaged, showcasing the organization’s rich history and values. This emphasis on youth involvement is a hallmark of BAPS, visible not only in such exhibitions but in all aspects of their community service. Young members are consistently at the forefront, from serving prasad after the weekly Sunday sabha to attending public events and reciting Hindu prayers with clear, precise Sanskrit pronunciation.

In an interview with one of the BAPS volunteers, I expressed my admiration for this aspect of the organization. BAPS’s dedication to service and youth engagement never fails to impress and amaze.

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the first BAPS mandir in North America in New York City on August 3, 1974. From that first establishment, BAPS has flourished, now with over 117 mandirs across the United States and Canada. This growth symbolizes not just expansion in numbers but an increase in impact, as the organization has become a spiritual and cultural pillar for the Hindu community in North America.

BAPS, also known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a Hindu socio-spiritual organization that prioritizes personal growth, community service, and cultural preservation. Through its work, BAPS fosters a spirit of unity, spirituality, and selfless service, making a positive difference not only in the lives of its followers but also in the communities it touches worldwide.

A Monument Born of Devotion: The Birth of Akshardham

The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, nestled on 185 acres of pristine land in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is an architectural marvel that represents the power of collective devotion. Over 12,500 dedicated volunteers from around the world came together to bring this dream to life, dedicating their time and effort to this monumental project.

This grand undertaking, culminating in the grand opening ceremony on October 8, 2023, stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and selfless service of its builders. It is not just a temple; it is a labor of love, meticulously crafted over twelve years.

Envisioning Hindu Culture: The Essence of Akshardham

Akshardham encapsulates the very essence of Hindu culture. It is a repository of over 10,000 sacred images, 151 intricately carved Indian musical instruments, and representations of 108 traditional Indian dance forms. The temple even houses water sourced from over 300 holy Indian rivers and all 50 states in the U.S.

These elements are not mere decorations but serve as a reflection of the profound spiritual and cultural heritage that Hinduism embodies. They showcase the dedication and devotion of the volunteers who transformed a barren landscape into a spiritual and cultural oasis.

A Haven for All: A Place for All

While Akshardham is a place of worship, it goes beyond religious boundaries. It functions as a vibrant center for cultural, educational, and community activities. The temple’s mission is to promote unity, peace, and spirituality, making it a place where people of all backgrounds can find inspiration and solace.

Kanu Patel, the CEO of BAPS, describes Akshardham as a “labor of love” that represents unwavering dedication and selfless service. It embodies the vision of spiritual leaders, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who envisioned it as a haven for all seekers of spiritual and cultural enrichment.

A Cultural Spectacle: A Cultural Extravaganza

The grand opening of Akshardham was not just a ceremony; it was a cultural extravaganza. Leading up to the event, a diverse array of programs and performances showcased India’s rich heritage, echoing the Hindu principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “The world is one family.” These events brought together guests from across the United States and around the world, emphasizing the temple’s inclusivity.

Akshardham is envisioned as a place for meditation, reflection, and spiritual enrichment. It serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions while welcoming people of all faiths and walks of life.

Unity Beyond Boundaries: A Testament to Unity

Robbinsville Mayor David Fried recognized the positive impact of BAPS on the community. Initiatives like Days of Giving and the Blood Donation Drive, which collected enough blood to save more than 10,000 lives, demonstrate BAPS’ dedication to the town. With the opening of Akshardham, the town of Robbinsville anticipates further strengthening its partnership with BAPS and embracing the cultural enrichment and diversity it offers.

The temple stands as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together diverse communities and fostering mutual understanding. It’s not just a place of worship but a cultural and spiritual epicenter where people can find common ground and celebrate their shared humanity.

A Grand Celebration: Inaugural Festivities

The inaugural festivities leading up to the grand opening ceremony began on September 30, creating a buzz of excitement and anticipation. These celebrations culminated in the grand dedication ceremony on October 8, 2023. It was a once-in-a-millennium cultural program, a testament to the enduring legacy that Akshardham represents.

For those who couldn’t be physically present, the live broadcasts allowed them to witness the magic of Akshardham from afar. This technological bridge brought people together from different corners of the world, uniting them in their admiration for this architectural marvel.

Architectural Marvel: The Beauty of Akshardham

Akshardham’s architectural grandeur is nothing short of spectacular. It boasts dimensions that awe and inspire: 255 feet in length, 345 feet in width, and 191 feet in height. The temple features one main shrine, twelve sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars. Perhaps most notably, it houses the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of its builders.

The intricate details of Akshardham’s architectural design not only serve as a testament to human creativity but also as a symbol of cultural preservation and spiritual significance.

The Stones of Akshardham: A Global Journey

The construction of Akshardham involved a meticulous selection of materials. Nearly 2 million cubic feet of stone were sourced from different corners of the world, each carrying its unique history and significance. Limestone from Bulgaria and Turkey, marble from Greece, Turkey, and Italy, granite from India and China, sandstone from India, and decorative stones from Europe, Asia, and Latin America all found their place in this architectural marvel.

These stones represent a global journey, each with its own story and symbolism. They contribute not only to the structural integrity of Akshardham but also to its cultural richness.

The Sacred Waters: Symbolism and Significance

At the heart of Akshardham lies the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell. What makes it truly special is the water it holds. Collected from over 300 bodies of water around the world, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 states of the U.S., it symbolizes the unity of humanity through the sacred element of water.

It delves into the symbolism of water in Hindu culture and its significance in the context of Akshardham. It explores the intricate process of collecting and incorporating these sacred waters into the temple’s design.

Sustainability at Its Core: A Green Oasis

Akshardham is not only a symbol of cultural preservation but also a beacon of sustainability. It incorporates environmentally responsible practices, including a solar panel farm, the use of fly ash concrete mix, and the planting of over 2 million trees worldwide in the past few decades. These initiatives reflect BAPS’ commitment to environmental stewardship and align with the broader global efforts to address climate change.

This chapter examines the sustainability practices implemented in the construction and operation of Akshardham, highlighting their significance in the context of today’s environmental challenges.

A Cultural Marvel for Generations to Come

In the heart of Robbinsville, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, spiritual enlightenment, and unity. Its grandeur is a testament to the devotion and selfless service of thousands of volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to bring this dream to life.

Akshardham is not merely a temple; it is a cultural marvel that transcends religious boundaries. It welcomes people from all walks of life, inviting them to explore the rich tapestry of Hindu culture and spirituality. The temple’s architecture, with its intricate details and use of diverse stones, showcases human creativity at its finest.

Moreover, Akshardham embodies sustainability, aligning with global efforts to address environmental challenges. It serves as a reminder that cultural preservation and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Concluding the celebratory program, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s blessings drew upon the wonder and simplicity of what has been accomplished through vision and dedication. “The creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville was the divine resolution of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Whoever comes here to Akshardham will experience its splendor, divinity, and peace. By spending fifteen minutes daily reflecting on what we have attained spiritually, everything is captured within this.

As Akshardham opens its doors to visitors, it offers an opportunity to experience the fusion of culture, spirituality, and architectural brilliance. It is a gift to future generations, a place where they can connect with the past, find solace in the present, and envision a harmonious future.

In a world marked by divisions, Akshardham reminds us that unity, peace, and cultural enrichment are attainable through dedication, selfless service, and a shared appreciation for the beauty of diversity. It is, without a doubt, America’s new cultural jewel, destined to shine for generations to come.

On February 23, 2020, I was lucky enough to be a volunteer during the annual Day of Service at South Florida Hindu Temple. The day is dedicated to Hindus coming together to perform Seva, selfless service. It is about helping our community because most of us are very fortunate and blessed to have food and basic necessities. To me, the day was not about doing work to get community service or working to brag to others that I helped the community, but it was simply about helping my fellow citizens and community because they need it. Community service or any service should not be about meeting a requirement or doing it to get a reward or prize. Gandhi ji often said, “Service to Man is Service to God.” God gave us all our food and basic resources for life. Since we have had the privilege of being given a surplus of these items, we should give the extra to those who were not given enough. This is like giving back the extra to God as shown by the quote because God gave us more than we need so we should give back to him in order for others to get an adequate amount. Our dharma as Hindus is to do the righteous deed, the right deed. The right thing is to support and aid those in need whenever possible, not to work for selfish reasons. This event brought our community together not to meet friends or party, but to work as a collective team in order to better serve the rest of society. Our culture is heavily centered around food, so to me, this event was a great way to spread our love into the entire community, and to share our principles of Seva and generosity.

February 23, 2020, was not just a usual day of prayers at the South Florida Hindu Temple; it was a day of Seva or selfless service. That morning the temple was swarming with devotees of all ages joyfully working hard preparing food packets for the needy. It was a wonderful sight. Added divine music made this karma yoga very blissful. South Florida Hindu Temple is proud to have prepared 25,000 food packets and 250 hygiene bags, which were distributed to the needy. The Temple has made this project an annual event, and we are very grateful to all the volunteers and the generous donors to make this project very successful.

Dr. Vinod Patel
Chairman, South Florida Hindu Temple

About the Author

Yash Patel is a Sophomore at Cypress Bay High School and a Yuvak in the South Florida Hindu Temple BalVihar Program.

He has a passion to make a difference in the community especially ensuring that no-one should go hungry. He is currently aspiring to become a neurosurgeon.

Day of Service at South Florida Hindu Temple

annual Day of Service at South Florida Hindu Temple

Hindus

Gandhi ji

Service to Man is Service to God

Hindus dharma

South Florida Hindu Temple

Florida Hindu Temple

Siva Temple of Concorde, CA
1803 Second Street, Concorde, CA 94519
Tel 415-685-5830

Devi Mandir of Martinez, CA
3100 Pacheco Blvd, Martinez, CA-94553
Tel 415-370-9099

Devi Mandir of Napa, CA
5950 Highway 128, Napa, CA 94558
Tel: 707-966-2802
web: http://www.shreemaa.org/

Hindu Community and Cultural Center,
Livermore, CA
1395 Heather Lane, Livermore, CA 94550
Tel: 510-449-6255

Shiva Vishnu Temple
1232 Arrowhead Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: (510)449-6255 / FAX: (510)455-0404

Hindu Temple Cultural Center, Fremont, CA
3676 Delawere drive, Fremont, CA 94538
Tel 510 -659-0655 or 510-490-9597

Bochasanwasi shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple
25 Corning Ave, Milpitas /San Jose, CA 95035
Tel: 408-262-0707

Hindu Temple South-bay Sunnyvale, CA
450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tel 408-734-4554

Palaniswami Temple, san franscisco, CA
3575 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118

Sacromento Hindu Temple
7495 Oldercreek Road, Sacremento, CA 95824
Tel: 916-383-4206

SAVC Sri Radhakrishna Temple, Fullerton, CA
2011 E. Chapman Ave, Fullerton, CA 92631
Tel 714-87′-1156

Swami Narayana Temple, Paramount, CA
13927 Florine Ave, Paramount, CA 90723
Tel 213-408-6091

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Berkeley, CA
2334, Stewart St, Berkeley, CA 94705
Tel 415-644-1113

Sanathana Viswa Dharma Temple of Cosmic Religion, Oakland, CA
174 Santa Clara Ave. Oakland, CA 94610
Tel: (415) 654-4683

Swami Narayana Temple, Paramount, CA
13927 Florine Ave. Paramount, CA 90723
tel: (213) 408-6091

ISKCON Rukmini Dwarakadish Temple
3764 watseka Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Tel 310-836-2676

Swami Narayan Temple, Whittier CA
12401 Pellissier Rd, whittier, CA 90601
Tel 213-699-9507

Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, Malibu, CA
1600 Las Virgines, Canyon Road, Calabasis, CA 91302
Tel 818-880-5552

Hindu Temple and Indian Cultural Center
21213 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311
Tel: (818)772-6020

Sastha Puja of Thousand Oaks, CA
775 Shadow Lake Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
tel 805-379-1814

Hindu Temple of Inland Empire
9292 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503
Tel: (909)359-4743

Shree Mandir, San diego, CA
Black Mountain Road, San diego, CA

ISKCON Temple of San Diego
1030 Grand avenue, Pacific beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Tel 619-483-2500

Colorado
Hindu Temple Society of Colorado
2001 N Havana, Arora, CO 80010
Tel: 303-779-9034

Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Colarado
8375 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 801128
tel: (303) 948-9693

Connecticut
Hindu Temple Society of Connecticut Valley
POBox 3201, Hartford, CN 06103
Tel: 203-658-9319

Florida
Hindu Temple of Casellbarry (central florida)
Hindu Society of Central Florida
1994 Lake Dn’ve, Cassellberry, Fl 32708
Tel: 407-699-5277

Gujarathi Samaj Hindu Temple
9100 Aplalachee Pky, Tallahasse, FL 32311
Tel: (904)877-8823

Hindu Temple of South Florida,Miami, Fl
12511 SW 112 Ave, Miami, Fl 33175
Tel 305-792-2494

Hindu Temple of South Florida, Davie, Fl
5661 Dykes Road, Davie, Fl 33331

Hindu Temple of South Florida
5661 SW 160th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33331
Tel: (305)680-8571

Hindu Temple of Florida
5501 Lynn Road, Tampa, FL 33624
Tel: (813)962-6890

Shiva Vishnu Temple of South Florida
5661, Dykes Rd, Davie, FL 33331 Ph 954-689-0471

South Florida Hindu Temple
13010, W Griffin Rd, Davie, FL 33330 Ph 954-438-3675

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
1325 West Oakridge Rd., Orlando, FL 32809
Phone:(407) 857 0091

Georgia
Hindu Temple of Augusta,GA
Rt. 2 Luke Road, Box 3388, Augusta, GA 30901
Tel: 404-860-3864

Hindu Temple of Atlanta
5851 Georgia Highway 85, Riverdale,GA 30274
Tel: 770-907-7102

India Cultural and Religious Center
1281 Cooper Lake Road, SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Tel 404-436-3719

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple
3518 Clarkston Indian Blvd, Clarkston, GA 30021
Tel: 404-297-0501

Hawaii
Iraivan Hindu Temple, Kauai, Hawaii
7345 Kuamoo Road, Kauai, Hawii 96746
Tel 808-822-3012

Kadavul Hindu Temple
107 Kaholalele Rd. Kauai, Hawai 96746
(808) 822-3012

Illinois
Balaji Temple, Arora, Illinois
1745 W. Sullivan Road, POBox 1536 Aurora, Il 60507
Tel: 312-844-2252
URL: http://www.balaji.org/

Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
10915 Lemont Road, Lemont Il 60439
Tel 708-972-0300

Maanv Seva Mandir of Bensonville, Il
101 S. Church St, Bensonville, Il 60106
Tel 312-894-8002

Swami Narayan Temple
1 South 631 Milton ave, POBox 2081, Glen Ellyn, Il 60138
Tel 312-469-1484

Swami Vivekananda Society
5423 S. Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, Il 60615
Tel 312-363-0027

Hindu Temple of Urbana
urbana, Illinois

Hindu Society
6N020 Medinah Road, MEDINAH, IL 60157
Tel: (708)980-0900

Kansas
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center
6330 Lackman Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66217
Tel: (913)631-7519

Kentucky
Hindu Temple of Kentucky
4213 Accomack Drive, Louisville, KY 40241
Tel: (502)429-8888

Lousiana
Hindu Center
710 S. Kenilworth Parkway, Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Tel: (504)769-8671

Hindu Samaj Temple
6406 Quin Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Tel: (504)753-3000

Hindu Temple
3804 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, LA 70006
Tel: (504)454-3444

Hindu Temple Society of New Orleans
PO Box 761, Kennar LO 70063
Tel: 504-466-0322

Maryland
Murugan Temple of North America
6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, MD 20706.
Tel: 301.552.4889

Siva Vishnu Temple of Lanham
6905 cipriano Road, Lanham, Md 20706
Tel: 301-552-3335
URL: http://www.ssvt.org/

India House of Worship Silverspring, Md
1428 Chilton Drive, Silverspring, Md 20904

Mangala Mandir of Silverspring
1120 Fairland Road, Silverspring, Md 20904
Tel 301-384-6980

Matas Durbar VHP of America
17225 Founder Mill Drive, Rockville, MD 20855
Tel: 301-869-3729

Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington
10001 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20783
(301)434-1000

Massachusetts
New England Hindu Temple of Ashland
117 Waverly Street, Ashland, Ma
Tel 508-881-5775

New England Hindu Temple of Wellesley Hills
PO Box 157, Wellesley Hills, MA 02181

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple
4, Marlboro Road, Stow/Boston, MA 01775
Tel 508-562-0727

Michigan
Bharathiya Temple of Troy
8650 Adams Road, Troy, MI 48098
Tel 810-879-2552
44955 Cherryhill Road, Canton, MI 48188
Tel: (313)981-8730

Minnesota
Hindu Mandir
1835 Polk Street, NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Tel: (612)788-1751

Geeta Ashram, Brooklyn Park, MN
10537 Noble Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 5544 Missisippi
Hindu Temple Society of Mississippi, Ridgeland, MS
139 Chinquipin Cove, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Tel: 601- 856-4783
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
2390 Greenway Dr., MS 39204
Phone:(601) 922 4343 Missouri
Hindu Temple of St. Louis
725 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
Tel: (314)230-3300
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)- St. Louis
8705 St. Charles Road, ‘Sasak Plaza’, St. John, MO-63114
Phone:(314) 426 7895New Jersey
Sri Ram Mandir, Metuchen, NJ
10 Carlton Rd., Metuchen, NJ 08840
Telephone : (201) 949-0937 Fax : (201) 321-94
Swami Narayan Temple, Weekawkan, NJ
No. 4 Louisa Place, Weekawkan, NJ 07087
Telephone : (201) 333-527Hindu Mandir, Garfield, NJ
1 Gaston Ave., Garfield, NJ 07026
Telephone : (201) 478-9886
India Cultural Hindu Temple
714 Preakness Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470
Tel: (201)790-8199
United Hindu Temple, Morris Plains, NJ
208 Powder MIll Rd., Morris Plains, NJ
Telephone : (201) 285-0311
Ved Mandir, E. Brunswick, NJ
1 Vedir Mandir Dr., Off Riva Ave. E. Brunswick, NJ 08850
Telephone : (201) 821-0404
Hindu American Temple and Cultural Center
Sri Guruvayoorappan Sannidhi (Sri Krishnaji Mandir)
31 Wooleytown Rd., Morganville, NJ 07751
Telephone: 732-972-5552
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
2500 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08817
Phone:(1-732) 572 1234
Hindu Temple, Berlin, NJ
25 E. Taunton Ave., Berlin, NJ 08009
Hindu Temple and Cultural Society
780 Old Farm Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Tel: (908)725-4477
New York
Arya Samaj, Jamaica, NY
150-22 Hillside Ave, Jamaica, NY
718-479-0152
Brooklyn Hindu Temple
3105 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Tel: (718)469-2165
Capital District Hindu Temple society,
Loudonville, NY
450 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
Tel: 518-459-7272
Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapathi Devasthanam,
Flushing NY
45-57 Bowne St, Flushing, NY 11355
tel: 718-460-8484 Fax: 718-461-8055Swaminarayan Hindu Temple
4338 Bowne St, Flushing, NY 11355
Tel: (718)539-5373Sri Rajarajeswari Peetam
33 Park Circle, Rochester, NY 14623
Tel: 716-272-8081Swami Narayan Temple, Flushing, NY
43-38 Bowne st, Flushing, 11355
Tel 718-539-5373
Hindu Campus Ministry Univ. of Buffalo, NY
34, Embassy Square, Tonawanda NY 14150
Tel: 716-833-2507
Sri Dasavathara Temple, Wappingers Falls, NY
38 Tar Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590Sri Nitai Gauranga Mandir, New York, NY
(Prabhupada sankirtan Society)
48 avenue B, NY, NY 10009
Tel: 212-674-0698
Hindu Cultural Center
1595 N. French Road, Getzville, NY 14068$
Tel: (716)688-0266
Hindu Temple Society
450 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, NY 12211
Tel: (518)459-7272
Vaishnav Temple of NY, Holliswood, NY
196-43, Foothill Ave, Holliswood, NY 11423
Tel: 718-217-5054Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of Western NY, Buffalo, NY
PO Box 33, Getzville, NY 14068
Tel 716-439-3148North Carolina
Hindu Society of North Carolina, Morrisville, NC
309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Tel: (919)481-2574
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam
swaminarayan temple
4100 Margaret wallace Road, Charlotte, NC
Tel: 704-573-0805 Fax: 704-573-0802

HINDUÊCENTERÊOFÊCHARLOTTE
7400 City View Dr., Charlotte, NC 28212
Tel: (704)535 3440

Hindu Temple
1420 E. 14TH ST. Greenville, NC 27858
Tel: (919)752-2670

Ohio
Bharatiya Temple of Central Ohio, Columbus, Ohio
3903 Westerville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
Tel: 614-459-8673

Hindu Temple of Toledo, Toledo, USA
2510 Cotswold Dr, Toledo, OH 43617
Tel: 419-841-3109

Hindu Temple of Toledo
4336 King Road, Sylvania, OH 43560
Tel: (419)843-4440

Hindu Temple Society of NE Ohio,Youngstown, OH
Shri Laxminarayan Temple, Liberty OH
6464 Sedomhutching Rod, POBox 8042, Youngstown OH 44505
Tel: 216-539-4077

Hindu Society of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
524 Dicksmith Ave, Cincinatti, 45220

Hindu Society of Cincinatti
524 Martin Luther King Dr W, Cincinatti, OH 45220
Tel: (513)221-6969

Hindu Temple, Beaver Creek, OH
2615 Lillian Lane, Beaver Creek, OH 45324
Tel: 513-429-4455

Hindu Community Organization
2615 Lillian Ln, Fairborn, OH 45324

Tel: (513)429-4455

Bochasanwari Shri Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Temple, Cleveland
2915 Laurel Road, Brunswick, OH 44212
Tel 330-220-4020

Hindu Temple
6464 Sodom Hutchings Road, Girard, OH 44420
Tel: (216)539-4077

Sri LaxmiNarayan Temple
6464 SedomHutching Rd, Liberty, OH 44505
Tel: (216) 539-4077

Pennsylvania
Hindu Jain Temple, Monroeville, PA
615 Illini dr, Monroeville, PA 15146
Tel: 412-733-7475 Fax 412-325-2073

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Monroeville, PA
1449 Abers Creek Road, Monroeville, PA
Tel 412-374-9244

Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Monroeville, PA
McCully Drive, Monroeville, PA
Tel 412-373-3380
URL: http://svtemple.org/

Sikh Gurudwara, Monroeville, PA
McKenzie Drive, Monroeville, PA

Sri Shridi Sai Baba Temple, Pittsburgh, PA
3744 Old William Penn Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Tel 412-823-1296

Sringeri Vidya Bharathi Foundation, Stroudsberg, PA
RD 8, PO Box 8116, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Tel: 717-629-7881 Fax: 717-629-7883

Hari Temple, New Cumberland, PA
301 Stigerwalt Hollow Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070
Tel 717-774-7750

Hindu Temple Society, Allentown, PA
4200 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18103
Tel: (610)264-2810

South Carolina
Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of SC, Columbia, SC
5704 Old Bush River Road, Columbia SC 29221
Tel: (803)772-9650

Hindu Temple
1130 Fairview Church Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303
Tel: (803)599-7048

Tennesse
Hindu Community Center, Lenoir City, TN
8580 Hickory Creed Road, Lenoir City, TN 37771
Tel 615-988-3820

Hindu Temple, Memphis, TN
PO Box 17694, Memphis, TN

Sri Ganesh Temple, Nashville, TN
PO Box 121438, Nashville, TN
Tel: 615-356-4182

Texas
Meenaskhi Devasthanam, Pearland, TX
17130 McLean Road (CR 104), Pearland, TX 77584
Tel: 713-489-0358
URL: http://www.meenakshi.org/

Hare Krishna Dham, Houston, TX
1320 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
Tel: 713-686-GITA Fax 713-686-0669

Bochasanwari Shri Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Temple, Houston
1150 Brand Land, Stafford TX 77477
Tel: 713-499-7974 FAx 713-499-7974

Bochasanwari Shri Akshar Purushottam
Swaminarayan Temple, Dallas
11321 Webbs Chapel Road, Dallas Tx 75229
Tel. 214-243-8669 Fax 214-243-6361

Swami Narayan Temple, Sugarland TX
Sugarland TX

Hindu Temple of San Antonio, TX
9086 Vista Vente, San Antonio,TX 78255
Tel: 512-695-9400 Fax 512-695-9141

Hindu Temple of San Antonio
18518 Bandera Road, Helotes, TX 78023
Tel: (210)695-9400

DFW Hindu Temple
1605 N. Britain Road, Irving, TX 75061
Tel: (214)445-3111

Virginia
Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah,[and Hindu Community Center]
9859 Dream Circle, S.Jordan, UTAH, USA 84095
Tel: 801-253-3592; 801-264-8380

SriSriRadhakrishna Temple
Spanish Fork, UTAH

Virginia

Rajdhani Mandir, Fairfax, VA
7001 Backlick Road, Springfield VA
PO BOx 1444, Fairfax, VA 22030
Tel 703-378-8025

Bharatvani: Hindu Center of Virginia,
Glen Allen, VA
6051 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Tel 804-346-9954

West Virginia
New Mathura Vrindavan, Moundsville, WV
RD 1, Box 318A, Moundsville, WV 26041

Hindu Temple of Hampton Roads
217 Dominion Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Tel: (804)497-2508

Hindu Center of Virginia
6051 Springfield Road, Richmond, VA 23224
Tel: (804)346-9954

Washington DC
Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington
Tel: (301) 434-1000 or (301) 445-2165

Rajdhani Mandhir, Washington DC
P.O.Box 222516, Chantilly, VA 20153
Tel: (703) 356-9811
http://www.rajdhanimandir.org/

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
4320 Ammendale Rd., Beltsville MD 20705
Phone:(301) 931 3135

Babaji

Lingam Temple

Hindu Community

Cultural Center

Bochasanwasi

Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Temple

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple

Siva Temple

Siva Temple of Concorde CA

Sacromento Hindu Temple

Swami Narayana Temple Paramount CA

Bharatiya Temple of Central Ohio

Rajdhani Mandhir Washington DC

Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington

Hindu Center of Virginia

Hindu Temple of Hampton Roads

New Mathura Vrindavan Moundsville WV

Minnesota Hindu Mandir

Bharatvani: Hindu Center of Virginia

Murugan Temple of North America

Meenaskhi Devasthanam Pearland TX

Hindu Temple of Kentucky

Hindu Society of Cincinatti

Gujarathi Samaj Hindu Temple

Hindu Temple Society of Connecticut Valley

ISKCON Temple of San Diego

Hindu Temple of Inland Empire

Let’s take a look at some of the stunning Swaminarayan temples around the world. The Swaminarayan faith is one of many Hindu denominations, with a presence in India and throughout the world. Followers are known for their discipline, dedication, spirit of volunteerism and commitment to a productive life. Swaminarayan temples are a major draw for devotees and alike. They are known for their grandeur and architecture,

A recent addition to the list of temples around the world is the Swaminarayan Temple in Hollywood, US at a colossal cost of $100 million (Rs 543.5 crore) and designed to last 1,000 years.

Popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ — the Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, north London, is a masterpiece of Indian stonework and craftsmanship, replete with its towering white pinnacles, smooth domes and intricate marble pillars, all based on ancient Vedic principles of art and architecture

The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Complex in Bartlett, Chicago. This masterpiece of ancient design and workmanship was put up in only 16 months.

The Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston is the first traditional Hindu Mandir of its kind in North America. It is a masterpiece of intricate design and workmanship, replete with its 5 towering white pinnacles, 12 smooth domes and glittering 136 marble pillars.

The Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, US was inaugurated in August 2007 after only 17 months of construction time. The Mandir is comprised of 3 types of stone (Turkish Limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone). More than 34,000 individual pieces were carved by hand in India, shipped to US and assembled in Lilburn like a giant 3-D puzzle.

The Swaminarayan Mandir complex in Toronto, Canada is a masterpiece of intricate design and workmanship of ancient Indian arts, traditions and philosophy. The temple was constructed in a record 18 months.

The Swaminarayan Mandir in Nairobi is the first traditional Hindu temple of its kind to be constructed, carved and created according to the ancient Hindu Shilpashastras on the African continent.

350 tons of yellow Jesalmer sandstone from Jesalmer, Rajasthan, was mined and transported to Pindwada, a village 400 km from Jesalmer. There the stones were hand carved to various designs by 150 skilled sculptors over a period of two years. The carved pieces were then shipped from India to Mombasa and assembled in Nairobi like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

The Swaminarayan Temple in Mombasa

The East African Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Nairobi

The Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne

The Swaminarayan Temple in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The Swaminarayan Temple in Cardiff, United Kingdom

The Swaminarayan Temple in Karachi, Pakistan

The Swaminarayan Temple in Kampala, Uganda

The occasion was a field trip. The event was National Dharma Bee contest. The contest was part of SV 150 celebrations, marking the 120th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s trail blazing speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago and the 150th birth anniversary of the famous Indian monk.

Dharma Bee, the first national contest of its kind in the U.S., which drew well over 3,000 children from around the country, concluded in Chicago on June 15. The Dharma Bee tested students’ knowledge about Vivekananda and other Hindu leaders in a written test, oral presentation and team project. It included speech contest, poster presentation, written test and team activity in four age groups between grades K-8th grade.

More than 130 children, short-listed from regional competitions, were invited to participate in the final round held in Chicago on June 15. Distinguished panel of judges from Chicago area as well as from around the US evaluated the contestants. The first Hindu Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, and Swami Ishatmanandaji of Vedanta Society Chicago were chief guests for the prize distribution ceremony held at Hindu Temple Of Greater Chicago on June 16, 2013Following are winners in four categories:

Group 1 Winners (KG-1st grade): First Place – Dhruti Kulkarni (CA), Second Place – Abhiram Kapaganty (GA) Third Place – Haindavi Veldanda (CA)

Group 2 Winners (2nd-3rd): First Place – Nikitha Kota (TX), Second Place – Balan Selva (NJ), Third Place -Shashwat Srivatsan (NH)

Group 3 Winners (4th-5th): First Place – Anuj Kothari (CA), Second Place – Medha Boddu (VA), Third Place – Bhavna Ravichandran (NC)

Group 4 Winners (6th-8th): First Place – Natasha Patel (TX), Second Place – Harshavardhan Nalam(IL), Third Place – Anshul Kale (CA)

Congresswoman Gabbard in her remarks said, “The Dharma Bee was not just a competition to win a medal or title as the children have taken to their hearts the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and have found a way to understand the message.”

Suhas Subramaniam, a contestant (13) from San Diego said, “I knew about Shri Krishna, but because of Dharma Bee, I got to know a lot about Swami Vivekananda.”

“We wanted to provide an exciting avenue for children to learn about Swami Vivekananda and Shri Krishna.,” said Sreevidya Radhakrishna, National Coordinator of Dharma Bee.

HSS conducts a structured values education program through its 150 chapters nationwide to develop strong character and teamwork and leadership skills and to organize a dynamic and flourishing Hindu-American community. For more information, please visit www.hssus.org/sv150 and www.hssus.org

The contest was part of SV 150 celebrations, marking the 120th anniversary of Swami Vivekanan- da’s trail blazing speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago and the 150th birth anniversary of the famous Indian monk.

India offers a wide diversity in terms of places to visit, both for tourists as well as pilgrims. For thousands of years, various places of interest around the country have continued to mesmerize wanderers and compelled them to register their footfalls time and again in those venues. For religiously inclined Hindus, India has offerings galore. From Amarnath Cave and Gangotri in the North, Tirupati and Madurai in the South, Kalighat (Kolkata) and Puri in the East to Dwarka and Pushkar in the West, the options and choices can be more than a handful for the entire lifetime.

Based on the deity of worship or the relevance of place, several Indian pilgrim spots have been collectively described as Panch Kedar, Sapta Kedar, Pancha Prayag, Sapta Badri, and Chaar Dhaam. However, the last one is undoubtedly one of the most revered among the lot. Chaar Dhaam comprises of Puri (Orissa) in the East, Dwarka (Gujarat) in the West, Badrinath (Uttar Pradesh) in the North, and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) in the South. It is said in the Purana scriptures that Lord Jagannath used to take bath in Badrinath, dress up in Dwarka, ate food in Puri and slept in Rameshwaram.

The sacredness of these four places is so powerful that millions of Hindus consider it to be the good deeds of their past lives if they happen to make a round of these Chaar Dhaam in their lifetime. As such, for a devout Hindu, a trip to the Chaar Dhaam should be an integral part of their itinerary in India. Bahuni Santi tirthani devi bhumo rasasu chal Badari sadrisya tirth na bhuta na bhavisyati …

The trip should begin from Badrinath Dhaam, which is located 322 miles from the national capital of Delhi. Badrinath is well connected to the capital as well as to other cities and towns in Uttar Pradesh by road. The nearest airport is Dehra Dun. Badri is open to pilgrims from May to November. During the rest of the year, the temperature nears subzero and is almost inaccessible to the civilians. Located at the confluence of Rishiganga and Alakananda Riv-ers, and at a height of 10,351 feet, Badrinath is encased within the snow-clad Nilkantha Peak in the background and between the Nar and Narayan Hills on the either sides. The main temple of Lord Badrivishal or Lord Vishnu was first constructed by Sankaracharya in the 8th century. Later the King of Garhwal and Queen of Indore made valuable contributions to the architecture and ornamentation of the temple. Devotees perform the sacred bath at the hot-water spring which is adjacent to the temple and embarks on the main complex. The four armed Lord Vishnu will be found seated in padmasana atop a high pedestal, decorated with expensive gems and jewelry. A golden umbrella is fixed above the head of the imposing deity. To the left of the idol are Narr and Narayan and on the right is Lord Kuber. A silver Garudh finds His place in front of the Lord. Goddess Lakhsmi is also present in the main temple complex.

Badrinath has always remained the focal point of many mythological stories and incidents, which has only contributed to its aura. Lodging options in Badri suits every budget, but probably the Garwal Mandal Vikash Nigam (GMVN) provides the best. Ayodhya, mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Arambhika ! Puri, Dwarabati chaibya, saptayita Moksha dawika !!

Next up is Dwarka. Located at the westernmost point of India, in the state of Gujarat and kissing the Arabian Sea, Dwarka is known to be the gateway to eternal peace. This location is well connected to other parts of the state and the nation via, railand air. While the nearest airport is in Jamnagar nearly 84 miles away, railways are accessible en route to Okha. Dwarka is a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage. Mythologically regarded as the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom, the date of origin is traced to 1300 B.C. The main attraction is the Rannchodji temple at the heart of Dwarka and on the banks of River Gomti. The deity of the Lord is three and a half feet tall, made of blackstone, and is seated on a silver throne. The granite temple resembles a chariot and is 170 feet high. The peak of the temple has a golden kalash. The original temple of Lord Krishna at Dwarka is said to have sunk into the sea. Later, the sea was embanked and part of the temple was retrieved from the sea.

At the entrance of the main temple, one will find the idol of Mata Devaki, followed by Lord Ganesh at the gates, and then, Lord Shiva. The complex also houses several other smaller temples of various Hindu deities in a scattered form. The entire town of Dwarka is centered around the main temple complex. In a walled island within the River Gomti are the Krishna Mandir and the Gomti Devi Temple. Further down the way is the Narayan Sangam, where the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea meet as well as where one can visit the temple of Lord Sangam Narayan. Other temples worth mentioning in Dwarka are the Lakshminarayn Temple, Rukmini Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, and Siddhewswar Mahadeva Temple. The Rannchodji Temple and other main temples of Dwarka are only
accessible to Hindus and host attractive seasonal festivals, especially during Janmashtami, Basant Panchami, and Holi.

From the westernmost tip of the country, the next stop is at the southeastern fringe of the nation, Rameshwaram. This place is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and can be reached from Chennai by bus or train via an overnight journey. It is also connected to other parts of Tamil Nadu like Madurai, Kanya Kumari and Coimbatore by a network of buses and trains. Lodging options are available aplenty, though arrangements provided by the Temple committee are worth a mention.

Rameshwaram is one of the most important Vaishnav and Shaiva religious destinations. The main deity is Lord Ramnathswamy. Mythologically, it is believed that the deity was first established by Lord Rama on his return from Lanka. The present day temple is built on a 6-hectare piece of land, upon a high platform of 1200 pillars. It is one of the biggest temples of Southern India and made on Dravidian architecture. The construction of the temple is said to have started in the 12th century and ended in the 19th century. It also has the longest corridor of the world that stretches 1220 meters and has decorated ceilings and granite pillars. There are 21 tirtham or springs in and around the temple complex among which Agnitirtham is the enclosure of the sea adjacent to the temple.

Nearly 12 miles south of Rameshwaram is Dhanushkoti, the confluence of Indian Ocean with the Bay of Bengal. It is the
place where Lord Rama had built a bridge to link the main land with Lanka. One can peek into the temple of Kodandaramaswamy, where Lord Rama, Lakshman, Seeta, Hanuman, and Bibhisan are worshipped. The virtue of the visit to Rameshwaram is not complete without a trip to Dhanushkoti as the saying goes.

Nilachalnibashaye nityaye parmatmne Balbhadrasubhadrabhyang Jagannathaye namoh

Finally, the travel cart comes to rest at the fourth and last of the Chaar Dhaam, the abode of Lord Jagannath, the sea side tourist haven of Puri. The attraction of Puri for the devotees as well as the tourists is eternal. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this place with its maritime climate is also a honeymoon hotspot. Often compared with Brighton for its marvelous sea beach, Puri has its own charm and is home of the Lord Jagannath Temple. Built in 1189 by Raja Anangabheemdev, the unique temple is an architectural beauty. It has four entrances, Sinhadwar, Ashwadwar, Hastidwar and Khanjadwar. A distinctive feature of this temple is the stellar presence of idols of all Hindu Gods and Goddesses within the same complex. The walls of the temples exhibit a high order of contemporary art, with murals and relief work displayed all over.

The main temple houses Lord Jagannath in a gem and stonecarved throne. He is flanked by fair-faced Lord Balaram and yellow- faced Subhadra. Goddess Lakshmi in gold is on the left side, while Goddess Saraswati in Silver is seated on the right. The main idol of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and sister Subhadra, is made of wood and it is said that this wood comes floating in the sea from Dwarka. A lot of beliefs and superstitions are associated with the construction of the wooden idol of these deities, and they have become folklore for all ages. Another very notable thing about the Lord Jagannath temple is the Annabhog, food offered to the Lord and later distributed as prasad. Everyday, 70 quintal of rice is cooked for providing this
food for at leats 10,000 devotees who throng to the temple. The food is cooked by 400 cooks.Any mention of Lord

Jagannatha and Puri cannot be complete without the rathayatra. Every year, in the month of July, Lord Jagannath travels to her aunt’s place (Gundichabari) riding a chariot, along with Lord Balaram and Subhadra in their respective chariots. This one mile journey is celebrated each year by millions of devotees who occupy every single inch of Puri during the ten day period. It is said that the one who manages to pull the rope of the chariot goes to heaven.

Puri is accessible from all parts of the country by rail, road and air (the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, which is a two hour drive). Trains from places as far as Dwarka, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata download hundreds of tourists and devotees every day to this cool sea-side temple town. Lodging options are galore including plush beach resorts and fivestar hotels as well as budget hotels. For an ardent Hindu, a visit to the Chaar Dhaam will not only satisfy his tryst with spirituality, but also enable a mini-Bharat Darshan, touching the four corners of the country at one go. So, an invite is extended for the eager traveler, one who would like to satisfy their explorative side while also gaining some spiritual fruit, to make certain that their next trip to India includes a visit to the Chaar Dhaams.

The post Temples of India first appeared on Desh-Videsh Media reaches 1.5 Millions+ Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi, and Indo-Caribbeans..]]> https://www.deshvidesh.com/mandir-celebrating-heritage-and-nurturing-the-future/ Thu, 01 Mar 2007 07:52:49 +0000 http://www.deshvidesh.com/?p=11264 The 21st century brought with it technological advances with such power and precision that in the last fifty years, man has seen more technological development than he has seen in the last 5000 years But let us pause and ponder upon the words of one of this century’s most eminent scientists, Charles Steinmetz:”Someday people will learn that material things do ...

The 21st century brought with it technological advances with such power and precision that in the last fifty years, man has seen more technological development than he has seen in the last 5000 years But let us pause and ponder upon the words of one of this century’s most eminent scientists, Charles Steinmetz:”Someday people will learn that material things do not bring peace or happiness, and are little in making men and women creative and powerful.

The following are key dates for inauguration festivities at the new Mandir in Lilburn, GA:

August 16th – 30th, 2007 Magnificent festival with various cultural programs including speeches, dramas and folk-dances in the presence of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Friday, August 24, 2007 A grand Centenary Celebration in honor of 100 years of BAPS history.

Saturday, August 25, 2007 A Vishvashanti Mahayag (traditional yagna for world peace) followed by a Nagar Yatra (Festival Parade) through the streets of Lilburn.

Sunday, August 26, 2007 The Murti Pratishtha (Temple Inauguration) and opening ceremonies of the Mandir.

Today, man is plagued with the arduous task of balancing professional ambitions with their personal life, creating imperfect relationships and a demanding family life, leaving the average individual with an ardent craving for answers to one of life’s most pressing questions: “How can I attain peace of mind?”

A modern voice addressing this question, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, asks, “If hospitals heal a broken heart, who will mend a broken soul? If schools will educate the mind, then who will educate the soul? Movies, clubs and restaurants will excite the mind senses, but where will one go for peace of mind?”

Many religions in their own traditions build houses of worship. Different traditions have different names for theses places: churches, derasar, gurudwars, synagogues, mosques, pagodas, and mandirs. Faith can be our greatest strength and places of worship fuel our faith in God, strengthen our communities and teach our families lessons for a peaceful life.

Mandir is the name for a Hindu place of worship and prayer. The word mandir is composed of two words, Man and Dir, whose meanings are mind and still, respectively. Therefore, a mandir is a place where the mind becomes still; a place where we experience peace from worldly problems. For centuries, the mandir has remained a spiritual, educational, social and physical cornerstone of Indian society. People from all walks of life spend time growing, interacting, and learning in the mandir. In addition to being a home for Hindu manifestations of God, a mandir is also an active community space where many social service activities are carried out. Some mandirs serve not only a community’s spiritual needs, but also their physical needs such as providing relief for victims of natural disasters, providing medical care to the sick, education to the poor, numerous other services to help fellow mankind. It is with this to hope to further its philanthropy and spirituality that the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha constructs traditionally accurate mandirs in North America.

In the early 1980’s a handful of Swaminarayan devotees in the Atlanta area began meeting at each other’s homes on a weekly basis to hold religious gatherings. As the number of devotees and the Indian community in the surrounding area steadily increased, a special place of worship was needed, and with the help of devotees from around the southeastern states, a skating rink was purchased in 1988. Even then, a large BAPS volunteer force completely transformed the old dilapidated rink into a mandir in Clarkston, GA.

Since 1988 the converted rink has served as a mandir and all that a mandir stands for. Over the years, however, it was evident that a traditional mandir was needed in Atlanta-one that would be able to help Hindus in America of all ages strengthen their roots. With this desire, and through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a decision to build a traditional shikharbaddh (spired) mandir Atlanta was made.

With the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in February of 2000, a twenty-nine acre plot of land at the intersection of Rockbridge Road and Lawrenceville Highway was purchased in Lilburn, GA, a quiet suburban town of Atlanta. A puja was also performed this same year by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to sanctify the land so that construction may begin. BAPS broke ground on the mandir project in September 2005, with land being cleared and ready for the main foundation pouring just four months later in January of 2006.

In March 2006 a crane was assembled just in time to install the first of what will be a monument with over 106,000 cubic feet of Italian Carrara. Over 15,000 pieces of hand-carved pieces have been shipped from India in what, by completion, will be 346 containers to Atlanta.

Sitting 72 feet high, 122 feet wide, and 227 feet long, the true spirit of seva, or selfless volunteering, continues to live on in this mandir just as it does in every BAPS project. Some two million man hours of labor will go into building this special house of worship, with high school and college students foregoing their summer vacations to sweat in the Atlanta summer heat to make this project a success. Along with the young, many professionals and business people, including both men and women, have temporarily put their lives on hold to ensure that the approximately 30,000 square foot mandir will be completed by the end of August.

BAPS mandirs are a rare and valuable gift to society that aim to imbibe cultural, moral and spiritual values To thousands of people who visit it daily to pray, celebrate, and receive inspiration.

Culture: The cultural roles that mandirs have played throughout history are still visible in today’s mandirs. Mandirs are the haven of cultural education and progress. BAPS mandirs preserve language, music and art by equally serving as teaching centers.
Morality: Through engaging discourses, exhibitions, classes and activities, individuals at a mandir learn of values that will lead to a pious life. Bad habits, faults and addictions wane in the positive environment of the mandir. Children, youths and adults can freely build a balanced and morally sound life through specialized weekly assemblies which are regularly conducted at all BAPS Mandirs.

Spirituality: Through its teachings and activities of prayer and worship, the mandir generates devout faith in God and alleviates mental and physical stress. Moreover, it is the home to Sadhus (ascetics), whose presence is crucial to the transmission of knowledge of Hinduism to the children, youths and adults. “This mandir will truly serve individuals, families and communities.

We welcome everyone to experience this unique monument. It will be a valuable addition to the great city of Atlanta and the surrounding communities,” said spokesperson Mitesh Patel Today, BAPS has over 650 mandirs worldwide. Inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan and present leader of BAPS, all of the mandirs are built with the gift of time and labor of hundreds of volunteers. At the age of eighty-seven, paying no attention to his health or schedule, Swamishri dedicates much of his time, planning, organizing, and overseeing every aspect of the mandir’s construction. He has a unique ability to mentally collate construction updates and make prompt suggestions and changes.

Pramukh Swami stresses why mandirs are essential to humanity: “A mandir increases moral values. Mandir is such a place where everyone can have equal benefit. Peace of mind will be experienced here. Come to the mandir. Pray. Read. Chant. Sing. That is what it is for; to give peace. The mandir is our true home. The mandir is built for us to make our lives ideal!”

With the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in February of 2000, a twenty-nine acre plot of land at the intersection of Rockbridge Road and Lawrenceville Highway was purchased in Lilburn, GA, a quiet suburban town of Atlanta.

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