BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills — Attraction in Chino Hills

Swaminarayan Temple near Los Angeles

Yesterday visited Swaminarayan Temple near Los Angeles

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple complex located in Chino Hills, in southwestern San Bernardino County in southern California. The temple belongs to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha denomination of Hinduism. However, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is open to visitors of all faiths.

The complex is the first earthquake-proof Mandir in the world. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a traditional Hindu mandir that was completed in 2012. Situated on a 20-acre site with a 91-foot lotus-shaped pond, the complex has a cultural center, gymnasium and classrooms and a Food Stall. Approximately 900 volunteers, including many second-generation Indian-Americans, volunteered approximately 1.3 million man hours to construct the Mandir. This mandir uses a solar power system to generate electricity and reduce adverse effects on the environment. The solar panel power system is expected to reduce 1,556 tons of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 62,244 trees, over a 25-year period.

In 1977 the former spiritual leader of visited California. During his first visit, he encouraged a small group of individuals to hold regular assemblies. He, and other senior swamis, returned nearly every year, nurturing and inspiring devotees. In 1984, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated a small center in Los Angeles County.Nineteen years later, in 1996, the local group made a proposal to build a larger facility, including a traditional stone mandir, to fulfill Pramukh Swami's vision that he had shared with them almost two decades earlier and to accommodate their growing congregation.With his blessing, the group began searching for land. After reviewing a half-dozen parcels, Pramukh Swami Maharaj guided the group to a plot next to the City of Chino Hills.With this thrust from their guru, the group successfully acquired the land and obtained all the necessary permits, studies and approvals to build the mandir and ten other buildings—a process that proved much more arduous and lengthy than they had anticipated.Before the first public hearing, city staff misinterpreted that church and institutional zones are allowed to have towers up to 80 feet high. But only are institutional zones allowed to have such high towers, official said.The 17 June 2003 meeting continued and led to a July hearing despite voting unanimously in favor of the project, with the height matter outstanding. In August 2003, the City delayed plans to review the proposed Temple because of confusion surrounding the 164,000 square foot facility.Plans for the temple will not be reviewing by the City Council on Aug. 12 2003, as originally scheduled.” “Instead, city staff will meet 26 August, taking two additional weeks to investigate information noted by residents about the temple that has not been previously revealed is causing concern.” On 14 September 2004, after a seven and half hour meeting with a crowd between 1200 and 1500 individuals, the Chino Hills City Council voted 4–1 to deny a code change that would allow the temple to be traditionally constructed.

“Several residents sharply criticized the BAPS public relations firm for conducting a publicity campaign that they say brought hundreds of non-residents to the meeting, including, council members from Artesia, Norwalk, and Diamond Bar, 5 Shikhar (pinnacle) 2 intricately carved domes 4 balconies with hundreds of carved motifs 35,000 individual stone pieces placed together like a puzzle 122 hand-carved pillars 129 seamlessly placed archways 6,600 hand-carved motifs and images 1,500 craftsmen in India 91 foot, Lotus-shaped reflection pond and fountain 40 base-isolator units to protect against seismic activity 597 kW of clean energy generated annually by state-of-the-art solar system 20 skylights for Natural and Energy Saving Lighting 900 volunteers gave their services 1.3 million man hours of construction. Built to...

This place is absolutely gorgeous! A MUST if you're in the area. Unfortunately due to COVID, they're not giving guided tours right now. I came here around 1:45 PM on a Sunday in mid-January 2022. I knew that have daily gatherings throughout the day so I came between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM when there was a gap because I wanted to be able to go inside the temple since the pictures I saw online were jaw-droppingly beautiful.

I came in through the North gates since they're the only gates that are open on the weekends. The person at the booth gave us a map and welcomed us first-timers to the campus. We drove all the way down to the front of the temple where the visitor center was and parked. The parking was free and there were plenty. The map shows you the route they'd like visitors to take when entering and exiting.

Everyone was required to wear a mask throughout the campus, even when outdoors, but not everyone paid attention to the signs. The inside of the visitor center was filled with intricate carvings and lovely to stare at. When you go outside onto the exterior of the temple, you are overwhelmed by how big the campus is.

After walking through the exterior garden, we took off our shoes at the base of the temple stairs and left them on the shoe racks on the side. Make sure you wear socks if you don't want to dirty your feet. Also, make sure you cover your shoulders and knees when visiting for modesty (it was mentioned in their rules section on their website). The view from the top of the stairs was also quite spectacular.

Once you're inside the temple, you cannot take any pictures nor can/should you talk since it's a quiet and sacred space. The interior was probably the most beautiful temple I've ever seen on U.S. soil. The entire interior was carved in white marble. The walls, pillars, and ceilings were just filled with intricate carvings with strategic lighting to illuminate the depth and complexities of every inch of that temple. Truly a sight to behold. From the pictures I saw online, they light up the exterior with magnificent colors at night so I hope to come back in the...

As a visitor to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, I was captivated by its serene beauty and profound spiritual ambiance.

Architectural Marvel: The mandir is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted from 35,000 pieces of Italian Carrara marble and Indian Pink sandstone. Its five pinnacles, two large domes, 122 pillars, and 129 archways create an awe-inspiring sight. The intricate carvings and attention to detail are a testament to timeless craftsmanship.

Shayona Sweets & Snack Shop: After a soul-nourishing darshan, I headed to Shayona—a delightful vegetarian cafe within the temple premises. The aroma of freshly prepared Indian snacks greeted me. From crispy samosas, kaju katli, motichoor ladu to sweet jalebis, Shayona offers a delectable array of traditional treats. Don't miss their samosas, veg puff, chole bhature and chai - perfect for a post-temple chat with friends. The food is very fairly priced.

Exhibition, Cultural Center and Gymnasium: Don’t miss the Exhibit hall displaying the history of the Temple. This location is a hub for learning, community events, and cultural celebrations. The lotus-shaped pond adds a serene touch, reflecting the temple's grandeur.

In summary, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills is not just a place of worship; it's a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace, architectural marvels, or delightful snacks, this mandir has it all. A must-visit for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of Hindu heritage in California.

** Free entry ** Accessible ramps and elevator ** Restrooms at Visitor Center and Shaniya Snacks site. ** Good food at reasonable prices ** Plenty of free parking ** Helpful staff. Spanish brochures and guides available. ** Photography is...