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March 2024 by Rosa Jovanovikj
One of the most beautiful places in Illinois. The architecture is awe-inspiring. Make sure to enter the mandir. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! Tour guide Miriam is knowledgeable and so kind. My children and I had so much fun in this marvelous place.
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February 2024 by Frank Maturo
I love this mandir so much! Such intricate and amazing architecture inside and out. Beautiful, pristine, and clean marble floors. The fountains and plants are so beautiful when you come here in the summer. Very peaceful feeling inside of the main mandir as well! Lastly, they also have a small shop at this mandir where you can buy food and souvenirs! Wonderful place for Hindus and Non-Hindus like myself (Catholic) alike.Love and respect to my Hindu Brothers and Sisters from a Catholic.
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February 2024 by Vikas Chowdhry
I have been to a BAPS temple once (long time ago in Chicago)..not knowing at the time what BAPS was. Normally, when you go to a Hindu temple, you expect to see familiar statues of Hindu deities. Yes, there may be differences in depiction of their forms depending upon the sect but they are still forms of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (and Ganesha, Hanuman and other deities). BAPS temple was very unsettling because majority of the statues are of their own gurus as gods (if I remember correctly, almost exclusively - maybe just one or two murtees of Hindu gods). Of course, they have every right to do what they want to based on their religious practices - nothing wrong with it. But, it didn’t feel like I was in a Hindu temple. Felt like I was visiting a cultish place. Never went again.
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February 2024 by Aurelijus K
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple affiliated with the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a major Hindu denomination. It is renowned for its architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and cultural contributions.The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs are built according to ancient Vedic architectural principles, featuring intricately carved stone structures, domes, spires, and ornate pillars. The temples are adorned with sculptures and motifs depicting Hindu deities, saints, and scriptures, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.Devotees and visitors to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs experience a serene atmosphere conducive to prayer, meditation, and spiritual contemplation. The temples serve as centers for religious worship, where rituals, ceremonies, and discourses are conducted regularly to inspire devotees and foster spiritual growth.Overall, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs stand as symbols of devotion, architectural excellence, and service to humanity, embodying the timeless teachings and ideals of Hinduism. They serve as beacons of light, inspiring individuals to lead lives of piety, compassion, and integrity.
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January 2024 by R K
One word Indian marvel architecture.
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January 2024 by Akila Iyer
PEACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL!We went to this mandir during pandemic. The mandir was partially closed due to construction. It was a treat to our eyes. The mandir offer a mesmerizing architecture and clean prayer rooms. It also has a kitchen for fresh food and snacks. We had a great time with darshan and prayers.
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November 2023 by Ruth Retiz
My 1st time experiencing Diwali Celebrations and my 1st time visiting this temple.The temple was lit up with so many different colors, inside as well as outside and it looked spectacular!.The detail in the design on the walls and all over the temple, blew my mind. Absolutely stunning.The firework display at the end of the night was amazing, over all I had a great experience.I do recommend visiting this place on a regular day, just so you can take your time to explore it properly, as the temple is very large with several areas inside and out.They also have a shop and a place to have food.
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September 2023 by gandham bhavani
Architectural wise its a beautiful place. There is lot of grandeur to it. We could not visit the temple as it is closed from 1pm to 4pm. The place is well maintained. The canteen food quality and price is good. Pooja item prices are also reasonable. Must visit for peaceful and serene experience
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September 2023 by Chetan Motamarri
Peaceful place, spent quality time meditating and worshipping the deity. Mandir architecture is incredible and lot of thoughtful craftsmanship in exteriors and interior of temple. It’s hand work with marble sculptures and wood sculptures.Even though temple is open most of the day, darshan is timed at certain hours of the day. Parking is plenty. There are peacocks near Mandir. Overall it’s a feast for eyes and soul.
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September 2023 by Lakshmi Mishra
Very grand temple .Architecture incredible.One of the best temple on architectural point of view.Very clean and well maintained.Cafeteria have great vegetarian food too.No photography allowed inside the temple.Free entry.
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August 2023 by Hunter S.
Beautiful architectural find! Gorgeous grounds. Photos CANNOT capture the beauty and intricacy of this place.I did not go into the actual place of worship because I did not want to be disrespectful or intruding. If you do go into the actual worship space, you must remove your shoes and no photos. They recommend modest, though casual, dress. If you're dressed in a fashion that does not align with their rules, they may ask you to don provided clothing.All of the staff were nice and accommodating. There was no feeling of exclusion.I spent almost all of my time outside taking photos and enjoying the carefully and intricately designed grounds. So many fine details and many beautiful fountains, water features, and sculptures.There is also a little cafe and store in one of the buildings, and shaded tables at which to sit.I drove an hour from Olympia Fields to get here, then took a jaunt over to the Baha'i temple in Wilmette (reviewed separately). Also near the Morton Arboretum, so you could make a day of touring picturesque sites on the outskirts of Chicago and Chicagoland.
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July 2023 by Ivan Corona
Favorite temple around the area. I am not Indian nor practice this religion but I am very fascinated to learn about new cultures and traditions. I visited this temple with a friend and we were very shocked and amazed by not only the architecture but also what goes inside of the temples. We were so intrigued by the very fine details of the building. Just absolutely amazing. Also the shop has a-lot of nice things to buy including food and other souvenirs.Important: if you are a tourist or visitor know that you have to wear pants or something that covers your legs. This applies to both men and women. However in case you forget, they have a few pieces of cloth that you can use to cover up. Also don’t forget to take your shoes off once inside.
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July 2023 by vik mazumder
Huge Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located outskirts of Chicago , peaceful place away from city hustle .Visitor parking is at the back, drive all the way from the entrance to the back.There is gift and food/canteen place , we tried kichuri ($4) and dhokla ($5)To visit the temple , we need to take 2-3 rounds of stairs , the interior is beautiful, peaceful, divine , magnificent.No pictures are allowed inside , and we respect that!No loud sounds inside the temple.
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July 2023 by Travel Vlog
Had a blast at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chicago today with my partner in crime, my bestie, and our adorable little munchkin! ? This place is simply breathtaking - the architecture, the vibes, and the peaceful atmosphere. Honestly, we felt like we stepped into a mesmerizing labyrinth of divinity! #chicago #travel #travelvideography #bestfriend #summertrip #baps #hindi #art #chicago #girlstrip #goodmorning
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June 2023 by D J
WEAR AT LEAST HALF SLEEVE SHIRT AND FULL PANTS if you plan to visit the innermost sanctuary of the temple.Exceptional place, full of architecture marvel and religious peaceful environment.Lots of parking, indian 100% vegetarian snacks and lunch.
