BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Los Angeles, CA

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709, is an architectural masterpiece and a serene spiritual sanctuary open to visitors of all faiths. It is the fifth traditional Hindu Mandir built in North America and the world's first earthquake-proof temple of its kind. The Mandir is a stunning fusion of ancient Indian craftsmanship and modern engineering.

Key features

Materials: The exterior is constructed from over 35,000 hand-carved pieces of Indian pink sandstone, while the interior features exquisite Italian Carrara marble. These pieces were meticulously carved by 1,500 artisans in India and assembled in Chino Hills like a massive jigsaw puzzle.

Structure: The complex boasts five pinnacles (shikhars), two large domes, 122 pillars, and a 91-foot lotus-shaped reflection pond.

Sustainability: The Mandir operates using a large solar power system that significantly reduces its carbon footprint, equivalent to planting over 62,000 trees over 25 years.

Entry: Admission and parking are free.

Dress Code: Visitors are requested to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees. Shawls and sarongs are provided if needed.

Facilities: The complex includes a visitor center (Haveli), a gift shop, and the all-vegetarian Shayona Café, which offers delicious Indian snacks, sweets, and full meals daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Beyond its architectural beauty, the Mandir serves as a vibrant cultural and community hub.

Services: It hosts daily religious services (Darshan), youth programs, and large community events like health fairs, blood drives, and major Hindu festival celebrations (e.g., Diwali and Gujarati New Year).

Volunteering: The construction and daily operations rely heavily on volunteers, who contributed over 1.3 million man-hours to build the complex.