Shri Swaminarayan Temple - Wheeling, IL

The Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Wheeling, affiliated with the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation (ISSO), is the oldest Shree Swaminarayan temple in the Chicagoland area. Established in 1991, this mandir has served as a vibrant hub for spiritual activities, cultural preservation, and community engagement for decades. Beyond offering a peaceful sanctuary for worship and reflection, the temple provides a strong sense of community, with a focus on upholding the Swaminarayan traditions of faith, service, and spiritual growth.

Key features

Historical significance: Opened in 1991, this was the first Vadtal Gadi mandir built on virgin land in the USA and the first abroad. It holds a special place in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampraday in America.

Diverse deities and shrines: The temple houses sacred images (murtis) of deities, including Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan, Shree Radha-Krishna, Narnarayan Dev, Laxminarayan Dev, Shivji, Parvatiji, Ganeshji, Hanumanji, and Suryaji, welcoming people of all faiths.

Vibrant weekly assemblies: The temple holds engaging assemblies, particularly the popular Sunday gatherings, where the community enjoys sermons and meals. It was also one of the first mandirs to livestream its assemblies for those unable to attend in person.

Festival celebrations: The temple celebrates major Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, Maha Shivratri, and Navratri, with informative and vibrant programs.

Community meals (Prasadam): A cherished part of the Sunday gathering is the free prasad (blessed food), which is served to the community.

Dedicated volunteer base: The mandir's operations and community-building efforts are run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers. This includes youth and young women from the SGBYM/LNDYM Chicago wing.

Accessible facilities: With wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, the temple is convenient and accommodating for all visitors.

Extensive online resources: The temple provides live videos, audio recordings, and photos on its website and Facebook page, making it easy for devotees to engage with the temple's vibrant religious practices.