Chicago
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
4N739 IL Route 59,
Bartlett, IL 60103.
USA
Tel: (1-630) 213 2277
Fax: (1-630) 213 2088
Email: info.chicago@usa.baps.org
Website: http://chicago.baps.org
Introduction:
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex in Bartlett, IL has become the focus of interest and wonder for thousands of local citizens and for people visiting Chicagoland. The fusion of traditional Indian architecture with modern technology has attracted people from all walks of life; whether it be children from a school trip or a group of architects, all have been marveled by the unique architecture and the detailed intricacy of the carvings.This masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship, which was put up in only 16 months, is testimony to the sheer dedication and devotion of over 1700 volunteers.The story of the Mandir in the making is epic in proportions and logistics. Over 1700 volunteers from the Chicagoland area worked on building the Mandir, with many more contributing their expertise from over 3 continents. The Mandir has been constructed to withstand the elements and the test of time, to stand over a thousand years, and will carry forward the incredible stories of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship; it is replete with luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars.
Deities and motifs spring from the walls, ceilings, and windows, representing the sacred faith and beliefs of a culture that dates back over 8,500 years.
Visitors come to the Mandir to experience Hinduism and the peace and tranquility that the sacred Mandir and murtis within provide. Together with the Mandir, the ’Understanding Hinduism’ exhibition treats visitors to a concise, yet comprehensive study of the Hindu religion. It is an ideal place to learn about the glorious culture of India and the values of the Hindu dharma..
Mandir Facts:
- Stones:
Outside: Turkish Lime stone 36,131 Cu. Ft.
Inside: Marble and Granite used for cladding walls: 31, 000 sq. ft
Total: 8,430 tons of stone used
Size: Smallest stone 15 gm to largest stone of 5.2 tones.
- Features:
5 Shikhars (pinnacles)
1 Central Dome (22 ft. in diameter )
16 Domes
4 Balconies
14 Windows
151 Pillars
129 Arches
75 ceilings with 39 different designs
- Infrastructure:
40,000 carved stone pieces
No iron or steel used in sync with traditional Indian architecture Central heating and cooling
Heated floors
Fiber optic lighting system
Fusion of ancient architecture and modern technology
- Man Hours
In excess of 1,700 volunteers (USA) worked on the project In excess of 2,500,000 man hours to complete this project
Information & Guidelines:
The Mandir is a house of God, open to all. In order to maintain the sanctity, visitors are requested to abide by the following rules and regulations applicable in all areas including the Mandir, Haveli and the exhibition.
Dress code:
Casual attire. No sleeveless tops. No shorts. No skirts shorter than knee length.
Shoes:
Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the Mandir. Shoe racks are located within the Haveli complex.
Photography and Videography:
May only be taken from ground level outside the Mandir and Haveli. Video & Photography are strictly prohibited inside the building. Cameras may be left in the car or deposited at the reception desk before entering the Mandir.
Cell Phones:
To maintain the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere, visitors are requested to turn off their cell phones during their visit inside the Mandir.
Parking Free
There are ample parking spaces for cars at the rear of Haveli. Coach passengers are requested to get off and board at the main entrance in the front.
Smoking:
No smoking allowed on the entire premises including parking lots.
Food and drink:
No food or drinks are allowed on the premises. Please discard any chewing gum prior to entering the building.
Conduct:
Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside Mandir.
Smoking:
No smoking on the premises including parking lots. Please dispose of cigarettes prior to entering the gates.
Conduct:
Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings within the Mandir premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere observe silence inside the Mandir.
Special Needs:
Elevator access available; wheelchairs provided upon request, subject to availability. Please contact our volunteers for assistance.
Group and School Visits:
Guided tours are available with advanced booking. Please, Book your group visit online http://chicago.baps.org/BookVisit/visitinfo1.html or call Satish Amin 630 213-2277.
Entry:
Free (Donations are welcome. Checks made payable to BAPS)
For Further Enquiries: http://chicago.baps.org/index.htm
PLEASE NOTE:
The management reserves the right to cancel, close or alter any visit to the Mandir or Haveli premises without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience.
Daily Schedule:
Visiting Hours:
Spring/Summer timings (DST): 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fall/Winter timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Murti Darshan Timings:
| From |
To |
Description |
| 9:00am |
10:15am |
Murti Darshan Open (Viewing of Sacred Deities) |
| 10:15am |
11:15am |
Murti Darshan Closed for Rajbhog Thal |
| 11:15am |
12:00pm |
Murti Darshan Open for Rajbhog Arti (prayer) |
| 12:00pm |
4:00pm |
Murti Darshan Closed |
| 4:00pm |
6:00pm |
Murti Darshan Open |
| 6:00 pm |
7:00pm |
Murti Darshan Closed for Thal |
| 7:00pm |
|
Sandhya Arti (prayers) |
* Shri Nilkanthvarni Darshan will be open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm during weekends and public holidays.
Explanation
Mandir – Place of Worship.
Murti – Sacred images of God and hierarchal gurus.
Darshan – Viewing the murtis with reverence.
Aarti – Waving of lit lamps before the sacred images.
Weekly Schedule
|
Bal Mandal (Children KG-Gr. 8)
|
Sunday 4:30 pm To 6:00 pm |
|
Kishore Mandal (High School)
|
Sunday 4:30 pm To 6:30 pm |
|
Kishore Mandal (College)
|
Saturday 5:00 pm To 7:00 pm |
|
Yuvak Mandal (ages 22-35)
|
Sunday 3:00 pm To 4:30 pm |
|
Vadil Mandal
|
Sunday 4:00 pm To 7:00 pm |
|
Balika Mandal (Children KG-Gr. 8)
|
Sunday 4:30 pm To 6:00 pm |
|
Kishori Mandal (High School / College)
|
Sunday 2:30 pm To 4:00 pm |
|
Yuvati Mandal (ages 22-35)
|
Sunday 3:00 pm To 4:30 pm |
Events – 2012
| Day – Date |
Festival |
|
|
Makar Sankranti |
|
|
Gunatit Diksha Din |
|
|
Vasant Panchami |
|
|
Bhagatji Maharaj Jayanti & Holi Fuldolotsav |
|
|
Swaminarayan Jayanti / Ram Navmi |
|
|
Yogi Jayanti |
|
|
Guru Purnima |
|
|
Patotsav |
|
|
Janmashtami |
|
|
Jal Jhilani |
|
|
Sharad Punam |
|
|
Diwali Annakut |
|
|
Pramukh Swami Janma Jayanti |
Map (13 X 9 inch)
|
Fookem and Bug 
I have decided to not only choose the challenge myself … starting today! … but also extend it to my district followers on my email conference web site. I’ll blog my results as well as their results in an effort to “carry the baton” in my area of influence. Thanks to the inspiration!