Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, CA
A place of love,
peace & harmony
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir
15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709
15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Tel: 909.614.5000 | Fax: 909.614.5050
Email: info@bapschinohills.org
Email: info@bapschinohills.org
Located in Chino Hills, California, the BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir is a traditional Hindu place of worship.
Derived from the Sanskrit word Mandira, Mandir is a house of prayer that inspires faith in God and guides an individual towards spirituality. A Mandir instills basic virtues of humanity such as forgiveness, honesty, unity, friendship, humility, tolerance, patience, sacrifice, and charity. For countless generations, Mandirs have served society through spiritual
and humanitarian activities.
Derived from the Sanskrit word Mandira, Mandir is a house of prayer that inspires faith in God and guides an individual towards spirituality. A Mandir instills basic virtues of humanity such as forgiveness, honesty, unity, friendship, humility, tolerance, patience, sacrifice, and charity. For countless generations, Mandirs have served society through spiritual
and humanitarian activities.
Welcome to an experience of India's glorious
tradition and faith. A legacy that has evolved, endured, and enriched humanity
through the millennia.
Upcoming Event:
Janmashtmi Celebrations
Sunday, Sep. 1 & Sunday, Sep. 8, 2013
What is Hinduism?
Hinduism, the world's oldest living religion, is
not just a faith, but a way of life, one that is shared by about 800 million
people, or one-sixth the world's population. While its knowledge is believed to
be eternal, scholars have estimated the religion's roots to be at least several
thousand years old.
Philosophically, the faith advocates selfless
devotion to God, within the disciplines of righteousness and under the guidance
of a pure and divine guru, or spiritual teacher, as a means of reaching God
The World As One Family
The Hindu faith holds dearly a belief system that
encourages unity and brotherhood amongst all humankind by stressing that the
whole world is one family. The open-minded thinking Hinduism brings about
stretches across borders that commonly divide and, instead, promotes unity in
diversity, a direly needed concept in today's troubled world.
Non-Violence
Of the world's many nations, India, the birthplace
of Hinduism, is one of the few that has never initiated war, which makes the
nation an extremely rare case in human history. India's peaceful nature, as its
people attest, is in part due to Hinduism, the country's majority religion,
which is deeply committed to non-violence and peaceful living amongst all of
God's creatures. For, Hindus believe God resides in each and every living
being, and so all life is considered to be sacred.
Schools will educate the mind, but who will educate
the soul?
Hospitals will mend a broken arm, but who will mend a broken heart?
Cinemas and amusement parks will excite the mind, but where will one go for peace of mind?
The answer is God.
To lead our children closer to God we build Mandirs with modern facilities and promote diversified children's activities.
We take the extra step for children because Pramukh Swami Maharaj says:
"Children are our greatest wealth. Along with secular education, the children should receive moral and spiritual values which will cultivate their noble character."
The result is thousands of morally conscious youngsters who have locked hands with spirituality to produce a peaceful revolution for better life.
Strongly bonded with their families, these youngsters are better educated, better balanced, and better prepared for today's complex world.
Their energy and capabilities are channeled for the enhancement of the self and the society.
Hospitals will mend a broken arm, but who will mend a broken heart?
Cinemas and amusement parks will excite the mind, but where will one go for peace of mind?
The answer is God.
To lead our children closer to God we build Mandirs with modern facilities and promote diversified children's activities.
We take the extra step for children because Pramukh Swami Maharaj says:
"Children are our greatest wealth. Along with secular education, the children should receive moral and spiritual values which will cultivate their noble character."
The result is thousands of morally conscious youngsters who have locked hands with spirituality to produce a peaceful revolution for better life.
Strongly bonded with their families, these youngsters are better educated, better balanced, and better prepared for today's complex world.
Their energy and capabilities are channeled for the enhancement of the self and the society.
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A Tradition
8000 Years Old...
Welcome to an experience of India's glorious
tradition and faith.
A legacy that has evolved, endured, and enriched humanity through the millennia.
A legacy that has evolved, endured, and enriched humanity through the millennia.
India's sages and seers were enlightened with
profound spiritual truths that formed the basis of their rituals, practices,
philosophies,
scientific discoveries and religious faith. Through their intuition and ingenuity they encompassed all the domains of human discovery and faith.
scientific discoveries and religious faith. Through their intuition and ingenuity they encompassed all the domains of human discovery and faith.
As a great expression of their profound spiritual
faith, they evolved and created dazzling, beautiful mandirs.
This graceful poetry in stone has its roots in the divine faith, industry and skills of generations of people.
This graceful poetry in stone has its roots in the divine faith, industry and skills of generations of people.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills,
California will be one such creation that embraces the quintessence
of Hindu divinity, Indian architectural excellence and humanitarianism.
of Hindu divinity, Indian architectural excellence and humanitarianism.
Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj
Bhagwan Swaminarayan (left) established the Swaminarayan Sampraday and re-established the correct mode of worship by promoting personal morality and molding spiritual character. He promised to remain ever present on this earth through a spiritual succession of Gurus infused with complete spiritual authority and integrity.
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami (right) is the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
He lived as an ideal sadhu, the incarnation of Aksharbrahman, Gods divine adobe.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan (left) established the Swaminarayan Sampraday and re-established the correct mode of worship by promoting personal morality and molding spiritual character. He promised to remain ever present on this earth through a spiritual succession of Gurus infused with complete spiritual authority and integrity.
Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami (right) is the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
He lived as an ideal sadhu, the incarnation of Aksharbrahman, Gods divine adobe.
Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri
Radha-Krishna Dev
Harikrishna Maharaj (left) is another name for Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This murti is made from five pure metals: gold, silver, copper, iron and lead. As this mandir is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, His murtis have been consecrated in various shrines under different names.
Shri Krishna (center) is the incarnation of Vishnu who graced the world about 5,000 years ago. Krishna is the embodiment of love and divine joy, that destroys all pain and sin. Beside him stands Radha (right). Radha is Shri Krisha's closest devotee, who symbolises unflinching love, total dedication and acceptance of the divine Will and virtues of an ideal devotee.
Harikrishna Maharaj (left) is another name for Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This murti is made from five pure metals: gold, silver, copper, iron and lead. As this mandir is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, His murtis have been consecrated in various shrines under different names.
Shri Krishna (center) is the incarnation of Vishnu who graced the world about 5,000 years ago. Krishna is the embodiment of love and divine joy, that destroys all pain and sin. Beside him stands Radha (right). Radha is Shri Krisha's closest devotee, who symbolises unflinching love, total dedication and acceptance of the divine Will and virtues of an ideal devotee.
Shri Shiv-Parvati & Ganeshji
and Shri Sita-Ram & Hanumanji
Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the the Sustainer and Shiva (left) would be the Destroyer. Shiva’s trident represents the three worlds: celestial, earthly and infernal. Next to him stands Parvati, the female power of Shiv, represented as his inseparable consort.
Shri Ram is the divine hero of the Ramayan. His life teaches truth, justice, valour, compassion and other virtues of the ideal ruler, citizen and husband. Sita, queen and devotee of Shri Ram, teaches fidelity, true love, ‘motherliness’, faith and other virtues of an ideal wife and devotee.
Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the the Sustainer and Shiva (left) would be the Destroyer. Shiva’s trident represents the three worlds: celestial, earthly and infernal. Next to him stands Parvati, the female power of Shiv, represented as his inseparable consort.
Shri Ram is the divine hero of the Ramayan. His life teaches truth, justice, valour, compassion and other virtues of the ideal ruler, citizen and husband. Sita, queen and devotee of Shri Ram, teaches fidelity, true love, ‘motherliness’, faith and other virtues of an ideal wife and devotee.
"I will forever reside in the images installed
in the Mandirs.
With this belief, offer worship and serve the images, as if you are serving God in person."
With this belief, offer worship and serve the images, as if you are serving God in person."
- Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Every religion in its own tradition builds houses
of worship. It is the mandir that fuels our faith in God, strengthens our
society and teaches us to trust one another and to become trustworthy. A Mandir
is a center for learning about man, nature and God. It is where ethics and
values are reinforced. It is where people celebrate festivals and seek shelter
in sad times. It is where talents in various arts - music, literature and
sculpture, etc. - are offered in the service of God. Within every Mandir,
resides Murtis. The Murti is the soul of the Mandir. Within it, God will be
asked to manifest and accept the devotion of worshippers. Thus it is the most
sacred part of all Mandir. The Mandir that is being built in Chino Hills will
have such Murtis. It will be a place for everyone to go for worship which means
to see with reverence and devotion.
The Swaminarayan faith* is one of many
Hindu denominations, with a presence in India and throughout the world. It has
been growing steadily since the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who was born in
Northern India in 1781. Today, the faith's leader is Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a
well-known international religious figure. Followers are known for their
discipline, dedication, spirit of volunteerism and commitment to a productive
life.
The Swaminarayan faith is a
socio-spiritual organization with a commitment to working for the betterment of
society through an emphasis on family values and morality, and educational and
charitable activities. Founded more than 200 years ago in India, it has more
than one million followers worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the Swaminarayan faith
operates religious and cultural centers in more than 64 cities.
It provides religious, educational,
social and medical services across more than 3,300 centers worldwide. Its youth
activities help young people flourish and develop into positive role models for
friends and classmates. Though a spiritual organization, its members engage in
a variety of volunteer programs and activities that encompass moral, cultural,
social and medical fields.
Internationally, the Swaminarayan faith
works in conjunction with the United Nations, providing disaster relief and
help in crisis situations. After the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, it offered a
team of 12 doctors and 250 volunteers to the New York State Emergency
Management Team for immediate assistance. Subsequently, it provided monetary
support for families of the victims and for the building of a memorial. Years
earlier, its volunteers helped in recovery efforts after the bombings of U.S.
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Locally, the organization and its members were
active in the Northridge earthquake relief efforts and post-civil unrest clean
up efforts. It regularly participates in annual food, blood, health and toy
drives.
Hinduism is a religious philosophy and
way of life that is more than 8,000 years old. Just as other world religions,
it encompasses many different sects. Hinduism cherishes all forms of life,
respects nature and the environment, and strongly believes that humankind is
one family. The Swaminarayan faith shares these basic Hindu beliefs. Its temple
will be open to all faiths.
THE BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR & CULTURAL CENTER WILL AIM TO:
• Meet the needs of our changing
community to improve the quality of life as a whole.
• Promote inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony.
• Channel the creative energy of the younger generation.
• Create a society free of addiction, violence, crime and drugs.
• Nurture a society that is morally, spiritually and socially strong.
• Provide a means for knowledge seekers to complete their spiritual quest.
* The formal name for the Swaminarayan faith organization is abbreviated BAPS which stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, also known as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
• Promote inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony.
• Channel the creative energy of the younger generation.
• Create a society free of addiction, violence, crime and drugs.
• Nurture a society that is morally, spiritually and socially strong.
• Provide a means for knowledge seekers to complete their spiritual quest.
* The formal name for the Swaminarayan faith organization is abbreviated BAPS which stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, also known as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
BAPS DEVELOPMENT
BAPS Development is a professional
services arm of the Swaminarayan faith organization. BAPS Development provides
overall management and services of all development projects undertaken by the
Swaminarayan faith organization.
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BAPS Charities:
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BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit
charitable organization committed to humbly serving the world by caring for
individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an
independent charity and social services entity.
Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a
well-respected and trusted name. It has years of firsthand experience in
initiating, managing, and sustaining humanitarian operations throughout the
world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services,
community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services.
Recent BAPS Charities projects include disaster
relief work for flood victims of India as well as relief for those afflicted by
Hurricane Katrina and the South Asian tsunami.
For additional information on BAPS Charities and
its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org
Mandir Visitor Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00
pm
Religious Services:Mandir Arti Timings:
7:30 am - Shangar Arti
11:15 am - Rajbhog Arti (Open to the Public)
7:00 pm - Sandhya Arti
8:30 pm - Shayan Arti
Nilkanth Varni Maharaj Arti Timings:
7:00 am - Morning Arti
6:45 pm - Evening Arti
Nilkanth Varni Darshan & Abhishek Timings:
Monday-Saturday:
7:00 am to 7:20 am - Morning Darshan
8:30 am to 10:15 am - Morning Darshan
11:15 am to 11:50 am - Morning Darshan
4:00 pm to 5:50 pm - Evening Darshan
Monday-Saturday:
7:00 am to 7:20 am - Morning Darshan
8:30 am to 10:15 am - Morning Darshan
11:15 am to 11:50 am - Morning Darshan
4:00 pm to 5:50 pm - Evening Darshan
Sunday:
8:30 am to 10:15 am - Morning Darshan
11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Morning Darshan
2:30 pm to 5:45 pm - Evening Darshan
8:30 am to 10:15 am - Morning Darshan
11:30 am to 12:30 pm - Morning Darshan
2:30 pm to 5:45 pm - Evening Darshan
Murti Darshan in Mandir is closed:
10:25 am to 11:15 am, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Guidelines
The mandir is a house of God. It is very
special; hence all visitors are required to abide by the following rules and
regulations applicable to all areas including the Mandir, Haveli and the
Exhibition.
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Dress Code:
All clothing must cover shoulders and knees. (Wraps provided) Please leave all personal belongings/backpacks inside your vehicle. |
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Shoes:
Please remove any footwear before entering any of the buildings on the Mandir premises. (Shoe racks provided within the complex) |
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Photography
& Videography:
Handheld photography, for personal use only, may be taken from ground level outside the Mandir. Commercial use or publication of images or video of the premises is strictly prohibited. Tripods or professional photography is not permitted. |
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Food &
Drinks:
Please refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum inside the Mandir, Visitor Center (Haveli), and Cultural Center (Sabha Hall). Outside food or drinks are not permitted on the premises. |
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Mobile
Phones:
Cell phones must be switched off while inside the Mandir. |
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Smoking:
Smoking, alcohol, drugs and tobacco products are prohibited anywhere in the complex. |
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Pets:
No pets allowed. Service animals are not allowed inside the Mandir or Assembly Hall in order to respect religious sentiment. Please visit information desk for assistance. |
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Conduct:
Please refrain from touching or leaning against the delicate carvings. Please observe silence in the Mandir. |
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Wheelchair
Access:
Facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please park strollers outside of Visitor Center (Haveli). Restrooms are available in Visitor Center. |
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Soliciting:
No soliciting is allowed on the premises at any time. |
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Security:
For your safety, various security measures are in place. Please leave all bags and cameras inside your vehicle. Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings within the Mandir and Haveli premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside the Mandir and Haveli. Management reserves the right to cancel or alter any visit or close the premises, in whole or part, without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenien |
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & Cultural Center
15100 Fairfield Ranch Road,
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Tel: (909) 614-5000
Fax: (909) 614-5050
Email: info@bapschinohills.org
Directions
From the 60 Freeway:
- Take Highway 71 South
- Exit Soquel Canyon Pkwy/Central Ave
- Left on Soquel Canyon Pkwy
- Left on Fairfield Ranch Road
- Pass 1 Stop Sign
- Take a Left into the Mandir Complex
From the 91 Freeway:
- Take Highway 71 North
- Exit Soquel Canyon Pkwy/Central Ave
- Right on Soquel Canyon Pkwy
- Left on Fairfield Ranch Road
- Pass 1 Stop Sign
- Take a Left into the Mandir Complex
- Take Highway 71 South
- Exit Soquel Canyon Pkwy/Central Ave
- Left on Soquel Canyon Pkwy
- Left on Fairfield Ranch Road
- Pass 1 Stop Sign
- Take a Left into the Mandir Complex
From the 91 Freeway:
- Take Highway 71 North
- Exit Soquel Canyon Pkwy/Central Ave
- Right on Soquel Canyon Pkwy
- Left on Fairfield Ranch Road
- Pass 1 Stop Sign
- Take a Left into the Mandir Complex
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to the great devotees , wikisources
and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )
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