The magnificent BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, being inaugurated today.
Bureau Report
LOS ANGELES: Sixteen years in the making, the majestic and traditional BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, will be inaugurated on December 23rd.
The four-day festivities of Grand Opening Mahotsav reportedly include ceremonial prayers for world peace, murti-pratishtha, nagar-yatra through Artesia streets, kirtan-aradhana, cultural program, dedication assembly, among others.
The Swaminarayan faith, also known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS), is a Hindu socio-spiritual organization founded over 200 years in India and currently headed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, claims to have over one million followers and over 3,300 centers worldwide, including over 64 in the United States.
Said to be one of the largest Hindu houses of worship in Southern California, this 20-acre seven-building BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Center complex, rooted in classical Indian architecture, aims to become a center for “spiritual, social and charitable workâ€; provide educational opportunities; promote inter-religious and inter-cultural harmony; create a society free of addiction, violence, crime and drugs; and nurture a “morally, spiritually and socially strong†society,†according to BAPS.
Besides a temple, the premises will also include a cultural complex, auditorium, grand foyer with intricate wooden carvings, gardens-ponds-fountains, meditative pathways, museum on Indian culture and values, gymnasium, dining hall, classrooms, vegetarian kitchen, places for contemplation, and meditation rooms. It’s exhibition will provide comprehensive study of Hinduism. It also plans to host medical fairs, educational seminars and career fairs for the local community; besides music and language classes.
The daily schedule of this Mandir includes Arti (twice a day), Abhishek, and Maansi Worship, among others. The temple murtis planned reportedly include: Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri Radha-Krishna Dev, Shri Shiv-Parvati & Ganeshji, Shri Sita-Ram & Hanumanji, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Bhaktipriya Swami will reportedly perform the opening ceremonies.
The website of the mandir describes it as “a house of prayer that inspires faith in God and guides an individual towards spirituality†and “instills basic virtues of humanityâ€; “a nucleus of socio-spiritual activities for the benefit and elevation of individuals and societyâ€.
This Hindu temple is open to all faiths, but its dress code specifies: No shorts or skirts shorter than knee length. No sleeveless tops. The management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who may be inappropriately dressed.