A Sight to Behold

Tucked away in Lilburn is a stunning piece of Indian culture

BY JENNIFER RAINEY MARQUEZ

Ⅰ

t’s a bit of a shock to come across the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (meaning temple) amid a sea of Lilburn strip malls and gas stations. One of the largest Hindu temples located outside of India, it is an architectural marvel—an ornate palace carved from Turkish limestone, Italian Carrara marble, and Indian pink sandstone. Since opening in 2007, the Mandir has become one of metro Atlanta’s top cultural destinations. Visitors of all faiths can admire the elaborate carvings, witness or participate in Hindu rituals, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere. The 29-acre complex also features a cafe, family activity center, a welcome center, and housing for several swamis.

The Mandir is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On your first visit, pay the $5 for the audio tour at the welcome center so you can glean a greater understanding of the Mandir’s architectural features, the depictions featured in its marble carvings, and the significance of the murtis (sculptures of sacred deities) housed within. Remember that you’re entering a reverent place: Show respect by turning off your phone and being quiet. You’ll also need to take off your shoes (socks are fine), and dress accordingly by covering your shoulders and knees. Take a look at the schedule online before you go, and try to plan your visit around the arti ceremony or abhishek ritual (see sidebar).

BAPS by the numbers

30,535 Square footage of the Mandir, which sits atop 30 acres of landscaped grounds and faces a large reflecting pool.

34,671 Individual pieces of stone, ranging from a few ounces to eight tons, that make up the temple. Each piece was hand-carved in India, then shipped to Georgia and assembled like a giant puzzle.

107,786 Cubic feet of stone used to build the Mandir, including 4,140 tons of marble, 4,500 tons of limestone, and 3,065 tons of sandstone.

1.3 million

Hours of volunteer labor contributed by congregants to help assemble the temple.

17 months

Amount of time it took to construct the Mandir, a short period considering the complex nature of the structure, which is held together via a system of interlocking stones.

Altogether, the temple contains:

391 Pillars, each intricately carved with figures of Hindu deities, ancient philosophers, and notable devotees. Multiple artisans were used to carve each pillar—it would take a single person five years.

86 Decorative ceilings, featuring 42 different types of designs. Notice the lace-like detail and perfect symmetry of the carvings.

13 Domes, including one central dome measuring more than 23 feet in diameter, and 12 smaller domes. There are also four square domes and 116 archways.

16 Figures carved in the central ceiling dome. Additionally, the flat dome features dozens of figures representing a traditional folk dance called the Raas.

Experience the Tradition

Observe two ancient Hindu rituals

Arti

Known as the ceremony of light, arti is one of the most important Hindu rituals and a way of offering greeting and thanks. Lighted wicks or lamps are waved in front of the murtis to infuse the flames with their blessings. Note that males and females are traditionally seated separately during this ceremony, and visitors are asked to do the same.

Abhishek

All visitors are invited to participate in this ceremony, in which water is poured over the murti depicting Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his youth. During the ritual bathing, devotees ask for spiritual cleansing and fulfillment of their prayers.

2,193 Total carved figures made from marble and sandstone. Look for other recurring depictions of peacocks, tigers, lions, and elephants, which represent themes of strength, loyalty, teamwork, and grace.

16 Sacred images, or murtis, depicting religious deities or gurus. The central shrine is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, and his ideal devotee, Gunatitanand Swami. The murtis are only on display during certain times of day, so check the website (baps.org/atlanta) for details.