BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto Canada

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Toronto, Canada

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto is a Hindu temple in Toronto, Ontario, opened on July 22, 2007 by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Federal Opposition Leader St phane Dion, Indian Ambassador to Canada Rajamani Lakshmi Narayan and BAPS Spiritual Leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj also in attendance. The temple was constructed by 2,000 builders who were required to follow ancient Hindu rules. The temple was built using Turkish limestone and Italian marble. The temple cost $40 million to build. The funds were raised by Hindu communities worldwide.The Mandir shares its home with the Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complex in Toronto has become the focus of interest and wonder for local citizens and visitors to Toronto. The complex consists of the first traditional hand carved Hindu Mandir (Hindu place of prayer), Haveli and the Heritage Museum.

The fusion of traditional Indian architecture with modern technology has attracted people from all walks of life; including students on field trips, accomplished architects and engineers and visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the experience. All visitors have been awestruck by the unique architecture and the detailed intricacy of the carvings.

The Mandir is a masterpiece of intricate design and workmanship of ancient Indian arts, traditions and philosophy. The Mandir was constructed in a record 18 months. It is a testimony to the sheer dedication and devotion of over 400 volunteers.

Visitors come to the Mandir to experience Hinduism and the peace and tranquility the sacred Mandir and murtis provide. Together with the Mandir, the Heritage Museum showcases the history and culture of the Indo-Canadian diaspora. With a central theme of "Unity in Diversity" the museum's aim is to educate the public through a myriad of creative and visually stunning exhibits.

Festivals are celebrated on a grand scale at the Mandir, which include Diwali & Annakut, Swaminarayan Jayanti, Ram Navmi, Janmashtmi, Shivratri, Holi and Ganesh Chaturti. Diwali and Annkut celebrations which take place toward the end of October or into early November are among the most grand festivals of the year.