The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills a Hindu Temple in California (BAPS Chino Hills), is recognised for its architectural beauty and is highly regarded by the Swaminarayan Hindu community. It functions as a hub for spirituality and culture, offering a serene setting for prayer, meditation, and social activities. The temple’s stunning architecture includes exquisite wood and marble carvings, vivid murals, and superb craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll discover areas dedicated to deities, prayer halls, assembly halls, and educational facilities.This Mandir uses green energy. Solar panel is installed.
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir-Hindu Temple Chino Hills
Hindu Temple Chino Hills-BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Hindu Temple is located off the 71 highway in Chino Hills and is open to people of all faiths. The first thing you notice about the temple is how enormous and impressive it is. It is unquestionably one of California’s most popular attractions. With a park, a large fountain, and excellent works of art sculpture, the temple is sprawled across a big area.
The entire temple is exquisitely emblazoned with carvings in pink stone on the outside and white marble on the inside. Its Italian white marble interior and sandstone walkways give it a palace-like appearance and feel.
The temple is two stories tall, with a wonderfully ornamented staircase leading up there.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills hours
Open on All days of week from Sunday to Saturday,
Mandir campus : Open all days between 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Sacred shrines And Murti Darshan: 1. Ist time slot for Darshan 9:00 am - 10:15 am
2. IInd time slot for Darshan 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
3. IIIrd time slot for Darshan 4:00 pm - 5:50 pm
Arti Timings 1.Rajbhog Aarti: 11:15 am
2.Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 pm
Nilkanth Varni Abhishek Timings: 1. Ist time slot 9:00 am – 10:15 am
2. IInd time slot 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
3. IIIrd time slot 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Best Time slot to enjoy all activities is 11.15 to 12pm. You can have darshan, see Aarti and can even do Nilkanth Varni Abhishek as well. But you have be there sharp at 11 am so that you do not miss 11.15 am Aarti.
First Floor
The temple’s ground floor houses an exhibit. The exhibition includes information about the building’s history as well as brief descriptions of Hindu culture. If you are someone who loves ancient Indian architecture, this mandir is definitely for you.
There is a small idol of swami Narayan ji in the base of the temple. People also do an ‘abhishek'(pour sacred water) on Swami Narayan ji’s idol.
There is a separate hall for Swami ji’s books, literature and souvenirs.
Second floor
You can go to second flor by up the decorated staircase admiring its beauty or by taking the elevator . The Madir is located on the second level and features a meditation area as well as statues of their gods.
This is the main temple where they have beautiful marble idols of Lord Krishna, Goddess Rukmini, Shri Balarama, Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Shri Ganesha.
You can perform your pooja here and can sit for meditation as well.
Quite place for Meditation
Inside the temple you are secluded from entire world.This is such a peaceful place, where one can easily spend hours meditating in the quiet praying hall.
Itinerary Help
Address: 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709, United States Website: http://www.baps.org/LosAngeles Contact: +19096145000 Google Map: 1. X8G3+HQ Chino Hills, California, USA 2.https://maps.app.goo.gl/FxoTJXGb2GipTWv36 Timings: Open on All days of week from Sunday to Saturday Open Time : 9 am –7:30 pm
Location-In city yet Tranquil
Baps Swaminarayan Mandir ,Hindu Temple Chino Hills, is located, just off Highway 71. It’s an amazing construction in the middle of the city. You feel at a very distant and tranquil place even though you are next to the freeway. It is fast becoming a popular destination because of its beauty and proximity to the city. You may easily plan your weekend or off days to visit this place without any hassle.
Aireal view of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir
Welcome center – An art statement itself
Welcome center Haveli
A distinctive cultural structure, a traditional wooden haveli with complex design, is located next to the Mandir which serves as the welcome center. The Haveli represents a genre of traditional Indian architectural structures of Rajput era.
The ornate wooden hand-carved welcome center haveli is a must-see. Haveli showcases the immense woodworking skill of Indian craftsmen. It is evident in the beautiful assortment of ornamental and symbolic motifs that embellish many brackets, pillars, arches, and balconies.
Welcome center has beautiful Interior lobby, Visitor center, and attached to it are Bookstore, Indian snack and treats store. There are tables outside to sit down and taste the goodies.
Best time to visit
Although the temple is open all day and you will appreciate its beauty any time of day. Your preference is could differ but we think that It is best to come in the evening, because near sunset time so you can appreciate the beauty during daylight and shortly after during the night you can see its beauty when it is lit up.
Yet some may prefer to visit in afternoon because in the afternoons the temple gives a very beautiful lighting, it appears as a city of gold because of how bright it looks.
Photography
Please note that photography is allowed only outside and not in interior part of temple. Professional cameras & professional photography are not allowed at all. You can use your mobile phone for capturing memories instead. Point camera in any direction and you will get an amazing wallpaper-esque photo!
One of the most enchanting spots in California, this well-kept secret is a true gem. Plan to spend a few hours here and you will surely get plenty of beautiful memories along with pictures.
Amazing Architecture of BAPS Mandir, Chino Hills
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu Temple at Chino Hills, California but it has brought Indian architecture in US alive. The architecture of this temple is extremely magnificent. The meticulous detail of sculptures is everything. Examine each piece of art carefully from the outside in, from top to bottom. Each sculpture featured a unique, in-depth narrative. Being a
Each temple piece is carved in India, delivered, then assembled here like a huge lego build or puzzle. Breathtaking. The interior architecture of the Mandir is made of meticulously hand-carved details made of white Italian Carrara marble, and the exterior of the Mandir is made of Indian pink sandstone.
This an amazing wonder of architecture of modern era. Each and every corner of this building is made with handcrafted marbles and stones. All of these are absolutely gorgeous carvings. White Italian Marbles handcrafted looks is marvelous!
Although you can see the photos from the outside mostly in online media, but the inside of the temple we can’t take pictures. Also the view inside is incredible!
Another amazing fact is that the temple is built on a seismic fault line and it’s foundation is specially designed to keep the temple safe even after a strong earthquake.
Musical Fountain Show
Beautiful water fountain is shaped like a lotus. Some think it of as a Star but if you look closely it is an 8 petaled lotus. Temple organises a very nice musical fountain show in evenings. However when in drought like previous year, it was closed.
Lotus Shaped Huge Fountain at BAPS SamiNarayan Mandir
Entry Rules -Etiquettes
Wait time: No wait Reservation recommended: No Price for adult entry: No fee. Enter is Free Kids are allowed : Yes
- You have to take off the shoes before entering the temple. Remove shoe & place them in show rack outside. The floors are extremely clean so don’t worry. Since You can’t wear shoes in the Mandir either so I’d suggest wearing socks, as the shoe cubbies are located outside at the bottom of the stairs, and you’ll need to walk across the concrete
- Dress appropriately. Wear something which hides your knees and shoulders.If you don’t have long skirt or pants, they can give you some cloth.
- No large purses or backpacks are allowed.
- As people meditate and worship here, silence is required inside the temple. Please Be quiet inside the temple. Although no such restriction in welcome center and cafe.
- Photography is allowed outside but not within the Mandir.
- Restrooms are very clean and serviced ,request guest to keep it that way.
- Please do not bring or eat any non-veg food here, especially beef. As cows are considered selfless creatures and sacred in Hinduism and are given special status.
- Possession of or consumption of alcohol and drugs is prohibited on the premises.Â
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the premises, including the parking area.Â
- No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted but are not allowed inside the Mandir in order to respect religious sentiment. Please visit the information desk for assistance.
- Cell phones must be switched off inside of the main mandir building. Â
Guided Tours
There are also guided tours available for visitors. All volunteers and staff are kind and exceedingly helpful with any queries guests may have.
There’s plenty of informational material to learn about the culture and history here, which is presented surprisingly easy to follow and read through.
Prayer Time at BAPS Hindu Temple, Chino Hills
If you are interested in participation in Prayers then we recommend you to arrive in early morning. The crowd is also less by 10 am. At 11 am, the main Mandir opened and at about 11:15am they carry out a ‘Bhog Aarati’ prayer which is about 15 minutes prayer.
Close your eyes , the divine chantings and music reverberate through your consciousness, soak in the divine atmosphere. This holy Aarti is extremely refreshing. People recount their unforgettable and cultural experience here.
Don’t forget to get the sacred bands(rakshasutras) tied on our wrists.
Another prayer happens at around 4pm. It is important to note that Darshan (idols open for viewing or worship) is not available between 12-4 PM. So make sure you do not come during those times if you would like to look at the idols.
Food
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, snack shop, and café. Shayona is a vegetarian cafeteria-style café located adjacent to the gift shop.
Shayona cafe
The cafe offers a good assortment of snacks, lunches, and pickles. It has good canteen, with good food options all Indian vegetarian food only. Check out the food court and other stuff on the way to exit.
Shayona is a food court cum store. Their cafeteria serves really yummy vegetarian food-freshly prepared delicious and healthy food options along with the packed snacks items. Food quality is good especially considering there’s no onion and garlic added. They sell sweet and savory items as well, Jalebi worth a try.
For Lunch they have variety of options, Thali, Chhole-bhatura, hot samosa, puffs, lassie etc. It also serves Indian Gujrati and Punjabi thalis at reasonable rates. Definitely try the khichadi. It delicious and easy on stomach. The restaurant has thali and hot samosas, lassi, chai/tea and coffee.
Only drawback seems that the restaurant has very limited tables and they should try to build outside a pergola shades for some tables.
Snack Store:
Along with the cafeteria serving Indian vegetarian meals, is a Snack store that sells 100+ delicious snacks and sweets. These items have a little longer shelf life than a ready meal. Stores sells Indian sweets, delicacies and spreads, pastries and condiments.
Shayona Cafe-Snack store
Gift Store
This Hindu Temple Chino Hills also has a gift store.Where you will find various hindu artefacts for pooja and hindu tradition. If you are looking for beautiful wooden temple for your pooja room, you may purchase one from their visitor center.
Wood Home Temples for Home Pooja -For sale at BAPS Hindu Temple, Chino Hills
The gift store was cool, picked up a bell.
Gift Store also sells some other stuff like incense, deity figures, pooja articles etc at reasonable rates. You’ll also find nice souvenirs, bells .
Deity figures for sale at Temple Store
Organise Private Events
Private events and parties can also be held here. You will be able to organize events such as weddings and Hindu ceremonies such as yagyopaveet. You should also book the place outside in advance for such special events. They have got a grand garden and open banquet in front of temple. There are many people organise weddings here.
This place is amazing! Words cannot describe its beauty. It is truly a gem.
BAPS Chino Hills Wedding
A BAPS Chino Hills Wedding wedding is a special occasion that beautifully combines tradition and modernity. Located in the serene landscape of Chino Hills, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir sets the stage for a memorable celebration. Imagine a setting adorned with intricate marble carvings and stunning architecture, creating a picturesque backdrop for couples embarking on their journey together. The wedding ceremony incorporates cultural rituals, adding a unique and meaningful touch to the festivities. The peaceful ambiance of the mandir enhances the spiritual aspect of the event, while the joyful celebrations reflect a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary joy. It’s a day where love, devotion, and the beauty of the surroundings come together, creating lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones.
Check with Temple authorities more details. As far our acquaintances feedback it’s a marvellous destination for a spiritual wedding combined with grandeur.
Facilities at BAPS Indian Temple, Chino Hills
Entrance is free and parking is available on-premise.Plenty of free parking and plentiful. No advance reservations are required.
You have to check in at the front when parking and one person in your party will receive a wristband when checking in at the visitor center.
The people who work there are so friendly and welcoming which makes the experience that much more special. You can take tours, go inside the temple take photos outside (not inside),
There are restrooms on site as well.
There us bookstore as well. Books at Aksharpith BAPS Indian Temple, Chino Hills
BAPS Chino Hills Events
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chino Hills organises a variety of events throughout the year, seems they are never short on ideas. Temple Events include religious festivals, cultural programs, and educational workshops. These gatherings are open to everyone from all faiths providing a unique opportunity to explore Hinduism, soak in its vibrant culture, and connect with a diverse community in a warm and welcoming environment of the temple.
Festivals Celebrated
Temple celebrates all major Vaishnav Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Ramanavami etc. There are special ceremonies organised on these occassions. It is a great time for visitors to enjoy and be part of Hindu culture far away from home.
We went at night to watch the lights spectacular show however, we will return on a beautiful sunny day. Being able to see this place during the daytime will surely be a wonderful experience of its own. Beautiful place for photos.
Cultural programs
Temple regularly organises cultural programs, such as dance recitals, music concerts, and plays. These programs not only showcase the diverse talents of participants but are impart important messages. It provides a platform for artists to share their work with the audience.
Spiritual Sabhas & Congregation
BAPS is heaven on earth for Hindus and spiritual searchers, with weekly spiritual classes (sabha).Mandir offers a variety of educational workshops on topics such as Hinduism, Indian culture, and yoga. There are different sabhas (congregations) for each age level, as well as distinct classrooms for boys, girls, and adults. You should visit their website for the most recent updates.
There are a lot of activities like yoga, sabha etc.
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