Travel site “The Discoverer Blog” has named the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett as the “Coolest Building” in Illinois.
Given Chicago’s international reputation for cutting-edge architecture, it’s quite the compliment.
Opened in 2004, the temple in Bartlett is the largest traditional Hindu temple in the US. It was constructed according to ancient Hindu architectural design texts known as the Shilpa-Shastras. The finished pieces were brought from India after they were carved from Turkish limestone and Italian marble and the temple was built by 1,700 volunteers.
The complex spreads over 27 acres and, in addition to the mandir, includes a haveli, a small bookstore. The haveli is a cultural center in which weekly congregations are held. The mandir is open daily for worship and to visitors.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a denomination of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism.
