n BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston was built including an outdoor temple with an area of ​​​​more than 1000 square meters, 22 meters high and a surrounding deck of more than 2,300 square meters, after 28 months of construction, completed in July 2004.

The main materials for the construction of the temple include about 33,000 pieces of marble and limestone, all carved by many craftsmen from different regions of India. Create carvings of gods, dancers, musicians, elephants, horses, flowers and geometric designs on columns and walls. Shipped to Houston in 150 containers, the marble pieces are fitted together in tongue-and-groove patterns like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The entire structure, including the four-legged foundation, does not have a single piece of iron or steel. At the time of construction, 175 volunteers, including those living in India, also came to assist.

Prior to his trip to Houston to inaugurate the Mandir, Pramukh Swami, the cult's highest head, wrote a letter to all devotees explaining that BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston played a central role in the original mission. give them final deliverance. On July 21, he consecrated the spiers and flags that were mounted on top of the mandir.

At BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston, Hindu monks worship deities throughout the day. Before dawn, they awaken the gods by singing morning hymns, called prabhatiya. The gods were then bathed and provided with food and clothing depending on the time of day and the season. Food offered to the gods is sanctified. Then these holy offerings are distributed to the devotees in the form of prasadam. Throughout the day, Arti - a ritual where devotees sing the glory of God while a lighted wick is rotated. This ritual is performed five times a day and is named as mangala aarti, shanagar aarti, rajabhoga aarti, sandhya aarti and shayana aarti.

In addition, Mandir is also home to a variety of youth activities such as classes on Hindu heritage, Indian music classes and Gujarati language training that encourages youth to take an active role. in community activities. During major Hindu festivals, young people have the opportunity to demonstrate these knowledge in weekly meetings through singing devotional hymns, performing traditional dances, and providing religious services. spiritual discourses and presentations. At the same time, sports tournaments are also held here to improve physical and team spirit, and build close friendships.

In addition to the activities in the Hindu community, Mandir also organizes Women's Day conferences, charity walking events, and health fairs that provide free services every year to everyone in the city of Houston. .

Visitors can choose BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Houston as a place to visit during their trip to gain more knowledge about Hinduism and admire this magnificent structure.

Website : www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Houston.aspx

Phone : (281) 765-2277

Operating hours : 09:00 - 20:00 on weekdays