Chino Hills Temple - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a popular destination for Hindus and non-Hindus alike. The temple is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, or attend one of the many Hindu festivals that are held throughout the year. The temple also offers a variety of educational programs, including classes on yoga and Indian culture.

The Temple consists of five pinnacles. two large domes, four balconies, 122 pillars, and 129 archways. The temple is etched in intricate carvings in marble and sandstones from external walls to the inside pillars and ceilings. The hand-carved motifs depict tales of devotion and dedication, along with figures from Hinduism. The motifs were created in India and shipped to Chino Hills.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship that was built in 2012. The Temple is open to people of all faiths and is a popular destination for weddings, community events, and cultural celebrations.

The Temple was built using traditional Indian methods and materials, and it is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. The Mandir is surrounded by gardens and water features, and it includes a museum that tells the story of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Visitors to the Mandir can also take classes on yoga, meditation, and Indian cuisine.

The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, a 19th-century enlighted Indian spiritual leader. The temple also has shrines for other Hindu deities such as Lakshmi, Ganesh, and Shiva.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills is a beautiful Hindu temple that is open to visitors all year round. However, the best time to visit is during the Hindu festival of Diwali. During this festival, the temple is illuminated with thousands of lights, and there are special events and puja ceremonies taking place throughout the week. Diwali is an auspicious time to pray for health and prosperity.

If you can't make it during Diwali, another good time to visit is during Janmashtami, when there are special celebrations to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.

1. Dress modestly. The dress code at the temple is conservative, so be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.
2. Remove your shoes: In many Hindu temples, visitors are expected to remove their shoes before entering the building. This tradition is also observed at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
3. Be respectful of religious rituals: While visiting the temple, it's important to be respectful of the religious rituals. You may have to refrain from taking photos or videos during puja (prayer) ceremonies.
4. No pets are allowed inside the temple complex.
5. Do not touch or lean on the delicate carvings.
6. Mobile phones must be switched off inside the temple complex.

1. The complex is the first earthquake-proof Hindu Temple in the world.
2. The temple was built by approximately 900 volunteers, contributing about 1.3 million hours of work.
3. The temple uses a solar power system for its electricity usage.

Visitors can expect to spend an average of 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring the temple and its grounds. The mandir is exquisitely constructed from marble and stone, and its intricate carvings are a sight to behold. Inside the temple, visitors can learn about the history and beliefs of the Swaminarayan faith and take part in prayers and devotional singing. The temple also features a museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to Hindu culture and history.

From Los Angeles or the nearby towns, reach freeway 60 or 91. And then take highway 71 and exit at Soquel Canyon Parkway/Central Ave. Take a left on Soquel Canyon Parkway and another left on Fairfield Ranch Road. The temple complex will be in the left.

There is no entrance fee for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills is open daily from 9 AM to 7.30 PM. Although the complex is open, the temple itself is closed from 12 PM to 4 PM on weekdays. For Darshan (diety sighting), the time slots can be checked from the website.