Mandir:
The Mandir is a place of worship and prayer for followers of Hinduism. The structure itself is built according to the Shilpa Shastra, a collection of architectural treatises that have been an integral part of Indian architecture and engineering for thousands of years. The sacred images and ceremonies of worship in the Mandir form the very core in elevating the soul to the pinnacle of God-realization according to Hindu philosophy. Swaminarayan Mandirs, worldwide, fulfill the ancient and lofty concept of the Hindu tradition of Mandirs
Shayona Snacks & Gift Shop:
The Shayona Snacks & Gift Shop is located in the front of the Mandir. It is filled with a wide selection of books, postcards, CDs, DVDs, herbal health products and gifts for all ages, tastes and budgets.
GROUP & SCHOOL VISIT
The Mandir is open to all visitors and entry is free of charge. Please allow at least 45 minutes for an enjoyable visit.
GROUP TOUR
Schools and groups (10+ people) are welcome to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Advanced reservations are required for school and group visits in order to make your visit comfortable. Visits are also entertained on weekends and holidays subject to available visiting time slots. In order to schedule a complimentary group tour, please complete and submit the Tour Reservation form so that we can accommodate your group.
Tour Reservations
Seating Arrangements: There are special seating arrangements for men and women inside the main floor during the times of arti. Please take note of the Arti times. Your tour guide will let you know if your visit coincides with the Arti. All visitors are welcome to have darshan together following the arti.
Food and Drinks: As the mandir is a sacred place of worship, food or drink items which contain meat, fish, eggs, animal products or alcohol are not allowed inside the complex. Therefore, if visitors have such products in their bags, they are requested to leave them behind in the bus, van, or car. (click visitor guidelines)
The Mandir is open to the public daily throughout the year, including federal holidays. However, timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Mandir Campus Hour
Enjoy the Mandir's architecture and beauty: 9 am - 6:00 pm (Closed 12pm to 4pm).
Murti Darshan Timings
Darshan is the ritual of viewing the sacred images installed in the mandir. The worship of God through belief in his presence in a sacred image is considered to be one of the foremost aids to spiritual realization in Hinduism.
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Murti Darshan Timings |
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7:30 am to 10:10 am |
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11:15 am to 12:00 pm |
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4:00 pm to 6:00 pm |
Darshan is closed daily from 10:10 am to 11:15 am and 6:00 pm to 7.00 pm during the offering of Bhagwan's daily Thal (Bhog)
Daily Arti Ritual
Arti is the ritual of waving lighted wicks in reverence of the sacred images
Performed in a spirit of humility and gratitude, faithful followers become immersed in God's divine form. It is the innermost calling of the soul and symbolizes the five elements: space (akash), wind (vayu), light (tej), water (jal), and earth (pruthvi).
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Shangar Arti |
7:30 am |
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Rajbhog Arti |
11:15 am |
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Sandhya Arti |
7:00 pm |
Sunday Activities:
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Bal Mandal
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4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
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Balika Mandal |
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
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Kishore Mandal (High School & Undergrad)
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2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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Kishori Mandal (High School & Undergrad)
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2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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Yuvak Mandal
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2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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Yuvati Mandal
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2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
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Premvati Sabha
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2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
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Sanyukta Satsang Sabha
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4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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Bal / Balika Gujarati Language Classes
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3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (September to May)
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The Mandir is a house of God, open to all. In order to maintain the sanctity, visitors are requested to abide by the following rules and regulations applicable in all areas including the Mandir, Haveli and the exhibition.
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Dress Code:
Neat casual attire. No tank tops, shorts, or skirts shorter than knee length. All visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the Mandir, assembly hall, and where otherwise posted. |
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Photography and Videography:
Photography and videography inside the Mandir and exhibition is strictly prohibited. A selection of photographs is available in the souvenir shop.
Professional photography or group/ individual photo shoots or sessions of any type or videography is NOT permitted on the Mandir campus. Photography or video gear such as tripods, drones, selfie sticks are NOT permitted.
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Mobile Phones:
Please switch off all mobile phones prior to entering the Mandir. Mobile phones with cameras must not be used to take photos. |
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Parking :
Free car parking available. |
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Smoking / Intoxicants:
No smoking on the premises including parking lot. Please dispose of cigarettes in the bin provided, prior to entering the gates. |
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Food and Drink:
No food, drink or chewing gum is allowed on the Mandir campus. Please leave all food/drink in your vehicle. |
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Pets:
No pets allowed within complex. (Service dogs allowed in most areas except sacred spaces used for prayer and meditation.) |
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Conduct:
Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings within the Mandir premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside the Mandir. |
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Guide:
Guides available for schools, groups or individuals (*subject to availability.) |
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Special Needs:
Wheelchair access available. |
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Firearms:
Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person should not enter the mandir campus with a firearm. |
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For the safety of all visitors, various security measures are in place. Visitors are advised to leave all bags and cameras in their cars. Please respect all security procedures. |
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If visitors wish to make a donation to maintain the upkeep of the Mandir, cheques should be made payable to 'BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha'. |
Please Note: The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who do not follow the above listed requirements. The Management also reserves the right to cancel or alter any visit or close the complex or part of the premises without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience. The Management is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage to any personal belongings of the visitors, during their visit to Mandir.
Please abide by the requirements.
From Highway 59 (North or South):
1. Take Kirkwood exit.
2 . If you are coming from 59 South make a right off the exit.
3 . If you are coming from 59 North make a left off the exit.
4 . Proceed 0.5 mile on Kirkwood. Pass railroad and make left turn on Alt. 90.
5 . Turn right on Brand Lane (very first street).
6 . Keep coming on Brand Lane till it nearly ends.
7 . You will see the Mandir on right hand side. |
From William P. Hobby Airport (HOU):
1. From airport exit Turn Left onto Airport Blvd.
2. Turn left onto Telephone RD/TX-35 South.
3. Turn right onto Beltway 8/South Sam Houston Parkway.
4. Merge onto Beltway 8 South (Portions toll).
5. Take the exit toward South Main Street /US-90.
6. Turn left onto South Main Street/US 90.
7. Take exit for Kirkwood Rd. / Dulles Ave.
8. Make U-Turn on Alt. 90.
9. Turn right on Brand Lane (very first street).
10. Keep coming on Brand Lane till it nearly ends.
11. You will see the Mandir on right hand side. |
From George Bush International Airport (IAH):
1. Start out going West on Terminal Road North towards Airport Exit.
2. Turn slight right onto John F. Kennedy (J.F.K.) Blvd.
3. Take the Beltway 8 West ramp toward I-45.
4. Merge onto Beltway 8 via the ramp- on the left- toward I-45(Portions toll).
5. Make a right onto US 59 S, enter ramp.
6. Take the Kirkwood Dr./West Airport Blvd exit.
7. Make a left onto Kirkwood Dr.
8. Proceed 0.5 mile on Kirkwood. Pass railroad and make left turn on Alt. 90.
9. Turn right on Brand Lane (very first street).
10. Keep coming on Brand Lane till it nearly ends.
11. You will see the Mandir on right hand side. |
From Galveston:
1. Travel on US-45 North.
2. Take the Beltway 8 S/W exit and bear left.
3. Merge onto Beltway 8 (Portions toll).
4. Take the exit toward South Main Street / US-90.
5. Turn left on to South Main Street / US-90.
6. Take exit for Kirkwood Rd. / Dulles Ave.
7. Make U-Turn on Alt. 90.
8. Turn right on Brand Lane (very first street)
9. Keep coming on Brand Lane till it nearly ends.
10. You will see the Mandir on right hand side.
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From Hwy-6 and Murphy Rd/FM 1092:
1. From Hwy-6, take FM 1092 towards US-90 ALT/Main St.
2. Make a left onto Avenue E.
3. Make a right onto Brand Lane.
4. Mandir Complex will be on the left hand side.
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