Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple in Bartlett featuring intricate stone carvings in Italian marble and Turkish limestone spread across a 27-acre site. The building blends traditional Hindu architectural elements with contemporary construction, creating spaces for worship, ceremonies, and community gatherings.

The community started with small gatherings in homes beginning in 1972 and worked toward building a permanent temple over several decades. The official opening in 2004 marked the realization of a long-held vision to create a major place of worship for the growing congregation.

The temple serves as a gathering place where devotees practice meditation, singing, and communal meals that reflect Swaminarayan traditions. These practices connect people to their faith and to each other across generations.

The temple operates during specific morning and evening hours, so planning your visit in advance helps make the most of your time there. Photography is restricted indoors to respect the sacred nature of the space, but outdoor areas allow visitors to explore the grounds freely.

The building won several architectural awards and is recognized by professionals as one of the major examples of contemporary Hindu architecture in North America. This recognition reflects how it successfully brought together traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Location: Illinois

Website: http://shriswaminarayan.com

GPS coordinates: 42.14653,-87.92600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:00