BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Chino Hills, Hindu temple in Chino Hills, United States

This Hindu temple in Chino Hills features a main prayer hall built with carved stone and a surrounding complex of connected buildings. The grounds include a reflection pond, cultural center, gymnasium, and classroom spaces that support community activities.

In 1977 Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited California and urged a small group to hold regular assemblies; in 1984 he inaugurated a center in Whittier. In 1996 the group proposed a larger facility with a traditional stone mandir, and he directed them to land beside the 71 Freeway in Chino Hills. The city council denied a code change in 2004, then approved it in August 2011, allowing spires up to 78 feet; groundbreaking came in 2005 and the mandir was completed in 2012.

The mandir belongs to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha denomination and is open to visitors of all faiths. Its name honours Swaminarayan, and the carved figures on the stone tell stories of Hindu devotees and historical figures. BAPS Charities has hosted community health fairs with free check-ups and a vaccination drive at the mandir.

The grounds are open daily and visitors can walk through at their own pace to explore the different areas and buildings. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea since the property is large and involves walking between spaces.

The structure uses tens of thousands of hand-carved stone pieces imported from Italy and India, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. The building was engineered to resist earthquakes, making it one of the first places of worship designed with this specific structural consideration.