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| BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir |  |
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| 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5Z7 |
| Telephone: 416 798 2277 |
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| District: West (former Etobicoke and York) |
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| Architect and year: |
| BAPS Planning Cell, India, July 2007 |
Subsequent architect(s)/ consultant(s):
Papadopoulos and Pradhan Architects, Toronto |
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| Open: |
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Last admittance to building: 5 pm |
Sunday: 10 am to 2 pm
Last admittance to building: 2 pm |
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| The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians were inaugurated in July 2007 by His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Premier McGuinty and Toronto’s Mayor Miller. The Mandir is a masterpiece of architectural design and workmanship, complete with towering pinnacles, glistening domes and ornate marble pillars, created in an extraordinary tradition that dates back many millennia. Built according to the principles of ancient Indian Shilpshastras, no structural steel was used in the construction. Over 6000 tons of intricately hand-carved marble, limestone, sandstone and wood have been assembled to create an environment perfect for prayer, meditation and inspiration. The Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians is Canada’s premier museum dedicated to showcasing and promoting the understanding of the history, civilization, diversity and cultural heritage of India. Using uniquely crafted exhibits and dioramas, this Museum inspires visitors to appreciate how the rich heritage of Indo-Canadians has contributed to the fields of art, architecture, science, democracy, pluralism and spiritual values. |
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| Event information: |
| Volunteers will be on hand to welcome visitors and provide tours at this entertaining, educational and family friendly Sacred Space. Hundreds of royal elephants, peacocks and lotus flowers will welcome visitors in the foyer, constructed of intricately hand-carved Burmese teak in the traditional Haveli style of architecture, which was popular in 17th-century India. In the lobby, visitors can enjoy an on-going multi-media presentation on the creation of the complex and also learn about the spiritual heritage and traditions of India. Visitors can also see the uniquely designed prayer hall constructed entirely without pillars, signifying a Beautiful Borderless World welcoming all visitors. In the Mandir, visitors will get a first-hand look at the breathtaking architecture created by 1,800 craftsmen and volunteers from 24,000 pieces of hand-carved stone and marble. There they will also have the opportunity to learn about Hindu modes of worship by seeing the five ornate shrines housing the Murti (Sacred Images) replete with beautiful thrones. Visitors can participate in the ritual of ‘Abhishek’ where the divine image of Shri Nilkanth Varni is sprinkled with waters from the holy rivers of India. Ancient Sanskrit verses are chanted for your health, happiness and success in life as you make a personal wish. A visit to the educational Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians gives amazing insight into India’s 10,000-year-old heritage and civilization. Indian instrumental music for meditation and relaxation, books about Indian heritage and Hindu modes of worship and other unique items are available for sale in the bookshop. Interior photographs of the Mandir and Haveli are also available. Finally, treat yourself to a pure freshly made vegetarian meal/snack or refreshments at the Sayona Foodstalls. To fully enjoy your experience, plan to spend approximately ninety minutes at the Mandir Complex. Other information: Dress Code: As this is a place of worship, visitors are requested to abide by the following dress code: All clothing must cover shoulders and knees. Wraps will be provided for visitors wearing shorts, short skirts or sleeveless shirts. Footwear must be removed upon entering the buildings. NOTE: MUSEUM is PAID ADMISSION. |
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| Photography permitted: | Filming permitted: |
| Interior | No tripod: No | Interior | No tripod: No |
| Exterior | Yes tripod: No | Exterior | No tripod: No |
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| Getting there: Click here for map. |
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| TTC (nearest station) Finch Station, Kipling Station Bus/streetcar: Finch 36B West, Wilson 96 |
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| Visit their web site: http://www.swaminarayan.org/globalnetwork/america/toronto.htm |
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