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| Doors Open Toronto
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| BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir |
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| 61 Claireville Drive, Toronto, ON , 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, 2007 |
Subsequent architect(s)/ consultant(s):
Papadopoulos and Pradhan Architects, Toront |
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| Open: |
Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Last admittance to building: 4 pm |
Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Last admittance to building: 4 pm |
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| An ideal place for families and children to Discover, Experience and Enjoy. 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 and the Haveli are 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 6,000 tons of intricately hand-carved marble, limestone, sandstone and wood have been assembled to create an environment perfect for prayer, meditation and inspiration. The Heritage Museum is Canada’s premier museum dedicated to showcasing and promoting the understanding of the history, civilization, diversity and cultural heritage of India. |
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| Event information: |
Volunteers will be on hand to welcome and guide visitors at this entertaining, educational and family friendly venue. Things to Discover, Experience and Enjoy at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir:
1) Haveli : Intricately hand-carved in Burmese teak, the Haveli reflects the traditional wooden courtyard craftsmanship of India.
2) Multi-media presentation on the creation of the complex and also learn about the spiritual heritage and traditions of India.
3) Uniquely designed prayer hall constructed entirely without pillars, signifying a Beautiful Borderless World.
4) 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.
5) Abhishek: Visitors can participate in this ancient ritual for your health, happiness and success in life as you make a personal wish.
6) Heritage Museum: A visit to the educational museum gives amazing insight into India’s over 10,000-year-old heritage and civilization.
7) Book/Gift Shop: Indian instrumental music, books about Indian heritage and Hindu modes of worship and other unique items are available for sale. Photographs of the Mandir and Haveli are also available.
8) Sayona Foodstalls: Finally, treat yourself to a pure freshly made vegetarian refreshments.
Other information: To fully enjoy your experience, plan to spend approximately ninety minutes at the Mandir Complex. Entry to the Mandir and Haveli is FREE. However the Heritage Museum on the ground floor, operated by Heritage of India has a nominal - discounted charge. |
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| Other information: |
Dress Code : Casual attire. No sleeveless tops. No shorts. No skirts shorter than knee length. sarong will be provided upon request at the reception desk.
Shoes: Visitors are required to remove their foot wear before entering the Mandir. Special arrangements can be made for those with disabilities - please contact reception desk on arrival. Shoe racks provided within the Haveli.
Pets are not allowed inside the complex. Service dogs allowed in most areas, except sacred spaces used for silent prayer and meditation. No food or drinks are allowed inside. Please discard any chewing gum in the bin provided before entering. |
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| Photography permitted: | Filming permitted: |
| Interior | No tripod: No | Interior | No tripod: No |
| Exterior | Yes tripod: Yes | Exterior | Yes tripod: Yes |
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| Getting there: Click here for map. |
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| TTC (nearest station) Kipling or Finch Bus/streetcar: Finch 36B West, Wilson 96 |
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| Visit their web site: http://toronto.baps.org |
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Accessibility: Full Washrooms: Yes Parking: Free Food/Bev: Yes
Highlights: Exhibit Kid-friendly Green |
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