Swaminarayan Temple
Suburban Chicago Mandir

Just off Rt. 59 between Army Trail Road and Smith Road near Bartlett, is the largest Swaminarayan Temple in North America.

It is built of marble from Carrara, Italy, which was shipped to Gujarat, India where volunteers carved Hindu scripture and ornaments into the marble.

Some areas are still under construction and as you drive out, you might see workers carving huge blocks of marble, or working on small intricate marble designs. Outside pictures are allowed, but not on the inside.

The Cultural complex (Haveli) is where visitors enter. These pillars are also carved stone. Shoes must be left in the shoe rack. There is a cloak room for personal belongings like purses, bags, cameras.

There is also a souvenir shop.

Janet Barnstable, Julian Middle School, USA