Visitor Information

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir encompasses: the Stone Mandir, the Wooden Haveli and Understanding Hindu Dharma Exhibition. Open to visitors from 9 am – 6:30 pm daily throughout the year.

Mandir:
The Mandir is a place of worship and prayer for followers of Hinduism. The structure itself is built according to the Shilpa Shastra, a collection of architectural treatises that have been an integral part of Indian architecture and engineering for thousands of years.  The sacred images and ceremonies of worship in the Mandir form the very core in elevating the soul to the pinnacle of God-realization according to Hindu philosophy. Swaminarayan Mandirs, worldwide, fulfill the ancient and lofty concept of the Hindu tradition of Mandirs.
 
Haveli:
Adjacent to the Mandir is a unique cultural complex – an intricately designed, traditional wooden Haveli. The Haveli represents a genre of traditional Indian architectural structures that were developed during the Rajput period, in the 15th-19th centuries, specifically in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Characterized by a central open courtyard, the Haveli showcases the immense woodworking skill of Indian craftsmen. It is evident in the stunning array of ornamental and symbolic motifs that adorn many brackets, pillars, arches, and balconies.    
 
Understanding Hinduism - A Unique Exhibition:
Walk through the beginning of civilization; learn about the history and beauty of Hinduism.
'Understanding Hinduism' is a well-researched pictorial presentation of facts, figures and information. For the novice or the scholar, the exhibition is inspiring and enlightening.
 
Souvenir Shop:
The Souvenir Shop is located in the left foyer of the Haveli, flanked by a large sky-lit courtyard. It is filled with a wide selection of books, postcards, CDs, DVDs, herbal products, and gifts for all ages, tastes and budgets.

GROUP & SCHOOL VISIT

A group visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL is an ideal way to learn about Hinduism and enjoy Indian art and architecture. Whether it is learning about the world’s oldest living faith, or seeing a traditional Hindu temple and witnessing the Arti ceremony, visitors of all ages (young and senior) find their trips to the Mandir to be educational, inspiring and memorable.
 
Many groups choose to visit the Mandir. Some of group visitors include schools, community groups, boy scouts and girl scouts, youth groups, senior citizens, interfaith groups, art and architecture aficionados and international tour operators.
 
Booking in advance is recommended. Please use our online booking form and the visitor guidelines to  make your visit as smooth, pleasant and productive as possible. 
 
We regularly receive many more requests than we can accommodate, especially during the summer and school year.  We request you to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
 
Light snacks and refreshments may be available upon request. There is a nominal charge for it. Please note this on the booking form (if interested).
 
Group visits are entertained throughout the week, including on weekends and federal holidays, subject to available visiting time slots.
 
Please note that morning slots are recommended because the midday Arti (ritual service) takes place at 11:15am. Afternoon visitors will need to wait until 4.00pm to view the sacred deities because the shrines are closed between 12:00pm and 4:00pm.
 
We request that all groups arrive at the Mandir about 15 minutes prior to their allotted time slot.
 
Individual school and college students who are on a special assignment need to register online for their project related tour.
 
What to Expect during Your Visit:
Your visit will consist of a short welcome and introductory address, a video presentation of the history and construction of the Mandir, and a guided tour of the Mandir.  This will take approximately 60-90 minutes, and it is free.  Please allow extra time if you wish to visit the Souvenir Shop and Shayona Food Center. Some of you may be in a group that prefers visit of a shorter duration. Tours can be arranged for shorter time anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Please indicate your choice when you book a visit.
 
Tour Reservation Procedure:
We request you to complete the online Group Tour Reservation Form.
 
Cancellation Procedure:
If you are unable to make it for any reason after confirmation of the reservation, please let us know by email: [email protected] or call Satish Amin (630)213-2277.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir encompasses: the Stone Mandir, the Wooden Haveli and the Heritage Exhibition.
Open to visitors from 9:00am – 6:30pm daily throughout the year:

Visiting Hours:

Weekend Activities:

With the blessings of Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS Mandir Chicago, is proud to announce the launch of weekly activities on both Saturdays and Sundays. We would like to request everyone to attend the activities on the specified for their respective area.

The Mandir is a house of God, open to all. In order to maintain the sanctity, visitors are requested to abide by the following rules and regulations applicable in all areas including the Mandir, Haveli and the exhibition.

	Dress Code: Casual attire. Please note: No sleeveless tops. No shorts. No skirts shorter than knee length. Visitors who do not have the appropriate dress code would be requested to wear wraps which are provided in the Haveli.
	Shoes: Please remove all footwear before entering any of the Mandir buildings. Shoe racks are provided in the Haveli area.
	Photography and Videography: The Mandir complex is a sacred and spiritual place of worship. Please follow these guidelines to respect the sanctity of the Mandir.    ALLOWED Photos and video can be taken for personal use only.  Photos and video can be taken only from ground level, outside the Mandir and Haveli. Photos and video can be taken only during the opening times of the complex (‪9am – 7:30 pm). PROHIBITED No photo-videography is allowed inside any building. No professional photo-videography is allowed, using any type of photography gear, including tripods, drones etc. No event photography is allowed, including weddings.  No drone photography is allowed. No commercial use or publication of images of the complex is allowed.  Please refrain from overt expressions of affection (such as kissing, hugging or other inappropriate expressions) during photo-videography sessions to respect the sanctity of the Mandir.  For special requirements please contact the Mandir administration at [email protected].
	Mobile Phones: Visitors are requested to turn off their Cell phones during their visit inside the Mandir. Mobile phones with cameras must not be used to take photo or video inside the Mandir or the Haveli.
	Parking : Free. There are ample parking spaces for cars in the rear of Haveli. Coach passengers are requested to get off and board at the main entrance in the front.
	Smoking / Intoxicants: Smoking, Alcohol or Intoxicants are not permitted on entire premises, including parking lot.
	Food and Drink: No outside food or drinks (except water and soft drinks) are allowed on the premises. Please discard chewing gum in the trash cans before entering the building.
	Pets: No pets allowed within complex. (Service dogs allowed in most areas except sacred spaces used for prayer and meditation.)
	Conduct: Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere observe silence inside the Mandir.
	Seating Arrangements: There are designated areas for men and women inside the main Mandir floor during the Aarti ceremony and other religious rituals. Visitors are requested to adhere to these arrangements during the ceremony. Children: Children of all ages are welcome. However, visitors of age 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
	Special Needs: Elevator access is available. Wheelchairs are provided upon request, subject to their availability. Please contact our information desk for assistance.
	Group & School Visits: Guided tours are available with advance booking. Please Book your visit online.
	Entry: Entry is free. Donations are welcome. Donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to BAPS.
	Guns & Firearms are not allowed on premises

Please Note: The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who do not follow the above listed requirements. The Management also reserves the right to cancel or alter any visit or close the complex or part of the premises without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience. The Management is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage to any personal belongings of the visitors, during their visit to Mandir.
Please abide by the requirements.