From West (Detroit)
Hwy 401 East
Hwy 427 North
Exit on Finch Ave
Turn Right on Finch Ave.
Left on Humberline Dr.
Left on Claireville Dr.
From East (Ottawa)
HWY 401 West
HWY 409 towards Airport
HWY 427 North
Exit on Finch Ave
Turn Right on Finch Ave.
Left on Humberline Dr.
Left on Claireville Dr.
From South (Niagara Falls)
HWY QEW
HWY 401 East/HWY 427 N
HWY 427 N
Exit on Finch Ave
Turn Right on Finch Ave.
Left on Humberline Dr.
Left on Claireville Dr.
From North (Barrie)
HWY 400 South
HWY 401 West
HWY 409 towards Airport
HWY 427 North
Exit on Finch Ave
Turn Right on Finch Ave.
Left on Humberline Dr.
Left on Claireville Dr.
Bus Route
From Various Stations:
From Finch Subway Station
Take bus 36B from Finch Subway Station. Get off at Viewcrest Circle (after Humber College). Walk North towards Finch Ave. (traffic light) and left on Claireville Drive (across the fire station). You will see Mandir entrance on left hand side. Approx 10 minutes walk.
From the new Finch Subway Station
Take bus 36A Finch West bus towards Humberwood. Then either transfer to the 96B Wilson West bus towards Humberline &
Albion or walk 1.3 km to61 Claireville Dr.
From Wilson Subway Station
Take bus 96B from Wilson Subway Station. The bus will stop in front of the Mandir gates on Claireville Drive.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir encompasses: the Stone Mandir, the Wooden Haveli and the Heritage Museum.
Open to visitors from 9am – 7:00 pm daily throughout the year.
Haveli:
Intricately hand-carved in Burmese teak, the Haveli reflects the traditional wooden courtyard craftsmanship of India. The word Haveli refers to a majestic mansion (often royal courts), which was popular in India during the 17th century. The Haveli’s beautiful architecture begins with hundreds of figures of musicians, poets and dancers carved into the portico, welcoming all visitors in traditional Indian manner. The entrance lobby features a richly hand-carved wooden foyer that opens into a magnificent courtyard with soaring wooden columns and panels. Hundreds of dancing peacocks, delicate lotus flowers and royal elephants beckon in greeting. The carpets are uniquely designed to compliment the carvings. The building serves as a place of worship for the Hindu community and a place of inspiration for all visitors. The Haveli is an architectural masterpiece with breathtaking intricacy not previously seen in Canada.
Video Presentation:
In the Haveli foyer, visitors are welcome to watch an on-going multi-media presentation on the creation of the Mandir, glimpses of the opening ceremony and also learn about the spiritual heritage and traditions of India. Then, while making their way to the Mandir, visitors can pause along the way to see inspirational panels and posters.
Nilkanth Abhishek Mandapam:
This sacred part of the Mandir located in the ground floor of the Mandir welcomes all visitors to participate in the ‘Abhishek’ ritual. By participating in the ‘Abhishek’ ritual with devotion and faith, ones personal prayers and inner wishes are fulfilled whether they be for oneself or for loved ones; good health, happiness, prosperity, peace, spiritual blessing or success in life.
Mandir:
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is Canada's first traditionally hand-carved stone and marble Mandir built according to the principles of ancient Indian Shilpshastras, in an extraordinary tradition that dates back many millennia. All the masonry of a Hindu Mandir is in itself load bearing, with no reinforcement from ferrous material such as steel, even in the foundations! Thousands of tonnes of fine marble and limestone have been hand-carved by skilled artisans.
The ornate shrines, which are the focal point of the Mandir, houses the Murti (Sacred Deities), replete with beautiful thrones. The Mandir is a meditation zone, thus all visitors are required to maintain utmost silence.
Visitors can witness the Arti rituals (devotional prayer offered to God) that take place inside the Mandir. These rituals lasts about 10 minutes.
There are separate seating arrangements inside the main Mandir for males and females during the rituals. Visitors, who are interested in attending these rituals are requested to adhere to the seating arrangements.
Exhibition:
Located in the ground floor of the Mandir, the Understanding Hindu Dharma Exhibition is Canada’s premier exhibition dedicated to showcasing and promoting the understanding of the history, civilization, diversity and cultural heritage of Canadians whose ancestry originates from India. The Exhibition is uniquely designed to inspire visitors to appreciate how the rich heritage of Indo-Canadians has contributed to the fields of art, architecture, science, democracy, education, culture, pluralism and spiritual values. The Exhibition offers a unique experience of Indian Heritage.