The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complex in Toronto has become the focus of interest and wonder for local citizens and visitors to Toronto. The complex consists of the first traditional hand carved Hindu Mandir (Hindu place of prayer), Haveli and the Understanding Hindu Dharma Exhibition.
The fusion of traditional Indian architecture with modern technology has attracted people from all walks of life; including students on field trips, accomplished architects and engineers and visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the experience. All visitors have been awestruck by the unique architecture and the detailed intricacy of the carvings.
The Mandir is a masterpiece of intricate design and workmanship of ancient Indian arts, traditions and philosophy. The Mandir was constructed in a record 18 months. It is a testimony to the sheer dedication and devotion of over 400 volunteers.
On July 22, 2007 the Mandir was dedicated to the people of Canada by the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the inspirer, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Present at the dedication ceremony were: The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, His Excellency Rajamanjinarayan, High Commissioner of India to Canada and His Worship Mayor David Miller, Mayor of Toronto.
Open to visitors from 9am – 6pm daily throughout the year. Admission is FREE.
Toronto's BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, by the numbers:
· 400 volunteers gave more than a million hours of services
· 18 months to complete stone work (jig-zaw puzzle) in Canada
· 132 archways,
· 84 decorative ceilings, 340 pillars
· 24,151 handcarved pieces
· 5.6 tonnes, heaviest stone vs 50 grams, lightest stone
· 10,000 tonnes of Italian marble, Turkish limestone, Indian sandstone and granite
· Built to last over 1,000 years.
We wanted to visit this place for a very long time and finally we made it in the area. We were surprised to see that there's no cache placed here, so we fixed that.
While the hide is nothing spectacular, the intention is to bring you to an amazing local attraction and if you have time, we strongly recommend you go in and visit it.
The cache is located across the street from the Visitors Entrance.
The Mandir is a Meditation Zone, thus all visitors are required to maintain utmost silence.
Be prepared to take off your shoes upon entering.
If you plan to visit the Mandir you can park free within the complex, otherwise you can park on the Huddersfield Road, about 100 meters away.
Cache contains log only BYOP.
There is a toonie for FTF.
We hope you enjoy the location.