Introduction:
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex in Bartlett, IL has become the focus of interest and wonder for thousands of local citizens and for people visiting Chicagoland. The fusion of traditional Indian architecture with modern technology has attracted people from all walks of life; whether it be children from a school trip or a group of architects, all have been marveled by the unique architecture and the detailed intricacy of the carvings.

This masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship, which was put up in only 16 months, is testimony to the sheer dedication and devotion of over 1700 volunteers.

The story of the Mandir in the making is epic in proportions and logistics. Over 1700 volunteers from the Chicagoland area worked on building the Mandir, with many more contributing their expertise from over 3 continents. The Mandir has been constructed to withstand the elements and the test of time, to stand over a thousand years, and will carry forward the incredible stories of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship; it is replete with luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars.

Deities and motifs spring from the walls, ceilings, and windows, representing the sacred faith and beliefs of a culture that dates back over 8,500 years.

Visitors come to the Mandir to experience Hinduism and the peace and tranquility that the sacred Mandir and murtis within provide. Together with the Mandir, the ’Understanding Hinduism’ exhibition treats visitors to a concise, yet comprehensive study of the Hindu religion. It is an ideal place to learn about the glorious culture of India and the values of the Hindu dharma..

Mandir Facts:

• Stones:
  Outside: Turkish Lime stone 36,131 Cu. Ft.
  Inside: Marble and Granite used for cladding walls: 31, 000 sq. ft
  Total: 8,430 tons of stone used
  Size: Smallest stone 15 gm to largest stone of 5.2 tones.
• Features:
  5 Shikhars (pinnacles)
  1 Central Dome (22 ft. in diameter )
  16 Domes
  4 Balconies
  14 Windows
  151 Pillars
  129 Arches
  75 ceilings with 39 different designs
• Infrastructure:
  40,000 carved stone pieces
  No iron or steel used in sync with traditional Indian architecture Central heating and cooling
  Heated floors
  Fiber optic lighting system
  Fusion of ancient architecture and modern technology
• Man Hours
  In excess of 1,700 volunteers (USA) worked on the project In excess of 2,500,000 man hours to complete this project

Information & Guidelines:
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. No sleeveless tops. No shorts. No skirts shorter than knee length.

Shoes:
Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the Mandir. Shoe racks are located within the Haveli complex.

Photography and Videography:
May only be taken from ground level outside the Mandir and Haveli. Video & Photography are strictly prohibited inside the building. Cameras may be left in the car or deposited at the reception desk before entering the Mandir.

Cell Phones:
To maintain the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere, visitors are requested to turn off their cell phones during their visit inside the Mandir.

Parking Free
There are ample parking spaces for cars at the rear of Haveli. Coach passengers are requested to get off and board at the main entrance in the front.

Smoking:
No smoking allowed on the entire premises including parking lots.

Food and drink:
No food or drinks are allowed on the premises. Please discard any chewing gum prior to entering the building.

Conduct:
Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside Mandir.

Smoking:
No smoking on the premises including parking lots. Please dispose of cigarettes prior to entering the gates.

Conduct:
Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings within the Mandir premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere observe silence inside the Mandir.

Special Needs:
Elevator access available; wheelchairs provided upon request, subject to availability. Please contact our volunteers for assistance.

Group and School Visits:
Guided tours are available with advanced booking. Please, Book your group visit online http://chicago.baps.org/BookVisit/visitinfo1.html or call Kashyap Pandit 630 213-2277.

Entry:
Free (Donations are welcome. Checks made payable to BAPS)

For Further Enquiries: http://chicago.baps.org/index.htm

PLEASE NOTE:
The management reserves the right to cancel, close or alter any visit to the Mandir or Haveli premises without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience.


Daily Schedule:

Annual Festival 2009

Direction

Public transport to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett, IL

From: Chicago Downtown
Take METRA: Milwaukee District West Line (towards Elgin)
From Union Station (Canal St., between Adams and Jackson Blvd. (312) 322-4269 )
Get off at BARTLETT Station

OR:

Union Pacific West Line (towards Elburn)
From Union Station (Madison St. and Canal St. (312) 496-4777)
[Ogilvie Transportation Center]
Get off at WEST CHICAGO Station

For Train Schedules, Fares and other info, please visit Meta Rail website.

From either station, take a taxi cab to Mandir.
Taxi cab numbers are posted at both stations. OR call (630)303-TAXI
BARTLETT Station to MANDIR is a 10 min. cab ride.|
WEST CHICAGO Station to MANDIR is a 12 min. cab ride.

Address: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
4N739 IL Route 59, BARTLETT IL 60103

From Airport exit, continue on I-190 East to Chicago
Take the I-294 NORTH ramp leading to I-90 WEST
Take I-90 West (Rockford) for 20 miles (approx)
Pass Elmhurst Rd, Roselle Rd and Barrington Rd.
Take Route 59 exit
Take left onto Route 59 (traffic light) going south for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Golf Rd, Streams Rd and Schick Rd.
Pass Army Trail Rd (traffic light) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex

2. Direction From Midway Airport
From Airport, Take Right turn (going North) onto Cicero Ave (Rt. 50)
Pass 55th Street and watch for I-55 South
Take I-55 South and watch for I-355 North
Take I-355 North toll way
Take Route 64 (North Avenue) exit
Take left onto Route 64 (North Ave) continue west for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Gary Ave, County Farm Rd and Prince Crossing Rd.
Take right on Route 59 (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 miles
Pass Smith Road (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

3. From Far North West suburbs
I - 90 East
Take Route 59 exit
Right on Route 59 (traffic light) going south for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Golf Rd, Stearns Rd and Schick Rd
Pass Army Trail Rd (traffic light) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex

4. From North suburbs
I - 355 South (Or 290 East Or 53 South to I-355 South)
Take Army Trail Road exit
Right on Army Trail Rd (traffic light) going West for 9 miles (approx)
Pass Gary Ave, County Farm Rd and Petersdorf Rd
Take left on Route 59 (going south) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex.

5. Direction from Chicago City and East suburbs
I - 90/94 west (towards O'Hare Airport)
Keep on I- 90 west towards Rockford for 25 miles (approx)
Pass Elmhurst Rd, Roselle Rd and Barrington Rd
Take Route 59 exit
Left onto Route 59 (traffic light) going south for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Golf Rd, Stearns Rd and Schick Rd
Pass Army Trail Rd (traffic light) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex

6. Direction from South suburbs
Take I - 355 north
Take Route 64 (North Avenue) exit
Take left onto Route 64 (North Ave) continue west for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Gary Ave, County Farm Rd and Prince Crossing Rd.
Take right onto Route 59 (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 miles
Pass Smith road (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex.

7. Direction from Far South suburbs
Take IL Route 59 (north)
Pass 75th street, I-88, IL56 and IL38
Pass Route.64 (North Ave) (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 mile
Pass Smith Rd (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

8. Direction from West suburbs
Take IL Route 31 North
Right on Route 64(North Ave) going east for 6 miles (approx)
Left on Route 59 (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 miles
Pass Smith road (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

9. Direction from Ohio, Indiana, etc
Take I-80/94 West To Chicago
Exit I-80 WEST (Iowa)
Exit I-294 North (Wisconsin)
Exit I-88 WEST
Exit RT 59
Turn Right at Exit on IL RT 59 (North)
Pass Route.64 (North Ave) (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 mile
Pass Smith Rd (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

10. Direction from Milwaukee, Greenbay, Gurnee
Take I-94 South To I – 294 South (Indiana)
Take I-90 WEST ( Rockford)
Take Route 59 exit
Left onto Route 59 (traffic light) going south for 8 miles(approx)
Pass Golf Rd, Stearns Rd and Schick Rd
Pass Army Trail Rd (traffic light) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex

11. Direction from St.Louis, Kansas, Peoria Springfield
Take I-55 North
Exit RT 59 North Exit 251.
Drive about 33 miles
Pass Route.64 (North Ave) (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 mile
Pass Smith Rd (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

12. Direction from Minnesota, Portland, Oregon, Washington, Dakota, Idaho etc.
Take I-90 East,
Exit for Route-59,
Right onto Route 59 (traffic light) going south for 8 miles (approx)
Pass Golf Rd, Stearns Rd and Schick Rd
Pass Army Trail Rd (traffic light) (stay in the left lane)
Within 300 feet turn left into BAPS Complex

13. Directions from Iowa
Take 88 East (towards Chicago)
Exit Route 59
Left onto Route 59 (traffic light) going north for 10 miles (approx)
Pass Route.64 (North Ave) (traffic light) continue north for 1.5 mile
Pass Smith Rd (traffic light)
Within half a mile turn right into BAPS Complex

Download Map (13 X 9 inch)