BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Houston

The Mandir is a Hindu temple masterpiece of intricate design and workmanship.  This is the largest temple of its kind in Texas.  The Mandir was created out of 33,000 pieces of hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone shipped from India.  There is not a single piece of iron or steel in the temple.  All the stone pieces where carved to fit together perfectly in a tongue and groove design.  The Mandir sits on 22 acres, including other structures and beautiful land features.  The Mandir is 73 feet high, 125 feet long, and 95 feet wide.  In all it took 28 months to build the temple.  

The Mandir was opened on July 25, 2004, in a grand ceremony attended by Pramkuh Swami.  There was also a Shobha Yatra (colorful procession) that went through the streets of Houston.  The procession itself was 1.3 miles long.

You are allowed inside the temple.  First you must take off your shoes and place them in a small room off the main stairs.  Inside you can see the wonderful art carved into each piece of stone.  No photography is allowed inside the temple.  

There is also a small exhibit on the origins and contributions of Hinduism on the grounds.  Also a small store that sells gifts and traditional food.  Inside the gift shop is BAPS Shayona Snacks and Sweets.  There they have traditional food in a buffet, where you can try many wonderful foods.