Atlanta's beautiful Swaminarayan Temple, sometimes called the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, is an impressive and graceful structure that may seem out of place in the suburban area of Lilburn. Constructed of stone and marble in resplendent white, the temple was built after the turn of the century and was dedicated in August of 2007. The Baps Swaminarayan Temple Atlanta is aglow about is the largest traditional vedic temple of its kind in the entire United States (the fifth largest outside of India), and serves as a testament to the strength of the Indian community in Atlanta, as well as the diversity of the city at large.


Laid across a verdant wooded backdrop, the temple stands out to passers-by with its five high spires and thirteen perfect domes. An impressive 106,000 cubic feet of stone comprise the structure, much of which is found in the pink limestone throughout the building's interior, and all pieces, some weighing up to eight tons, were carved by hand in India and sent to the site for assembly. The unique interlocking construction ensures that the building will remain intact and strong for a thousand years with virtually no maintenance. Several hundred ornate rosettes, foliage motifs, and impressive geometric patterns are incorporated into the design.


Such massive pieces and idyllic features of course required a great price, but at $19 million, the temple's price tag is actually surprisingly low. This is due in large part to the extensive volunteer effort, headed by the BAPS Swaminarayan temple located in Clarkston. Years of donated labor for assembling, stone polishing, cooking for construction staff, and even landscaping helped create a wonderful place for worship while keeping costs at a minimum. The love, faith, and dedication of the congregation in fashioning the temple is apparent throughout the structure, from its architectural excellence to the smallest details.


The Swaminarayan Temple, in all its visual splendor, is a stark contrast to many of its neighboring establishments; a Walgreens pharmacy, for instance, sits just across the street. But though the temple may seem out of place to Lilburn's visitors, it is a welcome addition to the community for nearly all its members. The temple welcomes worshippers, inspires the conscientious, and dazzles casual onlookers, affirming the beauty and richness of Indian tradition and imbuing Atlanta with a treasure of faith and human accomplishment.


The temple offers congregants the opportunity to worship in an atmosphere extremely similar to those of their ancestors' temples over a thousand years ago. For the religious and curious alike, there are marvels aplenty at the Swaminarayan. Visiting hours are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Coming festival celebrations include Jal Jilani on September 14th and Sharad Punam on October 12th. Visit the temple's site for detailed information.