Mandir Construction

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston was created through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The story of its establishment includes the quarrying of the stones, transportation, carving, fund-raising, and volunteerism. From conception to completion, the mandir is a demonstration of divine grace and the spirit of devotees.

Background Vision

Yogiji Maharaj with Pramukh Swami MaharajIn 1970, Yogiji Maharaj blessed Mr. K.C. Patel, who was leaving for America, “Hold regular satsang assemblies…continue your effort…Satsang will grow…Pramukh Swami will come and build a mandir. We want to inspire the whole of America.” Yogiji Maharaj sent P. Tyagvallabh Swami, P. Siddheshwar Swami, P. Ghanshyamcharan Swami and P. Narayanprasad Swami to America. Hence with his blessings the seeds of satsang were sown.

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Craftmanship & Statistics

Craftsmen carving stones

Mandir facts:
  • Total Land: 22 acres
  • Mandir: 25,620 sq. ft.
  • Width: 95 ft.
  • Length: 125 ft.
 Stones:
  • Outside: Turkish limestone (29,000 cu. ft.)
  • Inside: Italian marble (22,000 cu. ft.)
  • Total: 3826 tonnes
  • Size: Smallest stone 15 gm to largest stone of 5.2 tonnes
Features:
  • 5 Pinnacles (Shikhar)
  • 1 Central Dome (22 ft. in diameter)
  • 11 Small Domes
  • 136 Pillars (7 Unique designs)
  • 70 ceilings (24 Unique designs)
  • 4 Small Pinnacles (Saamran)
  • 11 Garba Gruha
  • 122 Arches (Kamaan)
 Infrastructure:
  • Approximately 33,000 stone pieces
  • 51,000 cu. ft total stone structure
  • No iron or steel used
  • Fiber optic lighting
  • Fusion of ancient architecture and modern technology
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Material

Carved StonesCreated according to ancient Hindu and Indian architectural science, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston, Texas was built with no steel reinforcement for construction.

White limestone from Turkey was used for the Mandir shikhar and exterior. This made this Mandir in particular suitable for facing vagaries in our very humid Houston climate.

For the Mandir interior, white Carrara Marble from Italy has been used to make a beautiful facade look even more extravagant.

A special mix was used in this construction which included lesser cement and more flyash to ensure strong, yet even settling in the foundations.

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Murti Pratistha Ceremony

Pramukh Swami Maharaj performing Murti Prarishtha CeremonyWith all preparations complete, the day of the Murti-Pratishtha ceremony arrived - Sunday, 25 July 2004.

The scriptures implicitly say that whilst it is important that the Murtis be consecrated by performing the correct rituals, it is more important that they are consecrated by a person who is himself the receptacle for God's unlimited grace. Such a God-realized Sadhu is to be asked to perform the rituals, and it is when he asks God to enter the Murtis and specially become accessible that God cannot refuse.

The Murti of Akshar Purushottam Maharaj and other deities were ritually consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The “Pran Pratishtha” ceremony is a festival celebrated for several days leading up to the actual event. A special yagna was held prior to this event in which special prayers for world peace took place.

A Nagar Yatra or grand procession was carried out through Houston the day before the installation ceremony. Over 2,000 devotees participated in the procession which involved a display of Indian culture via. Folk dances, costumes, music, and floats. The event was witnessed by thousands.

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