This week, Tina is looking for Interesting Architecture as the theme for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. I have featured the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois in previous posts but when I think of interesting architecture my mind automatically goes to this place and I can’t help but refer back to it. The Mandir is so unlike anything else that we see here in the Chicago area.
Apart from the beautiful design and incredible craftsmanship of the structure, it’s interesting to see how its appearance changes with the light, depending on the time of day or even year. There are moments when it looks mellow and mystical and at others, when the midday sun beats down on it and the air is sharp and clear, the white exterior is almost blinding.
Hand carved in India from Italian marble and Turkish limestone, the sculpted pieces, 40,000 in total, were then shipped to Bartlett where they were assembled on a 27-acre lot over a period of 16 months. The Mandir was officially inaugurated in 2004.
In 2004, the complex was awarded the Chicago Building Congress Merit Award and has been recognized by The American Institute of Architects as one of the 150 Great Places in Illinois. The Mandir, previously closed because of the COVID pandemic, has now reopened its doors to visitors.
Getting the Picture 
It certainly qualifies as interesting, you are right.
It’s been a couple of years since I was there last and was thinking of going again the other day but remembered that it was Diwali and would probably be crowded. I prefer to go when it’s peaceful and you can hear the little bells tinkling on the top of the turrets.
Oh my gosh, I cannot believe I’ve never heard of it. it is STUNNING!!! What an amazing achievement.
It really is worth a visit if you’re ever out this way. The inside is just as beautiful but unfortunately photography is not permited.
wow! what a craftsmanship!
Yes! I’m always in awe of this place when I visit. It truly is remarkable.
I can see why this made the special 150 lost – and crazy that this is 2004 – when I first arrived at this post I thought older –
It will be interesting to see how the stone weathers with time.
🙂
What an amazing building and well photographed Sue! Wow!!
Thank you, Anne. I’m never sure whether it’s better to go there on a cloudy day when the light isn’t so harsh but then I love the look of the blue sky against the white stone.
😊😊
A wonderful place!
It is indeed. Thanks for stopping by, Ana.
Wow.. Beautiful!!!
The craftsmanship is just unbelievable! So many talented artists.
Wonderful temple architecture, Sue!
I’m looking forward to possibly visiting there again next year. These pictures were taken back in 2018 so it will be interesting to see how the stone is weathering.
I didn’t know about this temple! Fanscinating!
Thank you for the tour, Sue.
Thank you, Amy.
Wow, fabulous.
That was my first impression too and, even after several more visits, I am still in awe of this place.
Amazing architecture!
It is incredible, Nora. I have so many pictures of this place but there’s always room for one more, so I will definitely be going back there.
Thanks, I didn’t know about this. Not that far away to see exotic architecture. Cool!
Definitely worth a visit if you’re ever out this way, Rebecca.
That is amazing. I see there are several around the U.S. Quite something!
It’s certainly unique in this neck of the woods and a nice change from the glass and steel monoliths of Chicago.
Wow! I never heard of it before. It is so ornate. Beautiful!
It is definitely one of the hidden gems in our area.
Wow, Sue. You have highlighted a fascinating building! What amazing architecture!
All credit goes to those people who did such incredible work on the carving.
Wow! Such an amazing structure! When I first saw this in your post, I thought it was located in another country, like India or Tibet. It looks majestic! ❤
Thanks for stopping by, Cherie! I was absolutely stunned when I first saw this place. It’s so unlike any other building around here, except maybe the Bahai Temple in Wilmette.
You’re most welcome.
Amazing structure! I read that it was carved piece by piece, 40,000 of them, in India, shipped to Chicago and assembled on location. I would not mind coming to see it some day.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.