Hindu Temple in Lilburn
April 2, 2025
7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
About the building: The Shri Swaminaryan Mandir (Hindu Temple) in Lilburn, Georgia, opened in August 2007.
Built according to ancient Hindu architectural scriptures, it is the largest Mandir
of its kind outside of India. More than 34,000 pieces of Turkish limestone, Italian
marble and India pink sandstone were carved by hand in India then shipped to Atlanta
for assembly.
About the tour: The guided tour will introduce OLLI members to the history of the Mandir and to the
Marti Darshan (sacred deities) and Nilkanth Verna Abhiskek (the sacred part of the
Mandir). Time permitting, members can also attend the Arti ceremony, an ancient Hindu
offering before sacred images to the accompaniment of a musical prayer. The group
will enjoy a traditional vegetarian Indian buffet at the onsite Shaoyna Cafe, followed
by an opportunity to visit the gift and book shop and to tour the extensive landscaped
grounds around the Mandir.
Additional information: All visitors must remove their shoes at the entry to the Mandir. It is recommended
to wear non-slip socks, as the marble floors are cold and can be slippery. No shorts,
short skirts or sleeveless tops are permitted—shoulders and knees must be covered.
No photography or videography is permitted from the podium level or inside the Mandir.
No backpacks, personal items, gum, food or drinks are permitted. Cell phone use is
prohibited inside the Mandir. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Use of handrails
is recommended. The facility is accessible via a ramp and an elevator. Bus leaves
from Trumps Catering parking lot.
The Mandir encourages each member of the tour to bring a vegetarian canned food item (no meat, poultry, or fish) to donate to the Care Closet, a confidential school-based food pantry in Gwinnett, Georgia.
Cost: $100