Hindu Temple in Lilburn

April 2, 2025
7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

About the building: The BAPS 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