

From the external walls and domes to the inside pillars and ceilings, the Mandir is completely etched with intricate carvings in marble and sandstone. On September 4, 2005, BAPS performed an “auspicious groundbreaking ceremony” for the new temple.īAPS navigated a 14 year journey after first approaching the city in 1998 to build a temple on Peyton Drive.Ĭonstructed from 35,000 pieces of meticulously hand carved Italian Carrera marble and Indian Pink sandstone, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, encompasses five pinnacles, two large domes, four balconies, 122 pillars and 129 archways. “At least 1,600 comments – evenly split between supporting and opposing the proposal – have been received by city staff, prompting staff to move the council to Chino Hills High School.” Residents of Chino Hills objected to the Temple saying “it would generate too much traffic, ruin the city’s rural atmosphere and become an unwanted regional attraction.” Objections also surfaced from opponents who said the project would turn Chino Hills into a “Third World city” and haven for terrorists.

“Mayor Larson cast the lone “yes” vote stating that he didn’t have any problems with the spires and supported the project 110%.” “I support any religious institution that brings good to the community,” he said later. “This will be a loss to the community,” he said. Mayor Larson said he felt BAPS was not given the fair share they deserve. ‘Why build a regional center in our small community of Chino Hills,” said Scott Kuethen. “Several residents said they opposed the temple because its designation as a landmark would attract tourist. “Several residents sharply criticized the BAPS public relations firm for conducting a publicity campaign that they say brought hundreds of non-residents to the meeting, including, council members from Artesia, Norwalk, and Diamond Bar, a judge and the chairman of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.”
#Golden hour time chino hills code
On 14 September 2004, after a seven and half hour meeting with a crown between 12 individuals, the Chino Hills City Council voted 4-1 to deny a code change that would allow the temple to be traditionally constructed. 12 2003, as originally scheduled.” “Instead, city staff will meet 26 August, taking two additional weeks to investigate information noted by residents about the temple that has not been previously revealed is causing concern.” “Plans for the temple will not be reviewing by the City Council on Aug.

On August 2003, the City delayed plans to review the proposed Temple because of confusion surrounding the 164,000 square foot facility. But only are institutional zones allowed to have such high towers, official said.” The 17 June 2003 meeting continued and led to a July hearing despite voting unanimously in favor of the project, with the height matter outstanding. “Before the first public hearing, city staff misinterpreted that church and institutional zones are allowed to have towers up to 80 feet high. With this thrust from their guru, the group successfully acquired the land and obtained all the necessary permits, studies and approvals to build the mandir and ten other buildings-a process that proved much more arduous and lengthy than they had anticipated.

After reviewing a half-dozen parcels, Pramukh Swami Maharaj guided the group to a plot next to the 71 freeway in the City of Chino Hills. With his blessing, the group began searching for land. Nineteen years later, in 1996, the local group made a proposal to build a larger facility, including a traditional stone mandir, to fulfill Pramukh Swami’s vision that he had shared with them almost two decades earlier and to accommodate their growing congregation. In 1984, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated a small center in Whittier, California. He, and other senior sadhus, returned nearly every year, nurturing and inspiring devotees. During his first visit, he encouraged a small group of individuals to hold regular assemblies. In 1977, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the present spiritual leader of BAPS, visited California.
