BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Gorgeous temple. Came on a weekday to visit and were welcomed by friendly staff. Has a store with vegetarian treats.

Utterly beautiful site. When we went we were the only ones onsite apart from staff and the men that were part of the reconstruction. We got a nice information bit from the man outside and he left us to wander on our own. We went during an off time where there were nothing going on so it was especially quiet. It was especially beautiful. The detail is astounding to really look at (look but don’t touch). The outside is just as beautiful as the inside and it was so peaceful you really felt outside of the city entirely. Would like to visit again during an event or one of the worship periods through out the day.

No matter you religious views, this is a place anyone can find appreciation for. The hand carved work is truly incredible! It’s amazing to think that mass amount of marble was slowly carved to perfection in every nook and cranny. And if you’re feeling a bit hungry after walking the temple, the snacks and prepared food from the BAPS shop are super satisfying!

Remarkable beauty and worth the drive. I enjoyed the detail and experience of a rare temple in the US. The ceiling is amazing and the level of detail is impressive. Great for photography !

Truly remarkable place, so much beauty is in this temple.
I enjoyed my visit here, just the sight of this temple and even walking around it was an experience I’ll never forget.
I can’t describe my experience here, you’ll just need to visit it to discover how it’ll make you feel.
The cafeteria and small shop is really nice, they sell all kinds of Indian and Hindi snacks for less.
Good yummy snacks too, if you aren’t familiar with the snacks you want, just sample a few, you aren’t losing much money.
Also, there’s a buffet line too. They sell authentic chai tea as well.
Definitely lots of history and educational information is put into this temple. I had a good olé time learning about the Hindu history.
Plenty of parking too.
I travelled from South Houston to visit this temple and although it wasn’t a drive right down the street, it was fully worth it!
A drive straight down Beltway 8 until you get to the exit to Stafford.

Beautiful temple tucked away in Stafford. Do yourself a favor and visit around dusk as they light up the temple with colorful lights from within. Plenty of parking and friendly people. Be respectful and remember to remove your shoes if visiting inside the Mandir. It’s worth a special trip to enjoy the architecture. Definitely something different.

This temple is AMAZING!!! I felt transported to another country when I visited. The intricate details of the architecture are unbelievable. As beautiful as it, they are still working on completing a few more structures on the property. A must see if you live in the area and especially if you’re visiting.

This place is absolutely beautiful. I had visited twice before when it was newly opened for the main attraction — a spectacular piece of art that also couples as a place of worship. The detail of the marble carvings are exquisite and when you discover that it’s all hand carved, it’s even more breath taking.
The last visit on a Friday for lunch wasn’t any different despite the lapse of time between visits, but I came for the buffet that they offer inside the gift shop, so I wasn’t there to ogle at the architecture this time around. First off, I wouldn’t necessarily call it a gift shop. It sells primarily vegetarian Indian snacks and sweets with a refrigerated section in the back that sells desserts like gulab jamun that need to be refrigerated along with various curries in to go containers. They are all labeled and I thought they were fairly reasonably priced. I’m not sure if they were Jain-​friendly (the ingredients all stated «spices» which is fairly vague and I didn’t want to chance it) so I refrained from purchasing any, though I was very much tempted. There is a section on the left where they sell mini altars (?) for worship, incense, and literature relating to Hinduism and vegetarianism. There are also various pamphlets that weren’t priced so I’m not sure if you can take them.
My attention was brought over to the right where a simple buffet bar was set out complete with styrofoam trays and plastic eating utensils. You go up to the cash register and pay first (it was around $ 8 per person) and then everything else is self serve. There are some tables and chairs off to the side cafeteria style, though there was a large spill of some sort on the floor. There was already someone there enjoying their meal.
On this particular visit, the offerings were nothing fancy, though I don’t expect a place of worship to offer anything fancy. There was your rice, soup, two curries, a dry okra curry, the spongy bread (sorry, I forget the name), this strange bright red curry dish that I’ve seen before but don’t know the name of (it’s really, REALLY salty), a dessert (a burfi of some sort), and a yogurt that may be meant for palate cleansing. Sadly, no chai tea that day. The food didn’t blow my socks off. However, it was good and filling and somewhat of a breath of fresh air from the usual Indian fare.
Of the entire experience, the man at the register was to the point but helpful (he told us that everything was there and to go ahead and help ourselves — all the prompting I need!). The facility itself was simple and did the job, though they will need to work on spill cleaning. The tables were cleared but not exactly wiped down. The buffet wasn’t very special but it was decent and budget Indian buffets are a great thing, so no real complaints (…what is that bright red, overly salty curry with what looks like green chilies with tons of seeds???). The snack and food selection is very decent and it took me about 10 minutes to properly explore the shop after lunch.
For the food experience, I would rate it a 3.5… perhaps rounded up to a 4. For the entire grounds as a whole, a definite 5!

Houston is fortunate to have such a spectacular marvel as close as this. I first discovered this last year after seeing some pictures. I’m upset it took me so long to visit, but I’m glad I made it a point to go when I did.
I did the necessary research on visiting times, norms and rules. Even once I got in to the campus, I asked if it was okay to take pictures with a professional camera and was told yes (with the exception of inside the temple). Unfortunately, when I was using my tripod on the outside, someone approached me about new limitations on photography, so I am assuming that will become restricted soon.
I plan on going back soon to explore and take in the Hindu culture. Although it is not my faith, I respect it and would love to learn more about it. This is truly a Houston gem.

This is definitely one of Houston’s hidden gems! It’s about 25 minutes south of downtown Houston and right outside of Sugar Land. I randomly came across this Mandir while looking for places to photograph in Houston.
There is plenty of parking and the entire area is free to explore. There is a small exhibition hall that illustrates the history of India and different achievements of the Indian and Hindu cultures. There is also a small market that offers unique Indian snacks and gifts.
The actual temple is gorgeous. The amount of detail in the Italian marble looks like something that would be inside a museum. You are not allowed to take pictures inside the Mandir otherwise I would post them on here. This is just something you have to check out yourself. The guides inside were knowledgable about the different marble designs and very friendly. Each design has a different meaning and represents something about the Hindu culture. I really enjoyed learning the background and the meaning behind the carvings. You can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour here.

If you live in the Houston metro area get yourself down here now! Beautiful and gorgeous architecture. I cannot scream enough how breath taking this place is. Decided to visit after a good friend telling me about this awesome Hindu Temple not far from me. I said what are you talking about? Since I am an avid photographer I wanted to get some shots.
Getting there can be a challenge at the moment. The street the temple is on is being redone so you will have to detour to get in and be patient coming out because the street is one way and a lot of construction trucks, workers and delays.
When you arrive you will have to get through the gate. The guard inside the booth is really nice and will wave you in with a smile. I took shots all over the outside of the campus. You cannot take pics inside so please be respectful of that. Also if you plan to enter the temple google their website and adhere to the strict dress code. Its just respect kiddos. You need pants, no shorts, sleeves on your shirts and no shoes. You can have shoe covers they have inside for walking around if you can’t go bare footed.
The campus is a good size. They have an educational exhibit and store with tasty locally made treats. Everyone there was very friendly and eager to answer any questions you may have. I truly enjoyed my visit and can’t wait to edit the great shots I got today. Pure awesomeness. Go get a visit in soon!

I felt so peaceful and honored in coming to such a holy establishment, the details of the interior was insane like omg I cannot think of how much time they spent doing it, btw u have to remove your shoes before entering the temple

I do not follow Hinduism but this building was just spectacular
Architecturally this was top 5 buildings I have ever seen. The detail is so clean and precise. The view from the pond is just jaw dropping.
Hidden gem just outside of Houston.

If you appreciate the arts, enjoy intricate details in architecture be prepared to be amazed by the über impressive detail of this structure! This religious structure is a Hindu Mandir (place of worship and prayer for followers of Hinduism.) Before going I suggest you read the website to get some updated information about the facilities. It will provide a greater understanding of the culture and why this facility was constructed.
Pictures can be taken throughout the grounds. However, once in the temple photography is not allowed. If you are wearing shorts, you will not be able to enter the temple. I had worn shorts the day I visited and was disappointed to see the signs indicating my attire was not appropriate for the temple. I started to walk away but a lady quickly approached me and asked where I was going? I Iooked down at my shorts and she said «Oh, don’t worry we have these wraps you can use.» My disappointment was quickly replaced with excitement!
The temple is certainly a sight worth seeing. To try and explain all its glory does you no justice! Get up and go! My only recommendation is to be respectful of the facilities.
For other great information about the facilities see Depp N.‘s review of their vegetarian

So beautiful! Everyone was very nice and helpful! I would suggest learning about proper etiquette beforehand. I made some mistakes and although no one made a fuss I didn’t want to offend anyone, everyone was super nice and informative but I did think maybe doing some research beforehand would have helped. I felt like I belonged for the most part, the guy in the gift shop even told us to come back for the festival. Great gift shop and food. He showed me how everything is eaten and what everything is. I felt very welcomed, I felt at peace. I participated in the Abhishek (I hope I have this correct) and learned you can call or write to get prayer on your behalf. We ate at the buffet and got some incense and a Ganesha statue! We will be back. Learned so much and the temple is truly amazing!

This place has the best authentic indian vegetarian food in houston. Everyone has touched upon its architecture and grandeur in their reviews, but most seem to be unaware of the fact that on sunday evenings the temple offers free food to the devotees. As in hindu tradition it is open for all.
This food is considered the prashad (divine food) from god to his devotees.
The menu is simple. roti /​chapati (soft flatbread) with sukha (dry semi gravy dish made out of cauliflower or cabbage), rice, sambhar and a sweet (made out of pure ghee, figs or other dry fruits), The dishes and sweet may vary .I have quoted just an instance.
Everyone shares the same space, eat the same food and offer their respects to the god. and it is the most satisfying and wholesome authentic meal.
Although everyone is welcome to the shrine, please make sure you take the following precautions, so that you do not cause inconvenience to other devotees
1. be well aware of the culture and traditions, or be accompanied by someone who knows it, so that they can guide you. Its a religious place and any kind of disrespect to the sanctity of the establishment may not be taken lightly.
2.remove your footwear before you have the food (sign of respect)
3.Wait in line like everyone else.
4. This is not food, it is prashad. So try not not waste it, If you are not sure it wont appeal to your palate. choose modestly. always try to finish whats on your plate and you can always go back if you need more.
5. Do not take pictures of the food.
Visit the temple, have a wholesome meal and get consumed by the bliss.

This is a hidden gem! We went here to check it out and were totally blown away. The place is gorgeous.
It is made up of something like 33,000 individually hand carved pieces of stone which were then all assembled without the use of any nails or mortar. It’s breathtaking. The day we went they were doing some work on the outside so there was scaffolding up, but it was still beautiful. I can’t wait to go back when the weather is nicer. We went on a cold day, and walking around barefoot was a little rough.
Everyone there was super friendly. I did not feel like I was intruding at all. The shoes and camera restrictions are clearly marked, and easy to adhere to. They have a gift shop which had tons of food and souvenirs. I can’t wait to go back.

This place is absolutely breathtaking. I love the details that were put into building this building. I walked around inside and read about each shrine and afterwards sat in the center of the building and the most beautiful part was right above me. I really wanted to take a picture of it because it was amazing. Defiantly worth a visit because pictures doesn’t even compare.
Afterwards I went to the gift shop and there wasn’t anything that I wanted so I just left empty hand but it was defiantly worth the drive out.

Took a friend here over the weekend who was interested in Hinduism, and he almost cried. After taking off our shoes and walking up the steps, we were might by a friendly and knowledgeable guide who explained the temple’s history to us. He even gave us some really delicious sweets afterwards, as a parting gift.
The altars and the statues in them are quite a sight. The main Hindu gods are housed in the altars surrounding the center of the temple, while altars to previous yogis (leaders) are housed near the back. At the bottom of the temple is a small golden statue, which you’ll often see worshipers pouring water (apparently from the river Ganges in India) over as a sign of their reverence.
I highly recommend seeing this place, even if you don’t know anything about Hinduism or India. Just make sure to check the times on their website, as some parts of the temple close depending on what time of the day you go. The best times would be in the morning or around noon, as they have a lot of worshipers come in during the afternoon and you don’t really want to feel like you’re getting in their way.

WOW! You must go here. I saw the reviews on Unilocal and decided I had to go see if this place was as cool in person as the photos make it look. It’s better!
I brought my cousin here as one of our stops on a sightseeing tour of Houston. We were both blown away! Neither of us is Hindu, but the people here were so friendly and welcoming. We arrived, parked, and found quite a site. It’s really a complex of several buildings. The main Mandir has two beautiful fountains on either side of the entrance and a long pond in front of it. The fountains are filled with river rocks and the water flows down them at an angle.
The main building is gorgeous. You have to take off your shoes, but don’t make the mistake I made and leave them at the bottom of the stairs. There are male and female shoe areas on either side of the stairs. Also, make sure you wear long pants and long sleeves. If you are wearing a skirt or shorts, they will kindly ask you to wear one of their provided wraps (like a tube skirt for modesty).
As we walked around inside the main temple (?), we were completely amazed at the carvings and grandeur. A nice man who was vacuuming the floor stopped and asked if we wanted to know more. He then proceeded to tell us about the building. 33,000 pieces of hand carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone. The building was completed in 2004 and is the first of its kind in North America and the only open temple. All of the marble was carved in India and then the pieces were sent to the USA to be assembled. There is NO metal inside the structure and everything is just marble and limestone pieces that interlock together. Every piece of marble is incredible and unique. There are many deities and symbols carved into the marble.
It’s impossible to explain how amazing this place is. You aren’t allowed to take photos inside, so instead of looking at it online, you just need to go experience it. After you tour the main temple, head over to the gift shop. The shop has lots of Indian foods and spices.
Pictures don’t do it justice. Just go!