BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta
A breathtaking Hindu temple, the largest in the US, featuring intricate hand-carved stone architecture and serene grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking Hindu temple, the largest in the US, featuring intricate hand-carved stone architecture and serene grounds.
"A sacred place of wonder, beauty, and intricate detail that leaves visitors in awe."
🎯 Modest Dress is Key
Cover shoulders and legs. Shawls available if needed. :dress:
👟 Remove Shoes Inside
Be prepared to take off your shoes before entering the temple. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intricate Stone Carvings
Marvel at the thousands of hand-carved pieces of Italian marble, Turkish limestone, and Indian pink sandstone.
Architectural Grandeur
Experience the sheer scale and beauty of the largest Hindu temple in the US, built without steel.
Serene Grounds
Wander through 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Respect
Free Entry & Photography Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Modest Dress is Key
Cover shoulders and legs. Shawls available if needed. :dress:
👟 Remove Shoes Inside
Be prepared to take off your shoes before entering the temple. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Rules
Photography allowed outside, but not inside the main temple. :camerawithflash:
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy this stunning attraction without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Modest Dress is Key
Cover shoulders and legs. Shawls available if needed. :dress:
👟 Remove Shoes Inside
Be prepared to take off your shoes before entering the temple. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Rules
Photography allowed outside, but not inside the main temple. :camerawithflash:
💰 Free Admission
Enjoy this stunning attraction without any entry fee. :moneywithwings:
📍 Location Details
Find it on Pleasant Hill Road, near Buford Hwy. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta for its breathtaking architecture and serene atmosphere, calling it a 'sacred place' and a 'wonder'. The free admission and the kindness of the staff are frequently highlighted positives. Some visitors feel a slight internal struggle with observing a place of worship as an outsider, but acknowledge the welcoming nature of the temple.
"What a serene and beautiful place! The temple’s architecture left me in awe, and the staff’s kindness made the visit even more enjoyable. I also loved having the opportunity to browse and purchase souvenirs in the shop. I highly recommend visiting this peaceful place. Please remember to wear appropriate clothing—covering shoulders and legs—and if you forget, they provide a shawl to cover up. Entrance is free."
Erika Linares
"A sacred place. I understand that this is a landmark, a place to appreciate the architecture and wonder of the grounds, and truly it is. It is wonderful, beautiful, intricate and solemn. The detail is astounding and you can truly see the care taken for every inch of this Temple.
You are not allowed to take pictures inside of the Temple but it is quite a site to behold… while I appreciated every moment I was there, I did feel strange about “observing” while so many were there to pray. It felt like I was invading their space. Though no one made me feel this way, it was my own internal struggle. Everyone was kind and warm and didn’t even look at me like I didn’t belong. Being Spirtual myself, and knowing how deeply personal it is, I think I was putting myself in their shoes (or feet because you can’t wear shoes in the temple :). They will also provide you a cover up if you have sleeveless tops or skirt/shorts on.
I am glad I experienced it. I am happy I was able to see the beauty that has been created. The gift shop was nice, and I walked out with something lovely.
I suppose I would just say… be respectful. Be humble, know that others are there holding this sacred and honored, and you are just visiting."
Jessica S
"This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Got so lucky with all the statues being open and visible.
The gift shop is also very cheap and there are some good decour stuff.
Don’t forget to wear long sleeve and pants🤦♀️"
Karola Pap (karocska)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located on Pleasant Hill Road, near Buford Highway in the Atlanta area. It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Atlanta.
Yes, ample parking is available on-site for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a bit early during peak times to secure a good spot.
Absolutely! Entry to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is completely free, making it a wonderful budget-friendly option for exploring Atlanta.
The temple is open to the public from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.
The grounds are generally accessible, and efforts are made to accommodate visitors with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the temple directly for specific accessibility inquiries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required for entry. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir offers free admission to all visitors, regardless of their faith or background.
Visitors are required to dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and legs. If you arrive in attire that doesn't meet the dress code, they provide shawls to cover up.
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds of the temple, but it is strictly prohibited inside the main prayer hall and inner sanctums. Be respectful of worshippers and follow all posted signage.
Yes, you must remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. Shoe racks are provided for your convenience.
Large bags and backpacks may not be permitted inside the temple. It's best to keep personal belongings to a minimum. Food and drinks are also generally not allowed inside the prayer areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning architecture, explore the intricately carved stone structures, and walk through the serene landscaped grounds. There's also a gift shop with souvenirs.
While it's a popular spot, weekday mornings tend to be quieter, offering a more serene experience. Weekends and holidays can be busier.
The temple is primarily a place of worship. While visitors are welcome to observe, participation in specific ceremonies may be limited. It's best to inquire on-site about any public events.
A visit can range from 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the architecture and grounds. If you plan to browse the gift shop or spend more time reflecting, allow for a bit longer.
Absolutely! The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. It's a place to appreciate art, architecture, and culture.
📸 📸 Photography
You can take photos on the exterior grounds of the temple. The intricate carvings and the overall structure are very photogenic.
Drone photography is typically not permitted at religious sites like this. It's best to avoid bringing drones to ensure you don't violate any regulations.
The main facade of the temple, the surrounding gardens, and the intricate details of the stone carvings offer excellent photo opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
No, photography, including selfies, is not allowed inside the main temple building. Please respect this rule to maintain the sanctity of the space.
Late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Weekday mornings offer fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Children can be fascinated by the intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the temple's architecture. The landscaped grounds provide space for kids to walk around and explore, offering a peaceful environment away from the city bustle.It's important to prepare children for the modest dress code and the need to remove shoes before entering. Explaining that the temple is a place of worship can help them understand the importance of respectful behavior. While photography is restricted inside, the exterior offers plenty of photo opportunities for family memories. The gift shop also has items that might appeal to younger visitors.
✨ Budget Travelers
allowing you to experience world-class architecture and a serene environment at no cost. This makes it a standout attraction for anyone exploring Atlanta on a budget.Beyond the free entry, the temple offers a rich cultural experience. You can spend hours admiring the hand-carved stone details and the impressive architecture of the largest Hindu temple in the US.
+1 The surrounding gardens provide a peaceful place to relax and reflect. Even the gift shop is noted for having reasonably priced souvenirs.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
+1 The construction was a monumental effort, completed in just 17 months with over 1.3 million volunteer hours. The sheer detail in the carvings, depicting deities, flora, and geometric patterns, is awe-inspiring and reflects a deep commitment to artistry and tradition.This architectural wonder is not just visually striking but also holds cultural significance as the largest Hindu temple in the United States.
+1 Its construction method and the materials used are a nod to ancient building techniques, making it a unique landmark. Visitors often express their amazement at the scale and precision of the work, describing it as a 'sacred place' and a 'wonder of the grounds'.When visiting, take your time to appreciate the exterior details. While photography is restricted inside, the outside offers ample opportunities to capture the grandeur. The temple's design is meant to evoke a sense of peace and devotion, and its presence in Atlanta offers a glimpse into rich cultural heritage.
Visitor Etiquette and Experience
If you arrive unprepared, the temple provides shawls to ensure everyone can adhere to the guidelines.Many visitors highlight the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the temple and its grounds.
Photography is allowed on the exterior grounds, allowing you to capture the temple's beauty. However, photos are not permitted inside the main temple building.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit