Visiting the Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California - BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir or known as Neasden Temple is an authentic Hindu temple and built entirely with traditional methods and material and was inaugurated in 1995 located in Chino Hills, California, which is in the part of San Bernardino County that borders Los Angeles County.
One afternoon in December, we traveled from Simi valley going to Chino Hills for a temple visit, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. It's a mixture of emotions since this was my first time visiting this place and driving towards the southern part of California.
A 75 miles long journey begins with a drive-thru to my favorite restaurant near the house, the Jack in the box; buying meals and coffee. Then, began the trip traversing the huge highway, overwhelmed since this is the second time I drove in the US, and in less than 2 hours we had arrived.
The place is quiet and not crowded, so, we quickly look for a parking space and quickly found one. This magnificent temple complex amazed me as if I'm in another dimension of the world feeling that I returned back to the ancient time. This complex is composed of the Hindu mandir, haveli (the cultural center), and a heritage museum
After the quick shot, we now headed to the temple, passing the various souvenir shops and a food court located before reaching the building exit. Of course, I can't avoid buying something that can be remembered as well as tasting local food, because that's what I like when I go to different places. Then, we headed to the temple site.
The temple is within a short walk. It is sacred, there are rules that need to be followed so I decide to see the beauty of the temple from the entrance. This place is so powerful and sacred, feeling like everyone who enters healed their pain and sorrow when comes out of it, so I decided to take a chance to practice and experience to understand Hinduism.
