This beautiful Hindu temple can be seen from the 71 freeway in Chino Hills, CA., but what the initial glance you get from just passing by will never prepare you for the magnificence that lies inside. Finished in 2012 this hand carved temple was opened to the public. It was commissioned by BAPS and built by many volunteers. The sandstone used for the outside of the temple was shipped straight from India and the Italian Marble that decorated the inside was hand chosen and shipped from Italy. Unfortunately you are not allowed to photograph the inside walls of the visitor center (which is also hand carved and decorated with beautifully crafted elephants, horses, peacocks, and ceremonial doors) and the inside of the temple itself (which is full of life size marble statues of the past and present Swamis, child sized marble statues of their Gods, and floor to ceiling white pillars that are carved of animals, people, and much more) due the fact that they do hold prayer services throughout the day and if they were to allow photography the temple goers would not have an environment of quiet tranquility to pray. Fortunately when I was visiting the inside of the temple I had the chance to observe a prayer service. I sat on the floor that was separated by gender for 15 minutes. I sat with these amazing people who didn't give me judging looks for being an outsider or having the same beliefs or even wearing the "appropriate" garb for a prayer service. While I visited I experienced not just anothers beliefs and ideals, but their way of life. The museum on the ground floor of the temple also give me insight and information on the volunteers and the current leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The people I met there were always happy to help and explain what everything meant. If you are looking for somewhere to visit that is beautiful and inspiring this is the place to go. It is free to get in, but please keep in mind that the only income they bring is through the two little shops they run and donations. There a few thing you should also know when visiting: shoes must come off when you step foot in/on the temple, no pictures inside, all clothing must cover shoulders and knees, and lastly cellphone must remain off in the temple. Again the temple is located in Chino Hills, California off the 71 freeway. As I sit here in my bed at one o'clock in the morning listening to The Beatles and putting this "blog" together it's got me thinking;Who am I really making this blog for? Why have I decided to post my personal photography for the world to see and criticize? I can answer both of the questions in one quick sentence and not some beautifully scripted monologue. And here is the wonderfully succinct answer: photography is the way I see the world. |