Hindu Temple, Architectural Wonder: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Continue to implement Skittles.

The third wave of the pandemic, the government did not intend to close the city and let the people resist it, because the economy in various places could no longer bear it, but it was too fierce and had to be closed again, so there was nowhere to go. . It is too cold outside, and indoors are not allowed unless it is a religious place, so I came to the temple of this Indian architectural miracle.

It is said to be a miracle, because this Hindu temple was built according to the method described in the ancient Indian Vedas. The whole building did not use a nail and a steel. The main building materials are Turkish limestone, as well as Italian Marble, these materials are going to India, hundreds of craftsmen trained in ancient Indian traditional skills, hand-carved with chisels and hammers, polished 24,000 stones, and then all sent to Toronto by number, and another 2,000 Volunteers reassembled it for 18 months.

The temple has an area of 95,000 square meters and costs $40 million. It used to be a wasteland, but now it looks like a fairyland on earth. It is located near the pearson airport. As soon as I saw it, although I didn't know anything about architecture, I immediately felt a very shocking mood. It has a unique appearance. The outer walls of the entire temple are all white marble, very solemn and clean. The sculpture is very beautiful and luxurious, but not tacky.

It is an architectural spectacle, with walls and ceilings constructed with elaborate designs and statues according to ancient Indian traditions. If it is illuminated by the sun, it looks like a sparkling crystal palace, or the palace of heaven or the palace of dragons. Can not help but sigh: this scene should only exist in the sky.

The first floor consists of two parts. Entering from the gate, you will see a wooden corridor. The gate and the hall are decorated with Indian teak carvings. Many ancient Indian musicians, poets, and dancers have been carved, all of them are lifelike and realistic, and there are many dancing peacocks, elephants, lotuses and other things that represent sacred symbols in Hinduism.

Even if visitors don't know Hinduism, seeing these carvings will make them imagine the myths of India. Besides, I know a thing or two about many sects and cultural history in India, and I have seen familiar saints and deities, such as Radha and Krishna, Sita and Rama, Shiva and Pārvatī, and Vishnu. (Vishnu) and Lakshmi, Hanuman, Ganesha, etc., are quite cordial in my heart. The exquisite carving techniques make them look lifelike, as if standing in front of me and having a dialogue with me through time and space.

Since it is winter, it is very quiet and there are not many visitors. Walking along the wooden promenade, you will see the entrance of the temple. You need to take off your shoes to enter the temple, and there are separate channels for men and women.

There are only three or two people in the temple praying, sitting quietly, and the atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, as if they have come to a paradise.

After coming out of the temple, continue to walk along the wooden corridor, and see a staircase to the second floor, which is the main hall dedicated to the gods, and it is also a white marble main body. As soon as I stepped into the second floor, I was stunned and shocked by what I saw. This place is more like a fairyland, a place that can purify people, you will have a feeling of being washed in your soul, peaceful and ethereal, as if you are in another universe. Immediately, all the delusional thoughts disappeared in the heart, as if the soul had left the body.

This temple does not have the cigarette curls we imagined, nor the artificial and gorgeous decorations in traditional temples. Instead, it has a very refined and clean feeling.

In addition to being a religious site, this building is an architectural marvel that integrates culture, history, art, education and more. On the first floor, a heritage museum has been specially set up to introduce India's strength as an ancient civilization and its major contributions to the world's cultural sciences. It specifically shows achievements in mathematics, physics, and science. This is also what struck me.

Taking pictures indoors is not allowed, it is too cold outside, I just took a few pictures of the appearance in a hurry, I hope to watch it again in summer.

image selfie