BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

This past weekend we finally made it over to the Mandir for a tour.  I have been wanting to go see the Hindu temple ever since I found out that it was here and that we could go and take a look.

This is the largest Mandir outside of India.  It was actually carved entirely in India, and then sent over in pieces. Then the whole thing was constructed here in Atlanta.

It's absolutely gorgeous.  The photos don't do it justice.  And, we were only allowed to take photos outside, from a distance.  The inside is so much more amazing, but you have to see it in person.

We rented some self-guided audio tours from the book store and set off at our own pace to explore.

There is a beautiful fountain and a reflecting pool in front.

Once we were done with our tour, we went to the Shayona Cafe that is there on the grounds.  I didn't know what to order, so I just ordered the buffet and put some of everything on my plate.  I actually really liked everything, except one dish that was just too spicy for me.  I had no idea what any of it was, but since it was all vegetarian, I wasn't afraid of what I could have been eating.  I liked this one thing so much that I went and asked what it was.  It was called sandwich dhokla.  And I want to go back and eat there again.  Because it was so very delicious.