The Ekta Mandir at Irving is one of the major temples in the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) Metroplex area. Last week we had gone there to take part in the holi celebrations. I took the opportunity to shoot some pictures of the temple. Here they are for you all to look and enjoy. The cupola of the Ekta Mandir, very traditionaly designed and built of concrete. Most of the modern temples in India look similar but are much more colourful. Perhaps the city ordinance doesn't allow multicolour buildings or maybe the authorities decided to have uniformity in colour. A dolmen in the rear of the temple which looks more like a greek structure than Indian. Symbolically built to replicate the originals in India. The holi revellers included some local American kids too. This american girl seems to make a bold
Have been interviewing at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandir in Neasden, London for a WNOL story.It is a beautiful place of worship and a focus for the community.The mandir is also connected to the Swaminarayan School, which is across the road on the 13 acre site.It was interesting to watch how the broadcast pathway student I was with filmed a piece to camera and I undertook a soundcheck for her.The Mandir is free and open every day from 9 until 6.I strongly recommend a visit, but allow at least two hours.You can reach the temple via Bus PR2 from Wembley Park (except on Sundays, when you may have to walk there). Other buses are Bus 112 from Brent Cross and Bus 18 from Baker Street.Neasden also has an Underground station, which is about fifteen minuites brisk walk.
Shirdi - Sai BabaSamadhi Mandir :The Mandir is built with stones and Baba's Samadhi is built with white marble stones. A railing is built in marble around the Samadhi and is full of ornamental decorations. In front of the Samadhi are two silver pillars full of decorative designs. Just behind the Samadhi is Sai Baba's marvelous statue made of Italian marble which shows him seated on a throne. This idol was made by late Balaji Vasant.This statue was installed on 7th October 1954. Above the statue is an open, silver umbrella. The front of the Mandir has an assembly hall where about 600 devotees can be accomadated. Here is the show-case where various things handled by Baba are kept. On the first floor of the Mandir are pictures depicting the life of Baba.The routine of the temple starts at 5 o'clock in the morning with Bhoopali, a morning song, and closes at 10 o'clock in the night after Shejarati is sung. Only on three occasions the temple is kept open overnight .ie. on Gurupoornima,
