BAPS - Chicago

BAPS - Chicago 

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex in Bartlett, IL has become the focus of interest and wonder for thousands of local citizens and people visiting Chicagoland. The fusion of traditional Indian architecture with modern technology has attracted people from all walks of life; from visiting school groups to architects, all have been marveled by the Mandir’s stunning architecture and breathtaking artistry. 

This masterpiece of ancient design and workmanship, which was put up in only 16 months, is testimony to the sheer dedication and devotion of over 1,700 volunteers.

The story of the Mandir’s creation is epic in proportions and logistics. Over 1,700 volunteers from the Chicagoland area, and many more from over 3 continents, contributed their expertise during the construction of this edifice.   Built according to the ancient canons of Hindu architecture, known as the Shilpa-Shastras, the Mandir exemplifies a system of construction that has been proven to withstand the tests of time, thus providing a place that will continue to generate memories and experiences for posterity. 

Using premium Italian Carrara marble, Indian Makrana marble, and the finest Turkish limestone, it was hand-carved into 40,000 pieces by skilled craftsmen in India. Ancient Indian heritage and traditions have been encompassed in this place of worship that has revived India’s culture through its beautiful architecture.

Festivals are celebrated on a grand scale at the Mandir throughout the year, which include Diwali, Swaminarayan Jayanti, Ram Navmi, Janmashtmi, Shivratri, Holi and Ganesh Chaturti.  Marking the Hindu New Year, the grandest of the Hindu festivals, Diwali and Annakut, are celebrated with dazzling lights, sights, smells, and sounds.

I had a chance to visit this temple on a heavy snow day, Here i posted the few photos and video i took there.

Address:

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago

1851 Pramukh Swami Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103

(630) 213-2277

Blue Ridge Parkway

About the Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most visited sections of the National Park System. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads, mountain meadows and scenic overlooks with endless vistas make the Blue Ridge Parkway a popular attraction.

 A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other, a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands.The Parkway incorporates numerous campgrounds, picnic areas and trails. 

Blue Ridge Parkway offers:

• 469 miles connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
• Stunning views, abundant hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites, and interpretative exhibits
• Ample recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities
• Natural beauty featuring one of the world’s most diverse display of flora and fauna.
• Named “America’s Favorite Drive,”

Soco Falls

Soco Falls is a double waterfall located on the Cherokee Nation close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's easily accessible from Highway 19. A five minute walk down a maintained trail leads to a viewing platform. To the left of the viewing platform there's a steep trail leading down to the top of the smaller fall and on down to the creek below the falls. This trail is not maintained and is very slippery. It is not recommended that you proceed down this trail. Don't try to enter the creek above the falls.

Soco Falls is a beautiful, double waterfall on the edge of Cherokee Indian Reservation, located between the towns of Maggie Valley (5.5 miles) and Cherokee (10 miles). 

 View from the observation deck - 120-foot waterfall.

How to reach : 

From Cherokee and Gatlinburg

Take Highway 19 toward Maggie Valley for about 10 miles. 
Watch for a small blue sign that says the  waterfall is o.5 miles away.
There's a small pull out on the right hand side of the road. No signs are located at the parking area. 
There's another small blue sign that says "Soco Falls" at the pull off. There's a break in the guard rail to enter the trail. It is a short walk to the viewing platform.

Coming from Maggie Valley, it's 1.5 miles west from the Blue Ridge Parkway and will be on your left.

Latitude and Longitude  : 35.492500 N      83.169444 W  

Franklin Jain Temple

Franklin Jain Temple - New Jersy 

Jain Temple in Franklin Township:  Franklin is one of best known Jain Temple in USA. It is situated in the Franklin Township, New Jersey. The temple built as like as other Jain temples. It is so nice in the architecture and interior works.

The main temple has magnificent marble idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavira,

Idols in Franklin :

• Shri Parshwnathji 
• Shri Simandhar Swami
• Shri Adinathji 
• Shri Mahaveerji
• Shri Vasupujyaji
• Shri Shantinathji 

We can visit the Siddhachalam and Franklin Jain Temples in same day. Franklin Township, Jain Temple is 50 miles away from Siddhachalam Temple.

Franklin Township Jinalya Address :
Jain Center of New Jersey,
111 Cedar Grove Lane,
Somerset, NJ 08873.

Devils Hole in Niagara Falls

Devil's Hole State Park - Niagara Falls USA

Devil's Hole State Park is a 42-acre (17 ha) state park located in Niagara County, New York, north of the City of Niagara Falls. The day-use park overlooks the lower Niagara River Gorge. Devil's Hole Ravine is located along the American shoreline of the Niagara River Gorge just north of the Niagara Glen. It is a deep, bowl shaped basin of the Bloody Run tributary from Glacial Lake Tonawanda.

Niagara Falls Whirlpool Jet boat Tours offers Niagara's most exciting adventure! 

As you speed along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h in the confines of this truly one of a kind jet boat, You¹ll be astounded as the 31,000 lbs. of thrust from the jet boat vanquishes the mighty Class 5 whitewater of the Devil¹s Hole Rapids and the swirling waters of the Whirlpool. 

Devil's Hole State Park overlooks the Devil's Hole Rapids. The park has picnic areas, scenic overlooks and hiking trails, and is one of the more popular spots for fishing. A stone staircase leads down to the base of the gorge and the Devil's Hole Trail, which offers spectacular views of the rapids and gorge rock layers.

Devil's Hole State Park overlooks the Lower Niagara River. A hiking trail leads from the park down 300 vertical feet to the turbulent Devil's Hole Rapids. The very rugged trail affords spectacular views of the gorge and the rapids. It is a popular spot for fishermen especially for salmon and trout. Park regulations state that you must stay on established trails and do not enter the water. A few picnic tables can be found in the area to the west of the restrooms. Admission to the park is free.