Water Features Enchant Visitors To North America's Largest Hindu Temple

Hundreds of thousands of visitors annually come to admire the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Ill. The striking Hindu temple—the largest in North America--and its beautiful 27-acre complex incorporate numerous outstanding water features designed by Hydro Dramatics.

A carved marble ceremonial gate at the entrance is flanked by two large ponds and waterfalls. Each pond is enhanced by floating fountains discharging dramatic geysers of white water to heights of 25 feet.

The main entry fountain measures 135 feet in length, and features a large center cascade of foamy white water rising 10 feet in height, surrounded by a 24-foot diameter spray ring with 126 smooth bore jets rising to a height of five feet and arcing toward the center. Twelve cascade jets (six on each side), radiate in opposite directions from the center toward both the temple and entry gate. Four exterior pools, each with gently cascading bubblers, surround and reflect the grandeur of the exquisitely carved temple.

All water features are dramatically illuminated with underwater lights. To provide easy maintenance and enhanced aesthetics for the main entry and reflecting pool fountains, Hydro Dramatics placed all fountain equipment in special underground vaults.

The overall effect is enchanting and integral to the exotic beauty of BAPS Mandir.