Rick Badie / My Opinion

By Greg

August 18, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

It is beautiful.

By T

August 18, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

If you like seeing sublime visual art in the context of a parking lot, it’s perfect. However, the building is so spectacular, even it’s mundane surroundings cannot alter the stunning impact it has on the viewer.

By Ajamu

August 18, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I have Indian Hindu neighbors on either side of me in my subdivision in Gwinnett. I am an African born in America. Both have stated that they are not particularly impressed with the temple because it pales in comparison to the ones in India. I feel it is a spectacular piece of architecture and more power to the Hindu people of Georgia. It is a symbol of the religous freedom we have in the US.

By On The Mark

August 18, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I’d strongly disagree that it’s become a “tourist attraction” given that a rather odd building like that and its constituents are not particularly open to “outsiders.”

A bit odd, and out of place. I don’t mind religious buildings (aside from the Muslim-that’s a whole ‘nother story) however I never cared for those that contradict the surrounding community’s style and especially those that have the unspoken rule that if you’re not like them, you have no place being there.

By Steve

August 18, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

What kind of voodoo goes on in that place?

By sam

August 18, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I live about a mile from the temple and I love it… I recently took some relatives who came to visit from out of State to see the inside. They were pretty impressed, I think it’s very beautiful.

By sam

August 18, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I live about a mile from the temple and I love it… I recently took some relatives who came to visit from out of State to see the inside. They were pretty impressed, I think it’s very beautiful.

By William

August 18, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with the beautiful Hindu temple. Maybe it will encourage an renaissance in the surrounding declining neighborhood. I do have a problem with the Muslim Mosque if all the rooms and basements are not routinely inspected by Federal authorities for anti-American propaganda and WMD components.

By lots wife

August 18, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a monstrosity. It looks out of place. It looks like something Captain Kirk and his crew once visited.

By Kiran

August 18, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Magnificent, beautiful and detailed work. I saw all color and creed there. Open to anyone, just note the timings. This Mandir would look good anywhere and make everything else look good too and make you have faith in a hierarchy. Go visit with an open mind.

By Bruce Wilcox

August 18, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Now if we could just get a few nice hotels in the area of the temple visitors will start spending bucks locally. Maybe it will help in cleaning up JCB and the Village would really become the Gateway to Gwinnett. It just takes time.

About those Muslim Mosque’s William, I believe the First Amendment covers all. You may be surprised how close some are right now.

By D

August 18, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I drive by it every day and have wanted to visit since it opened. It is coming up on one year since it formally opened and I hope they have another grand celebration. To those of you who have visited, how do you make arrangements to see the inside? (or do you just drive up to the gate?)

By Amazing

August 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I think it is stunning. My only complaint is that they did not purchase the land where Walgreens sits. When driving N. on Lawrenceville Hwy, it looks as if the temple is rising out of the drugstore.

D, I think you need to schedule a tour. I believe they give several on Saturdays.

By Mary's Mother

August 18, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t appreciate it at all, but then again I have a reason why.

We thought it was rather interesting (and at first were not aware what is was) and stopped while driving by as some people were outside.

When asked about our religious and cultural backgrounds (Christian) we were asked to leave as we didn’t “relate appropriately to the members and requirements.”

Not a great experience.

By LT5000

August 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Now if only the AJC could find a blogger to offset the banality of Rick Badie and his stupid musings.

Hey Rick, when are you scheduled to do that ride along with the Norcross Police?

LT5000

By MJK

August 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I think its fantastic and would love to have an opportunity to take a tour if they were offered.

By Bruce Wilcox

August 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Here you go for those who wondered…

Web: http://atlanta.baps.org

Visiting Hours

The Mandir is open to all visitors daily from 9am to 6pm and entry is free of charge. The sacred shrines within the Mandir are open daily from 9am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 12pm, & from 4pm - 6pm.

Abhishek, an ancient Vedic ritual of bathing the murti of God to honor Him and to attain blessings for inner place, can be performed daily from 9am - 10:30am, 11:30am - 12pm (11:30am -3pm on Sundays) & from 4pm - 6pm.

By Brue Wilcox

August 19, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

My apologies for the above. I typed without realizing I was supporting the woship of idols and false gods.

In retrospect, this “temple” is not so welcome after all.

By jim d

August 19, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

So Bruce,

I guess freedom of religion now is just freedom of your religion?

By Guru

August 19, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

I am a Hindu but do not particularly follow any of the religions associated with Hinduism. I have seen this Mandir being built from the ground-up. Putting the religion and religious practices of all aside, the amount of voluntary work involved in building this was amazing. The structure is a masterpiece of ancient Indian building ‘science’. Most Hindu temples would welcome all people. The only exception, to my shock, was the one on Jimmy Carter. Do NOT relate all Hindu temples to that one. People of ALL race and religion are welcome at any Hindu temple. Visit this place and think of it as a museum to learn more about another place and time in history. This Mandir also does some great work. Here is an example: http://www.swaminarayan.org/activities/relief/katrina2005/

By Guru

August 19, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

I am a Hindu but do not particularly follow any of the religions associated with Hinduism. I have seen this Mandir being built from the ground-up. Putting the religion and religious practices of all aside, the amount of voluntary work involved in building this was amazing. The structure is a masterpiece of ancient Indian building ‘science’. Most Hindu temples would welcome all people. The only exception, to my shock, was the one on Jimmy Carter. Do NOT relate all Hindu temples to that one. People of ALL race and religion are welcome at any Hindu temple. Visit this place and think of it as a museum to learn more about another place and time in history. This Mandir also does some great work. Here is an example: http://www.swaminarayan.org/activities/relief/katrina2005/

By Mark

August 19, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

It’s as ugly as the state capital. Why did we allow it to be built? This is America, not some backward hindu country. Religion is for the illiterate.

By Katie

August 19, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Sorry, but I think we have enough strip malls, empty or full and churches. But I keep forgetting I’m living in the bible belt. There’s a bit too much thumping here for my taste.

By Linda

August 19, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Lilburn. We recently drove through Lilburn for an appointment in Tucker. When we passed the overly white, huge temple, my 4 year old wanted to know what country we were in!! It makes me sick that my kids are growing up in a different world than I did!!!

By The Voice of Raisin

August 19, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Katie, there’s no “bible thumping” going on here. That line is tired, and a cop-out typically used by some people.

Would you like some cheese with that whine?

You might want to shut the héll up.

By Sandy_G

August 19, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I’m one of those “bible thumpers” and I think the building is beautiful. I also think that the philosophy of the Hindu religion has some very beautiful aspects. You see, I’ve studied Eastern religions in college and was amazed at how many similar beliefs and even scriptures that they share with Christian religions. Studying the Eastern religions was one thing that reaffirmed my beliefs and faith in the Christian religion years ago.

The Hindus do worship over 1,000 different Gods, so no, I can’t say that I agree with their beliefs, but this is America, which was founded on the basis of religious freedom. To me, when I see this temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world ever built outside of India, it makes me proud to be an American. For me, feeling bad about a Hindu temple would be about the same as feeling bad about a Catholic church, a Mormon temple or a Jewish synagogue.

People fear what they don’t understand. Try picking up a book, reading a little about other religions and educate yourself a little before you pronounce someone else’s religion to be “weird” or “dangerous” or “unwelcoming” based solely on your perceptions and feelings.

Oh, and by the way….there’s another Hindu temple under construction right now on Beaver Ruin Road near my neighborhood. I agree wholeheartedly that I would rather have a place of worship next door than another strip mall.

By Bruce Wilcox

August 19, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

jim d you have read enough of my stuff by now to realize some chickendung, probably pixie 5000, just used my name. I just posted the wed-site and hours.

By Katie

August 19, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I think you mean ‘reason’ you old raisin.

By John

August 19, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Born to catholic parents I was taught to believe in Jesus as the only savior and that idol worship is wrong.

As I grew up, I wanted to see who are the crazy people who actually do idol worship. I found that hindus do that all the time. Then I wanted to know why they do it so I started reading their philosophy. I was completely surprised when I learnt that they don’t consider idols are real gods but they treat idols merely as symbolic representation of God.

Also, I was told that they have thousands of God. But when I read their philosophy, I found that they have concept of one God with thousands of manifestations.

Further, to my surprise, they treated Jesus as yet another incarnation of God.

Now it seems to me that christianity is just a subset of their religion. Now I like temples as much as churches. I am already eager to see this place.

By John

August 19, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Born to catholic parents I was taught to believe in Jesus as the only savior and that idol worship is wrong.

As I grew up, I wanted to see who are the crazy people who actually do idol worship. I found that hindus do that all the time. Then I wanted to know why they do it so I started reading their philosophy. I was completely surprised when I learnt that they don’t consider idols are real gods but they treat idols merely as symbolic representation of God.

Also, I was told that they have thousands of God. But when I read their philosophy, I found that they have concept of one God with thousands of manifestations.

Further, to my surprise, they treated Jesus as yet another incarnation of God.

Now it seems to me that christianity is just a subset of their religion. Now I like temples as much as churches. I am already eager to see this place.

By John

August 19, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Born to catholic parents I was taught to believe in Jesus as the only savior and that idol worship is wrong.

As I grew up, I wanted to see who are the crazy people who actually do idol worship. I found that hindus do that all the time. Then I wanted to know why they do it so I started reading their philosophy. I was completely surprised when I learnt that they don’t consider idols are real gods but they treat idols merely as symbolic representation of God.

Also, I was told that they have thousands of God. But when I read their philosophy, I found that they have concept of one God with thousands of manifestations.

Further, to my surprise, they treated Jesus as yet another incarnation of God.

Now it seems to me that christianity is just a subset of their religion. Now I like temples as much as churches. I am already eager to see this place.

By What're you an idiot

August 20, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Linda,

Tell your child that she lives in the US of A, where freedom of religion is protected by the Bill of Rights.