Former LDS meetinghouse repurposed as Hindu Temple

On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir celebrated its grand opening ceremony in Kearns. BAPS, a socio-spiritual group within the Hindu faith, lead the celebration under the direction of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

“This is more than a building,” said Divyacharandas Swami, Head Swami in the Western U.S. for BAPS. “It is a promise to our children that they will always have a place to connect with their faith, culture, and each other.”

The new mandir, or temple, sits just blocks south of Kearns High School on 4800 West and was originally used as a meetinghouse for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The building will now be a sacred place of worship for Hindus, serving as a center of peace, devotion, and community service for all people of faith.

The opening comes months after a visit between the church’s First Presidency and Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, the head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi and international relations.

In the June 2025 visit, His Holiness toured church sites including Welfare Square and Temple Square. His Holiness and the First Presidency also discussed various humanitarian relief and peacemaking efforts.

Until now, devotees in the area had to gather in homes and rented halls.

Local leaders from the LDS Church also attended the grand opening ceremony of the mandir along with other invited guests.

“The fact that this beautiful building was previously a home for faith makes this moment even more meaningful. We feel we are simply adding a new chapter to a story of devotion that has blessed this ground for years,” Divyacharandas said.

According to a church press release, interfaith support in Los Angeles also opened paths for a mandir in Chino, California. However, this will be the first BAPS mandir in Utah.

Community members of all faiths are invited to visit the mandir and join service opportunities.