This breathtaking structure transports visitors far away from suburban Houston to the heart of India. The mandir—a Hindu place of worship—is a true sacred space, comprised of intricate Turkish limestone and Italian marble. Members trace their group’s origins to the early 1970s; they helped construct the building 17 years ago from more than 33,000 individually hand-carved pieces sent from India.

Guests are required to remove their shoes (placed in a small room at the entrance) and wear “clean, conservative clothing” (no shorts, skirts, or sleeveless shirts) before ascending the massive temple steps. Inside, Hindu deities are represented by colorful artwork at individual stations. The sense of harmony and welcomeness is complemented by the surrounding exquisite architectural detail inside this monument to peace.

The excerpt above is from an article entitled "Discover Asia in Houston" from The Medallion, the Texas Historical Commission's official quarterly magazine.