About BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad in Gujarat :
The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a socio-spiritual organization with its roots in the Vedas, was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century and established in 1907 CE by Swami Yagnapurushdas. Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, it reaches out far and wide to clear the confusions and questions in our moral, social and material world of today.
Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. The Sanstha strives to better the world by consolidating character in societies, families and individuals. This is done not just by mottos and slogans but by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, color and country. The Sanstha’s universal work has received many national welfare awards and the affiliation to the United Nations. Its international network has flourished into 9,090 Youth, Children and Women centers, over 700 sadhus, 55,000 volunteers and the dedication of over one million followers. The hallmark of the Swaminarayan devotee is that he or she devoutly begins the day with puja and meditation, works or studies honestly and donates regular hours in serving others. He/she observes the five principal vows: No Stealing, No Adultery, No Alcohol, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind. Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the hundreds of social services performed for a better life.
Significance :
Lord Swaminarayan first came to Amdavad as Nilkanth Varni in 1799 staying at Lake Kankaria. He visited the city many times, often celebrating the festival of Fuldol here. He frequently bathed in the River Sabarmati, passing en-route, through a fruit orchard in the area known as Shahibaug. Lord Swaminarayan built the first ever Swaminarayan mandir in the Kalupur area of Amdavad in the year 1822, installing the images of Nara and Narayan.
History :
Lord Swaminarayan gave darshan to a devotee, Ashabhai, that a mandir of true upasana would soon spring forth in Amdavad. It was also Shastriji Maharaj’s wish that an Akshar Purushottam mandir be built in Amdavad. To this end, an old bungalow was purchased in the area of Shahibaug – the fruit orchard which had been sanctified by Lord Swaminarayan. The bungalow was converted into a small Hari mandir and a small image of Lalji Maharaj was installed. At this site, Yogiji Maharaj later constructed a 5-spired mandir and fulfiled his guru’s wish.
Travel :
Distance from Airport:
5 km.- Daily flights to & from Mumbai, Delhi and other cities.
Distance from Railway Station:
4 km.- Daily trains to & from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Vadodara and other cities.
Distance from Bus Station:
6 km.- Regular services to & from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Vadodara and other cities.
Address:
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
Shahibaug Road, Ahmedabad, 38004