. "The time has come to turn your heart into a temple of fire."
Rumi. • Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS :- Bocāsaṇvāsī Akṣar Puruṣottam Svāminārāyaṇa Saṇsthā), is a Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. It was formed in 1905 by Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj) following his conviction that Swaminarayan remained present on earth through a lineage of gurus starting with Gunatitanand Swami.
• Since 1971, under the leadership of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the BAPS has grown strongly. As of 2019, BAPS has 44 shikharbaddha mandirs and more than 1,200 mandirs worldwide that facilitate practice of this doctrine by allowing followers to offer devotion to the murtis of Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, and their successors. BAPS mandirs also feature activities to foster culture and youth development. Many devotees view the mandir as a place for transmission of Hindu values and their incorporation into daily routines, family life, and careers
• BAPS Charities is a global non-religious, charitable organisation that originated from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) with a focus on serving society. Their history of service activities can be traced back to Swaminarayan (1781-1830), who opened alms houses, built shelters, worked against addiction, and abolished the practice of sati and female infanticide with the goals of removing suffering and effecting positive social change. This focus on service to society is stated in the organisation's vision, that "every individual deserves the right to a peaceful, dignified, and healthy way of life. And by improving the quality of life of the individual, we are bettering families, communities, our world, and our future
• The offering of bhakti, or devotion to God, remains at the centre of mandir activities. In all BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs, murtis, or sacred images of Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, BAPS gurus and other deities, are enshrined in the inner sanctum. After completion of prana pratishta or life-force installation ceremonies, the deities are believed to reside in the murtis, and are thus subjects of direct worship through sacred daily rituals. In many mandirs, murtis are adorned with clothes and ornaments and devotees come to perform darshan, the act of worshiping the deity by viewing the sacred image. Aarti, which is a ritual of waving lit lamps in circular motions to illuminate the different parts of the murti while singing a song of praise, is performed five times daily in shikharbaddha mandirs and twice daily in smaller mandirs. Additionally, food is offered to the murtis amidst the singing of devotional songs three times a day as part of the ritual of thaal, and the sanctified food is then distributed to devotees. Daily readings of and discourses on various Hindu scriptures also take place in the mandir.[119] Many mandirs are also home to BAPS swamis, or monks. On weekends, assemblies are held in which swamis and devotees deliver discourses on a variety of spiritual topics. During these assemblies, bhakti is offered in the form of call-and-response hymns (kirtans) with traditional musical accompaniment. Religious assemblies also take place for children and teenagers of various age ranges. Throughout the year, mandirs celebrate traditional Hindu festivals. Assemblies with special discourses, kirtans, and other performances are arranged to commemorate Rama Navami, Janmashtami, Diwali, and other major Hindu holidays. Members of the sect are known as Satsangis. Male Satsangis are generally initiated by obtaining a kanthi at the hands of a swamis or senior male devotee while females receive the vartman from the senior...
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Mandir Darshan Timings
Open 7:30 am to 10: 15 am
Closed for Rajbhog Thal 10:15 am to 11:15 am
Open 11:15 am to 12:00 noon
Closed 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Open 4:00 pm to 6:15 pm
Closed for Thal 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
Open 7:15 pm to 8.30 pm
Mangla Arti 6:00 am
Shangar Arti 7:30 am
Rajbhog Arti 11:15 am
Sandhya Arti 7:15 pm
Shayan Arti 8:30 pm
Guidelines
The Mandir is a house of God. It is very sacred – visitors are required to respect and maintain it’s sanctity. All visitors are requested and required to abide by the following rules and regulations applicable to the Mandir and its surrounding premises. Entry: Entry to the Mandir complex is free of charge and open to everyone irrespective of faith, nationality or any other criteria. Shoes: All visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the Mandir. Shoe racks are provided within the complex. Dress Code: Casual or formal attire. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. No shorts or skirts shorter than knee length. Photography & Videography: Personal photography & videography, for non-commercial use, is allowed only after permission. For commercial or professional photography / videography, it is required to apply for written permission at least one week earlier. Food & Drink: No food or drinks are allowed inside the Mandir.Mobile Phones: Please switch off mobile phones prior to entering the Mandir. Smoking: Smoking and chewing tobacco is strictly prohibited inside the premises. Please dispose of cigarettes or tobacco prior to entering the gates. Conduct: Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings within the Mandir premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside the Mandir. Security: For the safety of all visitors, please respect all security procedures. Pets: Pets are not allowed in the Mandir complex. Donations: If visitors wish to make a donation to maintain the upkeep of the Mandir, cheques should be made payable to 'BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha'.Please Note:The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who do not follow the guidelines, those who may be deemed a security risk or to those who may be...
Read moreBAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Jamnagar: A Must-Visit for Everyone
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jamnagar is a truly magnificent place. From its stunning architecture to its peaceful atmosphere, it is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The temple complex is vast and includes a number of different buildings, including the main temple, a museum, and a library.
The main temple is a sight to behold. It is made of white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures. The interior of the temple is just as beautiful, with colorful murals and statues of Lord Swaminarayan.
The temple complex also has a number of gardens and fountains. These provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to come to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you are looking for a place to learn about Hinduism or simply to enjoy some peace and quiet, then I highly recommend visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jamnagar.
Here are some of the things that I loved about the temple:
The architecture is stunning. The temple is made of white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing. The temple complex has a number of gardens and fountains. The people are friendly and welcoming. I felt very comfortable at the temple. I highly recommend visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Jamnagar. It is a truly...
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