“Mandir” is a word that might not immediately resonate with everyone. But it signifies a sacred Hindu place of worship. Right here before us stands the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. It is more than just a building. It is a vibrant hub of spiritual activity.
Mandirs represent a Vedic tradition. They maintain physical spaces to uphold Hinduism’s ancient philosophy and values. This BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir welcomes all faiths. It offers a space for contemplation, learning, and cultural exchange.
Inside the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the sanctums are the main attractions. Here, murtis or images of deities are enshrined. Devotees offer prayers before these murtis. They participate in puja, arti, darshan, and other worship rituals. These rituals seek blessings, guidance, or solace.
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj supports these mandirs. He sees them as a means to cultivate peace. He believes that they connect individuals to Bhagwan.
BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs nurture personal worship. They also foster collective worship. This happens through festivals, ceremonies, and spiritual assemblies. Besides spiritual practices, they also teach arts. Languages, music, and Hindu philosophy are taught here. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir also organizes charitable efforts. Walkathons, health fairs, and blood drives are organized for local communities.
BAPS mandirs come in two main types. There are shikharbaddha mandirs and hari mandirs. Shikharbaddha mandirs are built of stone. They feature signature shikhars or pinnacles. These are adorned with intricate carvings. Hari mandirs use modern materials like steel and concrete. In shikharbaddha mandirs, the arti is performed five times daily. In hari mandirs, it’s done twice a day.
Notably, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha also built a mandir in Chino Hills, California. VITAE architecture led the project. It is a fusion of traditional Indian architecture and modern construction. The Chino Hills mandir features five shikhars. It has two intricately carved domes. There are also four balconies with hundreds of motifs. Around 35000 individual stone pieces form its structure. Impressively, it includes 122 hand-carved pillars and 129 archways. 6600 hand-carved motifs adorn the mandir. It also boasts a 91-foot lotus-shaped fountain. To withstand seismic activity, it uses 40 base-isolator units. It generates 597 kW of clean energy. 900 volunteers contributed 1.3 million construction hours.
Another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is in Edison, New Jersey. The first mandir was consecrated in 1996. In 2019, a new mandir was built on the same property. The central shrine houses Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami. They are also known as Akshar-Purshottam Maharaj.
Daily rituals at the Edison mandir include aarti and thal. Aarti expresses love for God. Thal is the ritual of offering food to the deities. The Edison Mandir renovation included a nine-day celebration. It began with the Vishwashanti Maha Yagna for world peace. A Nagar Yatra procession took place. The new mandir is a three-story complex. It includes a gymnasium, classrooms, and an assembly hall.
Visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir offers more than sightseeing. It offers an experience. It is a glimpse into Hindu spirituality, culture, and community. The atmosphere is filled with tranquility and devotion. Remember to dress modestly. Immerse yourself in the traditions. Experience the warmth of the community. Appreciate the intricate architecture. Allow yourself to be transported. Find peace within these sacred walls.