Swaminarayan Temple Pune

Introduction to the Swami Narayan Temple

Swami Narayan Temple is one of the top tourist sites in Pune, Maharashtra. This modernized temple lies on National Highway 48. Visitors can enjoy the light and sound show conducted in the evening at the Swami Narayan Temple.

BAPS organization founded the Swami Narayan Temple across the world. Now, it successfully runs with 55,000 volunteers and over 1100 sadhus and helps 3,850 communities worldwide through its various humanitarian services.

History of the Swami Narayan Temple

BAPS or Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a socio-religious Hindu organization rooted in the Vedas. It is dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) revealed it in the late 18th century, and Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951) established it in 1907. BAPS' aim is to address the world's spiritual, moral, and social challenges and issues. BAPS' work through a global network of more than 3,850 centers has received many national and international awards and affiliations with the United Nations.

Today, over a million Swaminarayan followers begin their day with Pooja and meditation, lead good, honest lives and donate regular hours to serve others. No Alcohol, No Adultery, No Addictions, No Meat, and No Impurity of body and mind are their five lifetime vows.

The Architecture of the Swami Narayan Temple

BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Sanstha built over 1100 BAPS Swami Narayan Temples worldwide. The Swami Narayan Temple, Pune, was opened on February 19, 2017. This is an outstanding, architecturally designed, well-organized attraction. The temple is about 184.6 feet long, 181.6 feet wide, and 74.6 feet tall, covering an area of 33,523.36 sq. ft.

Rajasthan pink sandstones and red stones adorn the complete structure of the Swami Narayan Temple. Its construction was over within 24 months, using only stones and no steel.

The carved pillars, walls, and ceiling are breathtaking. The beautiful landscaping and the walking path are added attractions. This temple has 23 Samrans, including seven huge ones. 109 Torans beautify this Swami Narayan Temple. 140 carved pillars were used to construct the temple base. Over 10,000 carvings and sculptures depicting the Indian and Maharashtrian cultures seen on the walls and pillars of the temple enhance its beauty. It represents the true devotion of Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, and all Devoted Santo, Hari Bhakti.

There is an Abishek Mandap in the Swami Narayan Temple, where the worshipper pours water on the idol by chanting prayers and Mantras. This temple allows worshippers to perform Abhishek to the idol of Neelkanth Varni - the young, yogic form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This ritual is open to all visitors. The spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan fellowship, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, consecrated the idol of Neelkanth Varni.

After tying a sacred thread on the wrist, the Abhishek begins. During the recital of Sanskrit slokas, each worshipper or family performs Abhishek to the idol of Neelkanth Varni with a pot of sanctified water. The priests advise the family and friends to pray for their happiness during the ritual.

Aksharpith Book Store is located within the temple premises. Visitors can browse through a comprehensive collection of books on Hinduism, Music CDs for meditation, herbal health products, temple postcards, and gifts for all ages, budgets, and tastes. Visitors can access the book center between 9.00 am to 7.30 pm.

Premvati is a vegetarian canteen at the Swami Narayan Temple campus serving traditional cuisines. Visitors can expect ample parking facilities at the Swami Narayan Temple. The canteen is open from 9.00 am to 8.30 pm.

With its striking architecture, the Swami Narayan Temple attracts tourists worldwide, and this is one of the most beautiful temples in the 21st century.

Festivals in the Swami Narayan Temple

Diwali and Annakut Celebrations, Sanatan Dharma Sant Sammelan, on the occasion of Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Shatabdi Celebration, are the famous festivals in the Swami Narayan Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Swami Narayan Temple

The Swami Narayan Temple provides a dedicated space for individuals to connect with the divine and deepen their spiritual practices. Regular worship and participation in religious rituals can nourish the soul and give inner peace and fulfillment.

It often offers educational programs and classes on various aspects of Hinduism, spirituality, and personal development. Worshippers at the BAPS Swami Narayan Temple can use these resources to deepen their knowledge and understanding of their faith.