BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Pune: Timings, History, and Highlights

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Pune, Maharashtra combines contemporary design with profound spirituality. This famous temple, which is situated in one of the best tourist cities, is located along National Highway 48. Visitors are also spellbound by the evening sound and light show which is both calming and uplifting.

The temple is built and maintained by the BAPS organisation which forms part of an expanding network of over 1,100 temples supported by more than 55,000 volunteers and 3,850 communities across the globe. Swami Narayan Temple showcases the essence of humanitarian work, and culture, as well as architectural brilliance, making it more than just a place of worship.

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Pune: Quick Info.

Mandir Name	Swami Narayan Temple
Location	Pune, Maharashtra, India
Founded by	Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Established	February 19, 2017
Architecture Style	Traditional Southern Shilpa Shaili
Key Materials Used	Rajasthan pink sandstone and red stone
Area	33,523.36 sq. ft.
Number of Pillars	140 carved pillars
Torans	109 beautifully carved Torans
Special Attractions	Abhishek Mandap, Aksharpith Book Store, Premvati Canteen, Light Show
Festivals Celebrated	Diwali, Annakut, Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Shatabdi Celebrations
Timings	7:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Contact	Phone: (020) 20241600/01, 8999918999, Email: [email protected]
Official Website	https://www.baps.org/

History of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Pune

The Hindu belief system is as old as the Vedas, and so is BAPS, formally known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. The organisation believes in the betterment of society with the utmost aim of self-development.

This organisation was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan between the years 1781 and 1830 and was established by Shastriji Maharaj in 1907. BAPS aims to find strategic answers globally, regionally, and locally in a practical manner to the challenges and issues of morality and social issues people face. Today, this organisation is present at over 3,850 centers and has formed a united network that has rewarded them with national and international fame and recognition from multiple affiliations with the UN.

Now, over 1 million people who call themselves devotees of Swaminarayan start their day with Pooja and meditation, live their lives ethically, and selflessly give hours of their time for services. They also enjoy stunning health as they impose these five-lifetime vows on themselves: no alcohol, no adultery, no addiction, no meat, and no bodily and mental impurities.

The Architecture of the Swami Narayan Temple

BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Sanstha constructed 1,100 BAPS Swami Narayan Temples and the fifth one was the Swami Narayan Temple in Pune, which was inaugurated on February 19, 2017. This is a great structure well planned and beautifully executed. The temple measures approximately 184.6 feet in length, 181.6 feet in width, and 74.6 feet in height, giving a total enclosed area of 33,523.36 sq. ft.

The walls of the Swami Narayan Temple are surrounded by the pink sandstone of Rajasthan and red rocks. No steel was used in the construction, which only required 24 months to complete.

The walls, pillars, and ceiling depict an amazing artwork. One of the many attractions is the temple’s beautiful landscaping along with the walking path. 23 Samrans are in this temple along with seven large ones. With 109 Tin Torans Sukh Sanand was made beautiful at this Swami Narayan Temple. 140 carved pillars formed the temple’s base and richly enhanced its beauty. Sculptures and paintings of over ten thousand Indian and Maharashtrian cultures decorate the temple pillars and walls. It truly illustrates great reverence to Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, and all Devoted Santo, Hari Bhakti.

In the Abishek Mandap of the Swami Narayan Temple, devotees chant mantras while pouring water on the idol. Worshippers are allowed to conduct Abhishek on the idol of Neelkanth Varni, who is the yogic incarnation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This practice is open to all guests. The idol of Neelkanth Varni was installed by Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan fellowship.

Abhishek commences after the devotee affixes a sacred thread on their wrist. There is a Sanskrit phrase, “neelkanth Varni Maharaj ki jai”, that is exclaimed by each devotee during the Abhishek. When recited, it is led by the devotees hoisting a pot of sanctified water and pouring it onto the idol. The priests encourage their family and friends to recite their prayers for joyous moments while doing the rite.

The Aksharpith Book Store operates out of the temple. The shop features an extensive range of materials on Hinduism, meditation music CDs, herbal wellness goods, temple souvenirs, and gifts for children, adults, and everyone in between. The center’s operating hours are from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm.

The Swami Narayan Temple has a vegetarian cafeteria called Premvati which offers homemade style dishes. Guests can look forward to plenty of parking space at Swami Narayan Temple. The canteen operates from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Due to the unique style of the Swami Narayan Temple, people from all over the world visit this temple which is regarded as one of the finest temples of the 21st century.

Festivals and Celebrations

The Swami Narayan Temple is a hub of vibrant celebrations. Key festivals include:

Diwali and Annakut Celebrations: Marked by grand rituals and cultural programs.
Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Shatabdi Celebrations: A tribute to the spiritual leader’s legacy.

How to Reach the Temple

By Road: Swargate Bus Depot is 11 km away.
By Rail: Pune Junction is 15 km away.
By Air: Pune International Airport is 22 km away.