A Mandir is a sacred Hindu place of worship. It represents the earthly home of Bhagwan, a sacred space devotees visit to connect with the divine, seek spiritual growth, quiet the mind, and find community.
Mandirs represent a Vedic tradition of building, maintaining, and preserving physical spaces to uphold Hinduism's ancient philosophy and values. They are vibrant hubs of spiritual activity, architectural beauty, and cultural heritage. The rituals and traditions celebrated at mandirs connect individuals to their families, communities, and Bhagwan. Mandirs also enable the legacy of Hinduism’s oldest teachings to be shared with future generations.
The main attractions of a Mandir are the sanctums, where murtis or images of the deity are enshrined. Devotees come to mandirs to offer prayers before the murtis, and participate in puja, arti, darshan, and other worship rituals to seek blessings, guidance, or solace.
The size of mandirs varies from small, simple shrines to elaborate stone edifices. BAPS mandirs are traditionally categorized as either 'shikharbaddha mandirs' or ‘hari mandirs’. Shikharbaddha mandirs are built largely of stone with signature ‘shikhars’ or pinnacles, and are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Hari mandirs are built using modern materials such as steel, concrete, and cement. Another major distinction is that in shikharbaddha mandirs, the arti – the main worship ritual conducted in all mandirs – is performed five times daily, while in hari mandirs, the arti is performed twice daily.
HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the present spiritual leader and guru of BAPS, supports the establishment of mandirs as a means to cultivate peace within communities and connect individuals to Bhagwan.
BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs nurture personal as well as collective worship through festivals, ceremonies, and cultural and spiritual assemblies. In addition to spiritual practices, BAPS mandirs teach arts, languages, music, and philosophy rooted in Hindu heritage. BAPS mandirs also organize walkathons, health fairs, blood drives, and other charitable efforts for local communities and causes.
BAPS mandirs welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, offering a space for contemplation, learning, and cultural exchange. Visiting a BAPS mandir provides an enriching experience, offering insights into Hindu spirituality, culture, and community amidst an atmosphere of tranquility and devotion.