BAPS satsang activities in Thailand began in 1984 with a visit from Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He also visited again in 1996. Regular visits by sadguru swamis and other swamis have also significantly contributed to the growth of satsang over the years. During his visit to Bangkok in 2018, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the devotees to find land for a mandir. Soon after, a suitable plot was found, and plans were drawn.
The Shilanyas Ceremony was performed by the devotees during the COVID-19 period when international flights were temporarily halted.
Construction work began after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Through the guidance of Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, the sincere efforts of Surenbhai Patel, Mayurbhai Desai and the devotees in Bangkok, and the creative designs and hard work of Brahmacharandas Swami and his team, a beautiful mandir was soon erected.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Mahotsav, featuring four days of rituals and celebrations, marked the inauguration of the new BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bangkok, Thailand.
On 28 April 2024, in Sarangpur, Gujarat, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the Vedic pran-pratishtha of the murtis for Bangkok mandir.
Akshar Purushottam Maharaj Pujan
On 18 July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Mahotsav began with the Vedic pujan of the small chal murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj by Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami. These murtis had been sanctified by Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj in India before arriving in Bangkok, where they received devotion from Surenbhai Patel and his family. The murtis were then ceremoniously moved to the newly constructed Mandir.
Praasaad Pravesh & Yagna
On 19 July, the Praasaad Pravesh ceremony, the ritual of first entry into the new premises, to sanctify the newly built BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bangkok, Thailand, was marked with a Vedic yagna performed by Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya Viveksagardas Swami in the presence of over 150 devotees.
In the assembly thereafter, Pujya Viveksagardas Swami enlightened the devotees and well-wishers present on the significance and importance of such a yagna according to the Swaminarayan tradition. Then, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami inspired them by explaining the nine forms of bhakti and how a mandir facilitates a deeper connection with God.
Vedic Mahapuja, Shobha Yatra & Bhajan Sandhya
On the morning of 20 July, over 350 devotees participated in the Vedic mahapuja ceremony to pray for blessings and protection from God, who will reside in this mandir. Prays were offered for the prosperity of the country and for the people of Thailand to experience lasting happiness. Additionally, they prayed that all who visit this mandir be inspired to live their lives such that they attain the happiness of God.
After the mahapuja, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami explained that this mandir shares the same divine significance as the Akshardham, Vaikunth, Golok and other abodes of God because it is a dwelling place for God. He added that the mandir is where one can offer devotion and seva to God, one can attain enlightenment through satsang, and children can learn about good character.
In the evening, over 450 devotees, accompanied by traditional Thai performers, participated in the colorful Shobha Yatra. The procession traveled from the Phow Leng Association of Thailand Hall through the by-lanes of Bangkok en route to the mandir, celebrating with joy and fanfare the arrival of God to the newly built mandir.
Thereafter, Yogipremdas Swami enthralled and captivated the audience with bhajans at the Phow Leng Association of Thailand Hall.
Murti-Pratishtha Ceremony & Dedication Assembly
On the morning of 21 July, which this year also marked the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, over 500 devotees and well-wishers from Thailand and overseas, including H.E. Shri Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand, gathered for the climax of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Mahotsav.
Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya Viveksagardas Swami performed the inauguration and murti-pratishtha rituals of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bangkok, Thailand, as swamis recited ceremonial Vedic verses.
H.E. Shri Nagesh Singh commented, “I am extremely honored to be present here today on this very divine occasion as I hail from a village which is so very near to Chhapaiya, the janmabhumi of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. My work as a representative of India has taken me to many places around the word. And I have seen at first hand the commendable services conducted by BAPS. I was fortunate to have had the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj in 2017, at Atlanta, USA. Here, too, I feel blessed that today this beautiful mandir, a cultural embassy in a way, will serve by preserving and fostering the historical and cultural bonds between India and Thailand.”
Pujya Viveksagardas Swami explained the role and importance of a mandir for individuals, families and society at large, and how one can find peace of mind by regularly visiting the mandir. To mark the occasion of Guru Purnima, he also enlightened everyone on how pure gurus like Pramukh Swami Maharaj and today, Mahant Swami Maharaj, live not for themselves but to serve for the greater good of society.
Then, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami spoke about how God resides in the murtis and accepts our love, seva and bhakti. He said, “God will be waiting every day for us, his devotees, to come here and be with him. Here, arti will take place morning and evening, abhishekh of Shri Nilkanth Varni can be offered, regular satsang assemblies for everyone, including children and youths will be conducted. Also, festivals like Diwali, Annakut, Ram Navmi, Hari Jayanti, Janmashtami and more will be celebrated according to our tradition.”
Thereafter, the dedication assembly was held at the Phow Leng Association of Thailand Hall where those who had helped with this project were honored. A special video blessings for this occasion by Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj was also shown.