BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha , is a Hindu religious and social organization within the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. BAPS was established on 5 June 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj after leaving the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It was formed on the founder's interpretation that Swaminarayan was to remain present on earth through a lineage of Gunatit Gurus or Akshar dating all the way back to Gunatitanand Swami - one of Swaminarayan's prominent devotees. Gunatitanand Swami was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. Due to the organizational emphasis on the Akshar Purushottam doctrine, it essentially forms the organization's middle name. The fundamental beliefs of BAPS include the spiritual guidance through the living Akshar or Guru who is believed to have attained oneness with Swaminarayan. Mahant Swami Maharaj is the current Guru and the president of the organization. As a global well established Hindu organization, BAPS actively engages in a range of endeavors aimed at spirituality, character-building, and human welfare. The activities span religious, cultural, social, and humanitarian domains. Through these activities, it aims to preserve Indian culture, ideals of Hindu faith, family unity, selfless service, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. 55,000 volunteers and 3,300 temples serve 3,300 communities around the world. As of August 2018 the BAPS has approximately 1,560 saints or Sadhus, among the most saints in one sanstha in Hinduism. As part of its efforts towards community outreach, BAPS also engages in a host of humanitarian and charitable endeavors, by which its volunteers serve neighbors and communities. Through the BAPS Charities non-profit aid organization, BAPS has spearheaded a number of projects around the world in the arenas of healthcare, education, environmental causes, and community-building campaigns.
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