Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -61







































































Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA






Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, TX

12030, Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75035  Tel: (866) 996 -6767


Chintamani Hanuman Mantra

Vande Vaanara naarasimha khagaraat Krodaashva vaktraamcitam Naanaalankaranam tripancanayanam Dediipyamaanam ruchaa!

Hastaabjairasi kheta pustaka Sudhaakumbhaankusaadriin halam

Khatvaangam phani bhuuruhau ca dadhatam Sarvaari garvaapaham.
"I prostrate to you Hanuman. You have five faces, namely- monkey, Narasimha, Garuda (eagle), vraha (boar) and horse. You are decorated with many ornaments. You have 15 bright eyes" - Shukracharya gave this mantra to the world. Chintamani means getting rid of worries. It is also good for times when you are depressed.

Hanuman is the son of Vaayu, the Wind God. He is a great devotee of Lord Rama. He is an outstanding scholar and master of Vedas. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and selfless service, and above all, humility.

Karya Siddhi Hanuman Mantra

tvamasmin kaarya niryoge pramaanam hari sattama hanuman yatna maasthaaya dukha kshaya karo bhava
"O Lord Hanuman - Lord of Courage. You alone can bestow strength on me. Please help me overcome my obstacles and sorrows and keep me safe"
Hanuman is Para Brahma. Hanuman and Dattatreya have special relation. Where ever Datta temple is there and there is also a shrine of Hanuman, then that Hanuman is called as Karya Siddhi Hanuman. Hanuman has the energies of Vishnu and Shiva. Hanuman is Chiranjeevi and is present at all times. Hanuman is also a specialist in the nine types of devotion. Hanuman is a good character to emulate. He was a great Sanskrit Grammar scholar, full of servitude, great Dharmic warrior.
Marakata (Jade/ Green Emerald) is a precious and delicate gem stone. Carving an idol out of this is not only difficult but also risky. The sculptor has to be extra cautious with every mark he attempts to make with the chisel and the hammer. His heart thumps with every hit he makes on the stone for the fear that it may break. It is rare to find a huge emerald of the size needed to make a statue. That itself is a big miracle. Chiseling out a statue with finesse is another challenging task. Sri Swamiji has been personally supervising this process, for, its benefits are going to reach millions across the globe. Six sculptors have been working on the Emerald rock specially selected by Sri Swamiji for the past three years, attempting to give the shape to it as desired by Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji is also spending tremendous energy protecting it from any mishaps.


Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple History


THE BEGINNING


Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji met with Dallas and Houston Satsang groups on August 11th, Saturday 2007 at Datta Temple, Baton Rouge. Sri Swamiji directed devotees at that gathering to find land in Dallas to build Marakata Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple. This will become the only Marakata (Jade) stone idol in North America/Europe

THE LAND SEARCH


The search for land began in August 2007 immediately after Sri Swamiji's darshan in Baton Rouge. As the land search began, many thought that the process would take time. However, due to Swamiji's will, the land was found by the end of September and purchased in January 2008. Swamiji had strictly advised that no land should be purchased until all necessary city zonings and approvals were obtained.

The land for the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple is located in the city of Frisco. Frisco is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and has grown to 100,000 over the last 10 years. The city is home to a diverse group of people and as mentioned by Sri Swamiji in Baton Rouge, the land is situated next to a church, across from a school, and in the heart of a residential area. Sri Swamiji blessed the land in April 2008 during his short visit to Dallas.

CONSTRUCTION


Construction of the 10,000 square ft building, parking lot, boundary wall (mandated by the City) and road expansion began in September 2008. During the construction phase, a trailer was rented to serve as a temporary Temple for the Hanuman devotees in the metroplex. A beautiful pink Hanuman from Jaipur - beloved by the Trinidad devotees for many years was sent to Frisco by Sri Swamiji - showered blessings upon devotees in the Temple trailer. Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple was also blessed with an enchanting 5ft tall Hanuman sculpture on Friday, April 11, 2008 - just in time for the first Hanuman Jayanti celebrations by the temple.

INAUGURATION OF HANUMAN CULTURAL CENTER


On 3rd July 2009 even as the Construction was in the final stages, Sri Swamiji decided to inaugurate Hanuman Cultural Centre of Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple on this auspicious occasion of Aashaadha Shukla Ekdashi (Popularly known as Saayana Ekadashi or Prathama Ekadashi). Being a Friday of Aashaadha Maasa added importance to the day. Praana Pratishta of Lord Hanuman Idol in the Prayer Hall of the the Cultural Center was performed on 12th July 2009.


Deities at Hanuman Temple

Lord Hanuman,  Lord Ganapati,   Lord Shiva,  Goddess Raja Rajeshwari,  Sri Ram Parivar, Lord Venkateshwara,
Lord Dattatreya ,  Lord Subramanyam,  Lord Ayyappa,  Lord Nagendra
 

Offerings at Hanuman Temple


The sacred river Pampa is mentioned in the Ramayana and is very dear to Lord Hanuman. This teertham contains water from Pampa and various other Holy rivers.The sacred water will be poured on Lord Hanuman's divine Feet(If offered during Abhisheka this will be mixed with the Abhisheka water.)

Puja plate is an offering to the divine containing auspicious materials. All of the materials will be offered to the lord, devotees will be given the dry fruit as Prasad.
 
These are special sacred threads for which special puja has been done for peace, prosperity, removal of obstacles and fulfillment of wishes.

1.) Please take the Thoram from the regsitration desk to the Priest.

2.) Priest will chant special sankalpam and ask you to recite the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Mantra(twice) and then tie the thoram to the pillar. The thoram should be tied with 2 knots only.
tvamasmin kaarya niryoge
pramaanam hari sattama
hanuman yatna maasthaaya
dukha kshaya karo bhava

3.) Please do either 11 or 21 pradakshinas(circumambulation) around the mandap. For the next 16 days, please chant the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Mantra nine times daily at home.

4.) Thoram will be removed by priest after 16 days.

Shani Deepam is a simple and effective way to please Lord Shani.

Devotees will take deepam in thier hand and do 3 pradakshinas(circumambulation) around Lord Hanuman by chanting "Om Sham Shanaishwaraya Namah".The deepam is then burned outside in the Homa Kunda.

Available only on Saturdays

Garland made of Coins can be offered to all Dieties at Hanuman Temple.
 
 


Address & Directions
12030 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas, 75035.

From Dallas/Fort Worth(DFW) International Airport (~30 miles, ~ 45 mins)

  • Start going toward the AIRPORT EXIT on INTERNATIONAL PKWY S.
  • Continue on TX-121 North (Portions toll)
  • Exit tollway at Independence Pkwy (~25 miles from airport) & continue on service road
  • Turn LEFT (going North) on INDEPENDENCE PKWY - go 4 miles
  • Cross ELDORADO PKWY signal.
  • Turn RIGHT into Temple property (2nd entrance after Eldorado Pkwy) (Roach Middle School is on your left, if you miss temple)

From I-75 going North (~7 miles, ~15 mins)

  • Turn LEFT on ELDORADO PKWY going West.
  • Turn RIGHT on Independence Pky going North
  • Turn RIGHT into Temple property (2nd entrance after Eldorado Pkwy) (Roach Middle School is on your left, if you miss temple)

From 380 - W. University Drive & Preston Rd intersection (~ 6 miles)

  • Head SOUTH on Preston Rd/TX-289 toward County Rd-26 1.0 mi
  • Turn LEFT at County Rd-25/Rock Hill Rd/Virginia Pkwy 3.0 mi
  • Turn RIGHT at County Rd-115/Independence Pkwy, go past Road Middle School
  • Turn LEFT into Temple property (if you miss temple, Eldorado Pkwy is your next intersection)

From Dallas Love Field (DAL) Airport (~31 miles, 45 mins)

  • Head southeast on Cedar Springs Rd toward Contrail Ln 0.9 mi
  • Turn LEFT at W Mockingbird Ln 1.5 mi
  • Turn LEFT to merge onto Dallas North Tollway N Toll road 17.4 mi
  • EIXT toward TX-121 North & continue on service road - go 4 miles (past COIT Rd)
  • Turn LEFT (going North) on INDEPENDENCE PKWY - go 4 miles
  • Cross ELDORADO PKWY signal.
  • Turn RIGHT into Temple property (2nd entrance after Eldorado Pkwy) (Roach Middle School is on your left, if you miss temple)


Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple Priests

Name: Sudhakar Baruri

Languages: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi & English

Experience: Worked as priest for more than 20 years at Temples in India and USA.

Contact No: 469-500-4223


Name: Narasimhamurthy Garudadri

Languages: kannada,Telugu, Tamil, Hindi & English

Experience: Worked as priest for more than 12 years at Temples in India and USA.

Contact No: 469-865-6880


Name:Vishwaksena Chandrasekhara

Languages: Kannada, Telugu, Tamil & English

Experience: Worked as priest at Avadhootha Datta Peetham & affiliated Temples in India.

Contact No: 214-799-6103




Religious Qualifications: Smarta karmas, Gruhapravesha, Vastu Shanti, Ganpati, Mruthumjaya, Lakshmi narayana Vratham, Sudarshana, Navagraha & Rudra Homas, Shastyabdapoorthishanti, Bheemaradha shanty, Shatabhishekashanti, Sahasra Chandra darshana shanti, Aadhyatmika rudrashanti, Sakaladevadta archanas, Satyanarayana pooja, Seetarama kalyana, Shiva kalyanam, (smartha vidhi), etc.

 

Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple Schedule

 
The following is the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple Schedule with the weekly puja services.
Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple Schedule
Temple Open Hours
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) & National Holidays
9:30 am - 8:30 pm
Daily Puja Schedule
Nitya Puja
Morning & Evening
@ Temple Opening Hour
Aarti
Noon & 8:00 pm Everyday
Hanuman Chalisa
11:45am & 7:45 pm
Weekly Puja Schedule (in addition to above daily schedule)
Sunday
10:30 am
11:15 am
Sri Rama Parivara Abhisheka, Puja
Sri Rama Parivara Archana
(4th Sunday - Sri Subramanya Abhisheka and Puja)
Monday
10:30 am
7:00 pm
MahaGanapati Abhisheka, Puja
Rudrabhisheka, Sri Shiva Puja
Tuesday
10:30 am
7:00 pm
Karya Siddhi Hanuman Abhisheka, Puja
Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman Sindura Puja
(devotees can offer vadamala)
Wednesday
10:30 am
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Sri Subramanya Abhisheka, Puja
Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra
Sri Rama Parivara Puja
Thursday
10:30 am
7:00 pm
Sri Dattatreya Abhisheka,Puja
Datta Baavani, Sri SadGuru Paduka Puja,
Sri Datta Kakada Arati
Friday
10:30 am
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Sri Devi Abhisheka, Puja
Sri Lalita Sahsaranama Stotra
Sri Mahalakshmi Puja
Saturday
9:30 am
10:30 am


12:15 pm
7:00 pm
Suprabhata, Sri Balaji Abhisheka
Karya Siddhi Hanuman Abhisheka,
DYC Satsangh - Bhajans & Puja
(devotees can offer vadamala)
Mahaprasad Lunch
Sri Karya Siddhi Hanuman 108 Betel Leaf Puja
(devotees can offer vadamala)
Mahaprasad Lunch every Saturday (Sponsorship $251 - Puja in sponsors name)
Monthly Puja Schedule
Sri Shashti Puja
7:00 pm on Shukla Shashti
(6th day after new moon)
Abhisheka and Puja to Sri Subramanya. Kavadi available on main festival days in Nov - Dec
Sri Satyanarayana Vrata
6:30 pm on Purnima
(Full Moon Day)
This puja is the worship of Lord Vishnu or Narayana in the form of the absolute truth and is performed for general happiness, prosperity and well being of one's family.
Sri Sankashtahara Chaturthi Puja
7:00 pm on Bahula Chaturthi
(the Fourth day after the Full Moon)
Special Abhisheka and worship to Lord Ganapati to remove obstacles. Arghya offered to moon.
Sri Anaghashtami Vrata
7:00 pm on Bahula Ashtami
(the Eight day after the Full Moon)
Anagha means sinless. This puja helps to rid one of all the three types of sins and reach the Almighty. By worshiping the Ashta Siddhis (The 8 Cosmic Powers) who are the sons of Lord Anagha Swamy and Anagha Devi, one can attain spiritual upliftment with this puja.
Pradosham - Rudra Abhisheka
7:00 pm on every Trayodashi evening
(twice a month - 13th day after full and new moon)
Pradosham is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Shiva and occurs twice in a Hindu month.
108 Hanuman Chalisa
7:45 pm on Purvabadhra Nakshatra day
(timings subject to change)
Purvabadhra Nakshatra (star) is very dear to Lord Hanuman. It is very auspicous to recite the Hanuman Chalisa on this day.

Items List for various Pujas



Satyanarayana Puja Item List


Satyanarayana Swami Picture
Turmeric
100 grams
Kumkum
100 grams
Sandalwood Powder 1 box
Incense Sticks 1 packet
Camphor
1 packet
Beetle Leaves 25
Beetle Nuts 50 grams
Bananas
10
5 Types of Fruit 2 each
Coconuts
8
Rice
2 lb
Towel
1
Blouse Piece 1
Dry Dates
1 packet
Nava Dhanyam 1 packet
Milk
1 gallon
Satyanarayana Puja Item List
Milk
1 gallon
Yogurt
1 carton or homemade
Ghee
1 small bottle
Honey
1 small bottle
Sugar
1 cup
Panchapatra/Uddharina/Plate
Oil Deepam with cotton wick
Bell
Arathi Plate
Matchbox
Plates
4
Water cups
Paper Towels
Bedsheet
Coins
20 quarters
Flowers
2 bunches
Prasadam - Make Kesari
IF YOU CANNOT MAKE KESARI, PLEASE BUY THE FOLLOWING:
Suji
1 packet
Sugar
1 packet
Cashews
100 grams
Cardamom 10 grams
Raisins
100 grams


The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple's Art Classes are designed to widen each child's creativity while allowing for a free expression of his/her artistic talent. Children are exposed to diverse forms of art and encouraged to learn and develop new techniques. With art as the basis, each child will enhance his/her cognitive abilities and motor skills. Studies have shown that children engaged in the arts improve in their learning abilities across the academic spectrum from math and science to social studies and writing.
In the Temple's art classes, children will utilize interesting and diverse materials such as colorful beads, finger paints, watercolors, clay, oil pastels, charcoal, and chalk while they learn about drawing, painting, sculpting, collages, mosaics, and so much more!
The most unique aspect of the Temple's art classes is the format. Class for all the age groups starts with circle time and Hindu prayer. Then the lead teacher shares a moral story based in Hindu values and engages the students in a discussion of how the moral from the story relates to each of them. Following the story, the art based portion of the lesson begins. The lead teacher explains the form of art and engages the children in a learning discussion on the art form.

The origin of Carnatic music, or the South Indian classical music can be traced back to the age of vedas. Carnatic music is based on a 22 scale note (swaras) on contrary to the earlier 12 note scale that is used in the western classical music.
The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style. Carnatic music rests on two main elements: raga, the modes or melodic formulae, and tala, the rhythmic cycles.
Like all art forms in Indian culture, Carnatic music is believed to have a divine origin. It originated from the Devas and Devatas (Hindu Gods and Goddesses),and is venerated as symbolic of nada brahman.
Carnatic Music Classes at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple will also teach Sri Swamiji's bhajans. New Carnatic Music classes Session at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple to start as listed in below schedule.

Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji is a divinely gifted musician and prolific composer. Sri Swamiji has composed thousands of bhajans and has done extensive research on the revival of the ancient art of Raga Ragini. Besides his divine charisma, the other dimension of his personality which has captivated the minds and hearts of thousands of people and inspired them to turn to God, are Pujya Sri Swamiji's soul-stirring bhajans. His bhajans are rooted in 'beejaksharas' (subtle seed letters) and when sung, they produce such powerful vibrations that the listeners cannot escape getting lifted from worldly existence to the transcendental experience of the soul.
Bhajan Classes at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple will teach Sri Swamiji's bhajans. New Bhajan classes Session at Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple to start from below listed schedule.
New Yoga Classes for Adults starting Apr 7th, 2013.
Complete schedule: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, Jun 1, 8, 15


New Kids Yoga Classes for Summer will start Jun 8th
Complete schedule: Jun 8, 15, 22, 29, Jul 13, 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17
 

 Contact Info

Sri Dr. V.V. Prakasa Rao,
Chairman of Datta Yoga Center, USA


EMail: dycusa@gmail.com
Phone: 601-918-7111

About Hanuman Setu Bandha


 
Lord Hanuman served as a bridge between Rama and Sita and is praised the world over as Prana deva. It is Sri Hanuman who serves as a Setu (bridge) for our own spiritual growth which will lead to the culmination of the individual self into the Supreme Almighty. Our beloved Hanuman is the Sadguru for all seekers and leads us to the state of eternal bliss.

The Hanuman Setu Bandha or Dollar Seva program recognizes that not everyone can bear the large burdens needed to construct the Hanuman temple. Enroll as a member of the Hanuman Setu Bandha project - it is a wonderful way to do seva for the temple while reducing your karma by personally building an bridge to Lord Hanuman.

Imagine what we can achieve when everyone makes a pledge of $1 or $2 or a few dollars a day. The vision and hope for the temple was that it should be built by the devotees, many coming together as one. As a fundraiser for the Markata Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, all devotees were encouraged to donate a 'Dollar a Day' and become a member of the Hanuman Setubandha project. Lend your support to the Temple through the Dollar Seva program. Choose a level of donation that is right for your family whether it is $1 or more a day or perhaps $1 per family member. All proceeds go directly towards the construction fund and support of Lord Hanuman's Temple, in Frisco, Texas, and related charitable activities as directed by Sri Swamiji.

All members will be recognized annually with a special Archana on Hanuman Jayanti. Those who registered are requested to include their email address, date of birth and photo. On a regular basis Sri Swamiji personally sends inspiring emails to the members.

About Sri Swamiji

As one of the rare living Avataras, Sri Swamiji is the Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham at Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama in Mysore, India. Sri Swamiji is renowned for His Healing and Meditation music and He is considered a divine guide who cultivates the ancient Vedic traditions. He was born fully realized in command of the eight Mahasiddhis and is a Guru in the Dattatreya Avadhoota lineage. Sri Swamiji honors all religions and teaches that it's possible to reach God by many paths





Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )

Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -60






































Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA






BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lubbock, TX

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
5206 , 11 TH ST
Lubbock TX 79406 USA
Phone: (1-806) 544 8357

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service.

In the joy of others lies our own.” – Pramukh Swami Maharaj

True spirituality speaks the language of love.” – Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Better the world around you by bettering yourself.” – Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed. ‘Satsang’ is the word used by Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s followers to describe the process of associating with God and the guru to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Literally, ‘sat’ and ‘sang’ in Sanskrit mean ‘association with the truth.’ Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s followers are commonly referred to as ‘satsangis’ as they identify with Swaminarayan satsang.
Satsangis live their daily lives in accordance with a righteous code of conduct, or dharma, which is defined by the Swaminarayan scriptures as well as by the living guru. As explained by the current guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, “Paraspar preeti prasaravey te dharma,” which means, “That [code of conduct] which increases love and peace is worthy of being called dharma.”

The central religious tenet for BAPS satsangis is bhakti, or devotion to God. Bhakti, when combined with dharma, gnan (spiritual knowledge), and vairagya (detachment), leads to one becoming an ideal devotee, or an ekantik bhakta. This is achieved in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha by devoting oneself to God as per the example set by the guru. The guru is the ideal bhakta of God; hence, the guru guides spiritual aspirants on the path to spiritual bliss, a state that he enjoys continuously. 

Philosophy
 In the Hindu tradition, the discussion and understanding of philosophy is a fundamental tool for a spiritual aspirant to attain moksha, liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. The sound philosophical base of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, and particularly the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, is grounded in the Aksharbrahma-Parabrahma philosophy derived from the Vedas and revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This philosophy teaches aspirants to worship Paramatma and to realize their true form to be the atma and not simply the body. The attainment of ekantik dharma is at the heart of the practical application of this philosophy in the life of a spiritual aspirant. Bhagwan Swaminarayan taught His followers that the path to moksha is a comprehensive approach combining dharma, bhakti, gnan, and vairagya. This philosophical understanding is maintained with the continued presence of Aksharbrahma in the form of the guru. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj offers spiritual guidance on the path towards moksha to millions of people by leading a life of utmost discipline and adherence to the Aksharbrahma-Parabrahma philosophy.

Hindu Beliefs


Hindu Sanatan Dharma is often known as a democratic religion. The Vedas say that there are many paths to the same destination: moksha. That is why Hindu Sanãtan Dharma embraces a great diversity of beliefs about God or Bhagwan, the universe, and the path to moksha. Though followers of Hindu Sanãtan Dharma may seem to be following different paths to Bhagwan, the core beliefs are the same. These core beliefs form the essence of Hindu Sanãtan Dharma and have been practiced since the beginning of time. All Hindus believe in the revealed scripture (the Vedas) and one Supreme God. All paths lead to a common goal of salvation, of the soul's freedom from a temporal body. Hindus also believe in the sacredness of life, compassion, service, reincarnation, and the laws of karma and dharma. Most Hindus build mandirs which are dedicated to the Supreme and believe that a true guru is needed on the path to moksha. 

Mandirs
Mandirs are a longstanding Hindu tradition. A mandir is a place of worship for Hindus. A mandir is a place where the mind becomes still and man experiences inner peace. For centuries, the mandir has remained a hub for life, a community forum where people forget their differences and voluntarily unite to serve society. It functions as a center for learning about man, nature, and Bhagwan. A mandir is where ethics and values are reinforced into the lives of children and adults. It is where people celebrate festivals and seek refuge during difficult times. It cultivates talents in various arts, music, and literature that are offered in the service of Bhagwan and the community.
Devotees visit mandirs to offer worship and devotion to the murti of Bhagwan, which is installed within the inner sanctum. The murti is consecrated by reciting Vedic mantras after which it becomes the manifest form of Bhagwan, not just a statue sculpted from stone or metal. Devotees revere and worship the murti as a living form of Bhagwan; they bathe it, adorn it in exquisite garments and ornaments, feed it, and put it to sleep. Furthermore, devotees come into contact with sadhus who reside at the mandir. The sadhus hold spiritual discourses to impart knowledge to the devotees and explain the philosophical doctrines of Hindu Dharma. The sadhus help transform hundreds of lives by leading people on the path of spirituality and morality. Moreover, the sadhus help console and free people from their addictions and bad habits.
In the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha there are two types of mandirs. The first type is known as the shikharbaddha mandir. These mandirs are built according to the principles of ancient Hindu Shilpa Shastras in the north Indian Nãgara style in which there are three shikhars and domes. Mandirs also represent a living form of Bhagwan, which is why devotees lovingly build such grand and majestic mandirs with intricate carvings. Footwear is removed upon entering a mandir because it is not only a place of worship but an object of worship as well; every part of a mandir is sacred. In the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, shikharbaddha mandirs usually have the following features:
1.   Aarti – performed five times a day.
2.   Mahapuja – performed every morning between the two morning aartis.
3.   Katha – performed 3 to 5 times a day.
4.   Sadhus – the only individuals allowed to care for the murtis, such as adorning the murtis with clothes and ornaments, and live within the mandir complex.
5.   Murtis – made of either stone of metal; in the first shrine are Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Rãdhã-Krishna Dev; in the center shrine is Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj – Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami; in the last shrine is Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj – Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s childhood form.
The second type of mandir found in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is known as the hari mandir. Hari mandirs are generally built of cement, concrete, and steel and serve as a place of worship. They mainly have stone murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Mahãrãj, Shri Rãdhã-Krishna Dev, and the BAPS guru paramparã. The pujari of a hari mandir is generally a householder devotee who performs ãarti twice a day. He is also responsible for adorning the murtis with clothes and ornaments and looks after the upkeep of the entire mandir. He holds katha twice a day. BAPS sadhus regularly visit the hari mandirs to deliver discourses and for home visits in the neighboring cities and villages.

Service - Seva


Hinduism preaches serving both God and humanity, as one begets the other. Seva is a Sanskrit word that means more than just service or to serve. It means to serve without the existence of one’s own identity – to serve selflessly. Bhagwan Swaminarayan revived the true meaning of seva and initiated many humanitarian projects among His followers, ranging from digging wells to serving the ill. His personal example, set as a teenager while traveling through southern India, was the selfless service of an ill stranger. Sevakram was a Brahmin who had contracted dysentery. Neelkanth Varni, as Bhagwan Swaminarayan was known at that time, stopped on His travels to nurse Sevakram back to good health, staying for over two months until he was well again.
Pragji Bhakta, the second spiritual successor, set very high standards of seva. For many months, he served the mandir, sadhus, and devotees for twenty hours every day and slept for only four hours. Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth spiritual successor, stressed seva as a form of bhakti and personally engaged in seva like washing utensils and sweeping the floor. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth and current spiritual successor, has shown the same inclination for seva and never tires of it. Even over the age of 90 , he still spends hours personally meeting and writing to devotees for their well-being and personal growth.
Following the lead of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the devotees of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also regularly engage in seva. Medical activities are organized to help communities. Educational initiatives guide children on future courses to follow. Volunteers engage in relief activities when a disaster strikes in their area. Blood drives, career fairs, walkathons for charity are among the activities conducted regularly by volunteers from BAPS centers across the world. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s adage, ”In the joy of others, lies our own,” propels the organization to devote time and energy towards humanitarian activities in the service of others.  

Traditions


India’s ancient traditions and rituals are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. The rites and rituals, art, architecture, dance, theatre, music, and alternative wellness methods passed down for generations have touched millions of people and continue to influence the lives of many around the world. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha reinforces these traditions through activities around its global network. Celebrating festivals, performing special Vedic prayers and rituals, preserving ancient art and architecture, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through yoga and a vegetarian diet are all integral parts of BAPS’ cultural and development activities. These activities celebrate Indian traditions in over 3,850 communities worldwide.

Experience India


“In religion, India is the only millionaire - the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.” – Mark Twain
Experiencing the vast diversity of India can take a lifetime. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha works to provide an initial introduction and, eventually, a detailed journey through the affluence of Indian heritage to millions of people through their cultural complexes, exhibitions, seminars, retreats, and Mega Festivals.
If you would like to experience the mysticism of India, visit the nearest BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir or Cultural Complex!

Mandir Timings

Darshan Timings:
6:30 pm Sunday

Weekly Assembly

Bal Sabha
Sunday 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Balika Sabha
Sunday 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Satsang Sabha
Sunday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Bal Gujarati Classes
Sunday 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Balika Gujarati Classes
Sunday 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Events

Makar Sankranti - Jholi
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Vasant Panchami
Sunday, February 17, 2013

Holi - Fuldol
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Swaminarayan Jayanti / Ram Navmi
Sunday, April 21, 2013

Yogi Jayanti
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Guru Purnima
Sunday, July 28, 2013

Janmashtami
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Jal Jhilani
Sunday, September 15, 2013

Sharad Purnima
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Diwali - Annakut
Sunday, November 03, 2013

Pramukh Swami Janma Jayanti
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Patotsav
Sunday, November 03, 2013





Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...)                                                                                                                              



(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )