Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -91 at 7:29 PM

Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA  

BAPS Swaminarayana Temple, Tigard, Oregon

Portland
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
11365 SW Tigard St.
Tigard, OR. 97223 USA
Tel: (1-503) 597-3030
Fax: (1-503) 289-6811
 

Those who wish to sincerely serve society must be spiritually pure and only those who are spiritually pure can sincerely serve society!
 
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization with its roots in the Vedas. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951). Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out far and wide to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face in our world. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose. BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. This is done by mass motivation and individual attention, through elevating projects for all, irrespective of class, creed, colour or country. Its universal work through a worldwide network of over 3,300 centers has received many national and international awards and affiliation with the United Nations. Today, a million or more Swaminarayan followers begin their day with puja and meditation, lead upright, honest lives and donate regular hours in serving others. No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind are their five lifetime vows. Such pure morality and spirituality forms the foundation of the humanitarian services performed by BAPS.

What do we mean by shastras or scriptures ? A book that contains preaching and commands is called a shastra. A book in accordance with which spiritual knowledge is spread, tenets are established and devotees are governed, is called scripture. The book which enshrines the do's and don'ts of moral conduct and explains the religion of humanity is a scripture. Hinduism can boast of many such scriptures. Whatever our great rishis had realized during their spiritual quest was presented before mankind according to the extent of their realization. These precepts, too, became scriptures.
Of all these scriptures, Lord Swaminarayan revered the books written by Vyas Bhagvan most. Moreover, He has observed in the Vachanamrut, Gadhada Section 11-58: "A sampradaya (sect) flourishes in this way." So saying He remarked, "God who has descended on the earth for the fulfillment of a certain mission or goal, displays Dharma, which refers to His divine glory in all His divine exploits, from His birth till He returns to His heavenly abode. All these go into the making of scriptures which help the Fellowship grow and expand."
Lord Swaminarayan promoted devotional poetry and music among His paramhansas. They were distinguished writers and music maestros. He advocated art, literature and architecture - even today they dominate the spiritual landscape of Gujarat. However, the Lord's eternal gift to humanity is the treasure of spiritual literature He wrote, spoke and inspired.
How Festivals Enrich Society :

India is a land of a thousand holy festivals and rituals. Its colorful panorama reflect the religion, culture and custom of one of the most ancient and richest of civilizations. Hinduism worships and celebrates the birth and victories of its deities and holy men through festivals and rituals.
Through colors, sounds and profound sentiments it elevates and motivates the inner core of individuals. Its festive ambience invigorates and enthuses the individual from the monotony of daily life.
This special section provides a window to the history, significance and experience of a selected number of annual festivals, rituals and customs in Indian culture. Like the golden sun, festivals refresh and recharge humanity in more than one way.

Aesthetically : Festivals are a poetry of arts and crafts, and encourage the latent talents of people.
Emotionally : Festivals lend joy and zest to the monotony of life, providing entertainment and enrichment through discourses and seminars, music and melodies, dances and rhythms of a meaningful life.
Socially : festivals bring man closer to man in peaceful understanding. Social harmony is nourished as people of different nationalities, races, religions and backgrounds come together to share their joys and delights.
Morally : Festivals promote higher and better life. Guiding masses away from drugs and addictions, hatred and violence, they nourish the values of service, sacrifice, discipline, unity and cooperation - restoring man's moral dignity.
Culturally : Festivals retrace old traditions and strengthen our cultural roots by providing deeper insights.
Spiritually : Festivals inspire and consolidate faith in God. An atmosphere of purity and prayers elevate the soul and helps generate a feeling of universal brotherhood, inter-religious harmony and personal piety.

Daily Schedule

Daily Aarti:	Morning: 7:00 a.m. Evening: 6:00 p.m. Winter, 7:00 p.m. Summer
Darshan Timings:	Monday - Friday:
	7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
	4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
	Saturday- Sunday:
	7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Weekly Schedule

Bal / Balika Sabha :	Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kishore / Kishori Sabha :	Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Yuvak Sabha:	Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Yuvati Sabha:	Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Mahila Sabha:	Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Satsang Sabha:	Sunday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Summer)
Bal / Balika Gujarati Classes :	Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Events - 2012

Day - Date	Festival
Thu, Jan 19, or Fri, Jan 20	Makar Sankranti
Sunday, Jan 29	Vasant Panchami
Sunday, Mar 04	Holi - Fuldolotsav
Sunday, Apr 01	Swaminarayan Jayanti - Ram Navami
Sunday, May 13	Yogiji Maharaj Jayanti
Sunday, Jul 01	Guru Purnima
Sun, Aug 5 or Fri, Aug 10	Janmashthmi
Sunday, Sep 23	Jal Jilani
Sunday, Nov 04	Sharad Punam - Akshar Jayanti
Sunday, Nov 11	Diwali - Annakut
Sunday, Dec 16	Pramukh Swami Maharaj Janma Jayanti
	Patotsav

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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