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Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in Australia

BAPS Swaminarayana Sanstha, Australia

 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.

Q.1 Is the Swaminarayan Sampraday a part of Hinduism? A. Yes, the Swaminarayan Sampraday is most definitely a part of Hinduism. The doctrine given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan is firmly rooted in the traditional Hindu scriptures. Hinduism is a religion that encompasses many beliefs and deities, and allows for diversity of thought. Nevertheless, there are certain universal principles that bind all of the various branches of Hinduism. The Swaminarayan Sampraday, a branch of Hinduism, firmly adheres to these universal principles. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has advocated the common aspects, namely:

Q.2 What are the unique aspects of the Swaminarayan Sampraday? A. Hinduism is a fellowship of sampradays and religious organizations and a federation of philosophies. It allows freedom of reflection for the different types of thinkers and philosophers all over the world. What appeals to one may not appeal to another, hence the need for different perspectives. All philosophies of Hinduism are points of view; they are true in their own way; they take the aspirant step by step, stage by stage, till he reaches the pinnacle of spiritual glory. The different branches of Hinduism have their respective mandirs, leaders, holy places, holy days and holy books, yet are all united with each other (see "Is the Swaminarayan Sampraday a part of Hinduism?"). Unity in diversity is one of the distinctive facets of Hinduism, allowing each aspirant to choose his own path for the same goal, moksha (ultimate liberation). The Swaminarayan Sampraday's doctrine is firmly rooted in the ancient Hindu scriptures. There are many principles in the Hindu scriptures to which the Swaminarayan Sampraday gives special importance. Although all Hindus believe in one God, each branch worships God through different names and incarnations. In the Swaminarayan Sampraday that supreme Godhead is Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself. There are a few main schools of thought in Hinduism (e.g. Dvait, Vishishtadvait, Advait…) all based on the Vedas and other scriptures. Bhagwan Swaminarayan established the Navya-Vishishtadvait school of thought. The main principle of Navya-Vishishtadvait is that there are five eternal entities: jiva, ishwar, maya, Brahma and Parabrahma (see "What is the basic philosophy of the Swaminarayan Sampraday?") Followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, like all Hindus, bow down to all deities, but offer their worship and prayers to Bhagwan Swaminarayan - the principal deity. Similarly, in most Swaminarayan mandirs you will find murtis of Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Shiv-Parvati, Hanuman and Ganapati, but in the central shrine of the mandir you will always find the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan accompanied by His ideal devotee, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. Although the Swaminarayan Sampraday shares the same scriptures, festivals, places of pilgrimage and vows as most Hindus, it also gives special significance to those related to Bhagwan Swaminarayan: Although the Vedas, Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures are significant in the Swaminarayan Sampraday, the scriptures that are read and practiced are 1) The Vachanamrut: A written record of selected discourses given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. 2) The Shikshapatri: A code of conduct written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself. Like most Hindus, the followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday celebrate Diwali, Ramnavmi, Janmashtmi and other Hindu festivals. Besides these, the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and His spiritual successors are also celebrated. Although the main Hindu places of pilgrimage, such as Badrinath, Somnath, Ayodhya, Vrundavan, the Ganga river, etc., are revered, there is also great significance given to the places sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan during His lifetime, as well as the Swaminarayan mandirs in India and abroad. Also in the Swaminarayan Sampraday you will find special emphasis on codes of conduct for both householders and sadhus. These codes of conduct are not new, and are commonly practiced by most Hindus (e.g. Ahimsa - not killing or harming, murti puja); but they have been given special significance by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (e.g. perfect celibacy, also known as eight-fold celibacy, and renunciation of wealth for the sadhus). In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a person is not a devotee simply because he has a certain set of beliefs, but rather, along with those beliefs, the devotee is actively engaged in spiritual rituals, i.e., the daily worship of God, going to the mandir to pay homage and attending spiritual discourses, etc. The Swaminarayan Sampraday is also very active in the fields of moral, social, cultural, ecological and educational care through its relief work, mandirs, schools, anti-addiction campaigns, etc. The followers also voluntarily help in such activities. Thus the Swaminarayan is very much a part of Hinduism but the main difference is that Bhagwan Swaminarayan is worshipped as the supreme Godhead. As a result, more significance is given to the scriptures, festivals, places of pilgrimage and vows given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Q.3 What are the basic practices of the followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday? A. Summary The five most basic practices of the followers are practices that express the Hindu ideals of satya (truth), daya (compassion), ahimsa (non-violence), brahmacharya (celibacy) and asteya (non-stealing). Followers do not consume alcohol or meat. They do not steal or engage in sex outside of marriage. Followers also maintain purity of conduct and practice customs that express the higher ideals of dharma (righteous conduct as prescribed by the scriptures), gnan (knowledge of God and one's true self), vairagya (detachment from worldly pleasures), and bhakti (devotion to God). Detailed Answer Every religion has its own set of fundamental ideals. The followers of the religion strive to attain those ideals by imbibing a variety of practices into their daily living. As the Swaminarayan Sampraday is a branch of Hinduism, the basic practices of its followers have their roots in the fundamental principles of Hinduism. Hindu Ideals Hindus believe that a person is no different from an animal until he imbibes the four basic ideals of satya (truth), daya (compassion), ahimsa (non-violence), and brahmacharya (celibacy). Only then does he truly become human. Furthermore, in Hinduism, an ordinary human being becomes a devotee of God as he or she strives to imbibe the four higher ideals of dharma (righteous conduct as prescribed by the scriptures), gnan (knowledge of God and one's true self), vairagya (detachment from worldly pleasures), and bhakti (devotion to God). The basic practices of the Swaminarayan Sampraday are based on these fundamental ideals of Hinduism. Practices that express these ideals The five most basic practices of the followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday are practices that express the Hindu ideals of satya, daya, ahimsa, brahmacharya and asteya. These practices, which are said to elevate a person to the level of a human being, are as follows: Followers do not (1) consume alcohol (2) eat meat (3) steal (4) engage in sex outside of marriage (5) and they maintain purity of conduct. In order to progress spiritually, the devotees also practice spiritual endeavours that express the higher ideals of dharma, gnan, vairagya and bhakti. Basic practices which express dharma Followers maintain a purity of diet. In addition to a vegetarian diet, followers do not consume onions or garlic since these substances induce the rajas and tamas gunas, which are known to lead to spiritual regress. Followers refrain from addiction to nicotine, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs and intoxicating substances. Followers maintain a sense of respect for their parents and elders. Followers donate one-tenth or one-twentieth of their earnings to the organization. Basic practices that express gnan Followers read the scriptures of the Swaminarayan Sampraday daily. It is by regular reading and contemplation that they acquire a greater understanding of scriptural concepts. Followers regularly attend weekly spiritual discourses and assemblies at BAPS mandirs or centres. Through these assemblies, they gain a deeper insight and knowledge of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. As followers listen, contemplate, and imbibe these discourses into their own lives, they move closer to attaining true knowledge. Basic practices that express vairagya Followers fast on the day of Ekadashi. Ekadashi is the eleventh day of each half of each lunar month. The degree and type of fast observed depends on the staunchness and health of the individual. Followers strive to develop attachment only to God and not to material things. Basic practices that express bhakti Followers personally perform puja every morning. This is a devotional ritual of prayer and worship which all followers perform every morning after having a bath and before eating or drinking anything. Followers attend daily arti in the mandir or perform it at home. Followers offer thal to God daily. Thal is the devotional offering of food items to God before one consumes them. Followers chant the Swaminarayan mantra daily. Followers perform mansi puja daily. Mansi puja is mental worship of God and the guru. In mansi puja, the follower devotionally serves God and the guru through visualization. The fruits of such devotion are similar to the fruits of actually serving God and the guru in person. Followers sing kirtans regularly; kirtans are devotional songs which have been composed by various poets of the Swaminarayan Sampraday and other Hindu Sampradays. Followers regularly go to the nearby mandir for darshan of the deities. To have darshan is to see the deities with intense devotion and glory. Other common practices of the Swaminarayan Sampraday include: Followers perform seva regularly. Seva is a wide array of voluntary services that the followers take part in. Seva can be said to be any voluntary service performed in the realm of the organization with the intent to please and serve God and the guru. Typical types of seva include tasks as diverse as housekeeping, maintenance, preparing food, serving food, washing utensils, decoration, public relations and correspondence. Followers perform ghar sabha daily. Ghar sabha is a family assembly wherein all the family members daily sit together for approximately half an hour to pray to God, engage in scriptural reading, discuss their day and understand each other. Followers take part in the celebration of samaiyos. Samaiyos are sacred festival days in the Hindu calendar. They range from the sanctified birthdates of God, His avatars and His Sadhus, to the celebrations of Diwali, Annakut, Rath Yatra ,etc. A more comprehensive list of the basic practices of Swaminarayan followers is found within the 212 shlokas of the Shikshapatri, a scripture written by Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a code of conduct for His followers. Practices in the context of sadhana In accordance with the basic philosophy of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, the core of all sadhanas (spiritual endeavors) to one's salvation is striving to please and receive the grace of the guru. Only by the grace of the guru can one attain salvation. Therefore, all of the aforementioned basic practices and all of the advanced practices of the followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday are done with the intention of receiving the grace of the guru.

Q.4 How does a person join the Swaminarayan Sampraday? A. Summary A person joins the Swaminarayan Sampraday through a simple ritual called 'vartman'. In this ritual, one receives a 'kanthi' (a double string of special wooden beads) which one wears around the neck, and one pledges a willingness to obey the commands of the guru and Bhagwan Swaminarayan. One can undergo the vartman ritual and obtain a kanthi by going to any local BAPS center and meeting the local sadhus or senior devotees. Detailed Answer A person joins the Swaminarayan Sampraday through a simple ritual called 'vartman'. In this ritual, one receives a kanthi which one wears continuously around the neck, and one expresses a willingness to obey the commands of the guru and Bhagwan Swaminarayan. One can undergo the vartman ritual at any local BAPS center and obtain a kanthi at the hands of a sadhu or senior devotee. Women may receive the vartman from the senior women followers of the local center. Vartman Any aspirant wishing to become a follower is initiated into the Swaminarayan Sampraday through the vartman ritual. In this ritual, a few drops of sanctified water are held in the right palm. A mantra is then spoken by the initiator, usually a sadhu. The mantra is then repeated by the new aspirant. The mantra spoken is: Kal maya pap karma yam-doot bhayadaham, Swaminarayan-sharanam prapannosmi sa patu mam. (I take refuge of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. May He deliver me from the fear of kal, maya, sin, karma, and evil. May He protect me.) The water is then poured away and the kanthi is adorned. The principle underlying vartman involves purification of the soul before accepting the refuge of God. To be purified in mind, speech and action, water is held in the right palm. Water itself has the attribute of spiritual cleansing. Also, holding water in the right palm follows the tradition of always taking an oath or a vow with Varundev, the deity of water, as a witness in the ceremony. Kanthi A kanthi consists of two strings of small wooden beads and is continuously worn by followers around their neck. It represents a devotee's surrender to God. The kanthi induces awareness that the follower has surrendered himself to God. Commitment to the Sampraday Having accepted the refuge of God, one is freed from the sins of all previous births. With this understanding, the new devotee becomes free from the fear of superstitious elements, evil spirits, and omens. The new devotee is freed of karmas of the past as he places his destiny in the hands of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The new devotee vows to live according to the commands of his guru and Bhagwan Swaminarayan. These commands include freedom from addictions, daily morning puja, attendance of weekly spiritual assemblies, renouncing the consumption of meat and alcohol, renouncing adultery and theft, and maintaining purity of conduct.

Q.5 When and by whom was the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha established? A.  The Swaminarayan Sampraday came into existence with the incarnation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan on Earth on April 2, 1781 (Chaitra sud 9, Samvat 1837). Throughout His life, Bhagwan Swaminarayan initiated aspirants into the fold and inspired them to live moral and pious lives. He created a legion of sadhus (renunciants) who worked selflessly for God and society. He also promised to remain ever-present on Earth through a continuous lineage of spiritual successors. After Bhagwan Swaminarayan reverted to His eternal abode, Gunatitanand Swami became the head of Satsang (synonymous with the Swaminarayan Sampraday), followed by Pragji Bhakta and then by Shastri Yagnapurushdas (better known as Shastriji Maharaj). Shastriji Maharaj formalised the organisation by registering it and establishing five mandirs (Hindu mandirs) in his time, the first being in Bochasan, a small town near Anand in the state of Gujarat in India. The inauguration of the Bochasan mandir took place on June 5, 1907 (Vaishakh vad 10, Samvat 1963). This day marked the formal establishment of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

Q.6 Why the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)? A. The first mandir of the organization was inaugurated in Bochasan, a small town near Anand in the state of Gujarat in India, hence the word 'Bochasanwasi', meaning 'based in Bochasan'. The words 'Akshar Purushottam' signify the Hindu doctrine of worshipping God, Purushottam, along with His ideal devotee, Akshar, just like the worship of Radha along with Krishna, Laxmi along with Narayan, Sita along with Ram, and Parvati along with Shiv. 'Shri' is an adjective used as a prefix to a name to give respect, such as 'Shri Mohandas Gandhi'. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the God (Purushottam) worshipped by BAPS followers, and His name is part of the organization's name - in fact, the organization is also known as the Swaminarayan Sampraday. 'Sanstha' is the Sanskrit word for 'organization'. Thus the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha).

Q.7 What are the main aims and objectives of BAPS today? A. Inspire: one and all towards a better way of life through the humanitarian values of service, purity, discipline, love, tolerance, harmony and the realization of oneself as atma and experience the eternal joy of God. Energize: the on-going efforts against dowry, smoking, drugs, alcohol and other destructive addictions. Promote: harmony and peaceful coexistence among all communities through understanding and co-operation. Develop: constructive and creative youth and children's activities to channel their energy, promoting education and social services. Sustain: the roots of Indian and Hindu culture and all the good that it represents.

Q.8 What is the basic philosophy of BAPS? A. Summary Within the Hindu religion, the Swaminarayan Sampraday is a Navya-Vishishtadvait Bhakti Sampraday which advocates the worship of God within the disciplines of dharma. The Swaminarayan Sampraday believes that there are five entities which are eternal - they have never been created nor can they ever be destroyed. The entities are jiva, ishwar, maya, Brahma, and Parabrahma. In the philosophy propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Parabrahma, the Supreme God, has a divine form, is the all-doer and is always present on earth in person or through the God-realised sadhu (the Satpurush), the manifestation of Aksharbrahma. The soul, the jiva, never merges or dissolves into God, nor is it a part of God, but it is always subservient to God. The jiva, through absolute surrender and attachment to the Satpurush, attains the realised state and becomes eligible to offer pure worship to God. Detailed Answer As BAPS is a Hindu organization, the most basic tenets of its philosophy are consonant with the fundamental beliefs universal to all Hindus. For a review of these basic beliefs see the question: Is the Swaminarayan Sampraday a part of Hinduism? [Hyperlink the text in bold to the question Is the Swaminarayan Sampraday a part of Hinduism?] Within the Hindu religion, the Swaminarayan Sampraday is a Navya-Vishishtadvait Bhakti Sampraday which advocates the worship of God within the disciplines of dharma. In the philosophy propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, God is Supreme, has a divine form, is the all-doer and is always present on earth. He states that the soul, the jiva, never merges or dissolves into God, nor is it a part of God, but it is always subservient to God. The jiva, through absolute surrender and attachment to the Satpurush, the manifestation of Aksharbrahma, attains the realised state and becomes eligible to offer pure worship to God. One attains redemption through the realization of Ekantik Dharma, which comprises dharma (righteousness), gnan (spiritual understanding), vairagya (detachment) and bhakti (devotion to God). The goal of redemption is to be pursued and attained under the guidance of the Ekantik Sadhu (the Satpurush), the manifest form of Aksharbrahma, who is in constant rapport with God. The divine experience of this highest state is possible, here and now, in one's embodied state of worldly existence (jivan mukti). The Swaminarayan Sampraday believes that there are five entities which are eternal - they have never been created nor can they ever be destroyed. The entities are jiva, ishwar, maya, Brahma, and Parabrahma. A detailed description of each follows. Jiva: Jiva, or soul, is the individual self, conscious spirit, knower, enjoyer and doer of actions. The jiva is eternal, not created at anytime, by anybody. They are innumerable, each distinct from the other. Each jiva pervades the whole organism, and is different from the three bodies - gross, subtle and causal. Weapons cannot cut it, nor can fire burn it; water cannot wet it, nor can wind dry it. Yet, it is bound by worldly desires that are formed according to its karma. Though conditioned by maya, jivas can be eternally released by the grace of a God-realised guru or God. Ishwar: Ishwar is the cosmic self, a conscious, spiritual being conditioned by the adjuncts of mahamaya (greater maya). There are innumerable ishwars, each of which is assigned the duty of taking care of a universe, or at least a particular aspect of it. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv and all entities greater then them upwards to Prakriti Purush, are considered ishwars. Maya: Maya or Prakriti is the inert primordial matter from which the universe of names and forms comes into being. Maya is trigunatmik, constituted of three gunas - sattvagun, rajogun and tamogun, and is the cause of bondage for the jiva and ishwar. It is difficult to transgress and is the cause of identification of the jivas and ishwars with their bodies and relations thereof. But with the grace of the God-realised guru or God, one can attain atyantik moksha - ultimate liberation from maya and remain in the eternal service of God. Brahma: Brahma or Aksharbrahma or Akshardham is transcendent to the jivas, ishwars and maya, but subservient to Parabrahma. He is effulgent, all-pervading and divine. He serves the supreme Lord in a two-fold manner. In his personal aspect, he serves the God or Parabrahma both in His abode and wherever He incarnates Himself. Aksharbrahma is thus the ideal devotee and the most appropriate mediator for the aspirant striving to reach the supreme God. On the other hand, in his impersonal aspect, he serves the God by being His divine abode which is effulgent, infinite and all-pervading and in which innumerable redeemed jivas serve Parabrahma. He is also the substratum of all that is subservient to him. That Aksharbrahma incarnated on Earth in the form of Gunatitanand Swami to serve Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Through a lineage of God-realised sadhus, Aksharbrahma remains incarnated on the earth. At present His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the manifest form of Aksharbrahma. Parabrahma: Parabrahma or Purushottam is the highest reality, the supreme Godhead, one and unique. He is, at once, transcendent to everything and immanent in everything. He is the concrete, flawless Reality with a divine form who is the controller and supporter of everything. Bhagwan Swaminarayan Himself is Parabrahma or Purushottam. Even after Bhagwan Swaminarayan left his mortal body, He has remained continually present on Earth through a lineage of God-realised sadhus who are the incarnations of Aksharbrahma. Today, Bhagwan Swaminarayan is present through His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the present incarnation of Aksharbrahma. In summary, the philosophy of the Swaminarayan Sampraday states that the jiva is entangled in the web of ignorance, maya. However, through the guidance and grace of Brahma and Parabrahma, the jiva transcends maya to dwell forever in the divine abode of God, Akshardham. The jiva is able to attain the grace of Brahma and Parabrahma by continually endeavoring to follow their agna or holy commands. This philosophy is put into practice by the followers of BAPS by actively participating in various socio-spiritual activities of BAPS. All of these activities are performed with the objective of receiving the grace of God and the guru, or Parabrahma and Brahma, respectively.

Q.9 What is the relationship between BAPS and the Swaminarayan Sampraday? A. Just as there are different branches in most religions, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is an active socio-religious organization and the fastest growing branch of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

Q10 How many followers does the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha have? A. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has over one million followers, and over 800 trained sadhus. Out of these devotees, more than 55,000 are registered as active volunteers. Generally, though, anyone that attends the weekly assemblies or daily arti at the nearest mandir and follows the precepts and codes of conduct prescribed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan is considered to be a follower of BAPS.

Q.11 Is BAPS a social organization? A. BAPS is a socio-religious organization, with its efforts ultimately directed towards activities aimed at uplifting families and individuals. BAPS believes that if each individual is at peace with himself or herself, the world will be at peace. BAPS works to achieve this by inspiring a strong belief in peace, humanitarian service and a healthy respect for all religions and people, irrespective of class, creed, color or country. BAPS is also involved in social activities, such as providing relief in times of disasters as well as constructing and managing educational institutions, hospitals and medical camps. However, this is only a part of the whole. The Sanstha, under the leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, conducts weekly spiritual assemblies as well as personality development camps for men, women and children. BAPS celebrates religious and cultural festivals in India and abroad on a large scale, and also shows its concern for the environment through tree-planting programs.

Q.12 What does BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha do to promote family values? A. Summary The ideal family is one that cherishes the values that strengthen family bonds and keep the family happy and united. BAPS conducts Parent Forums, Family Seminars, Child-Rearing Seminars, Marriage Counseling, Character-Building Forums, Anti-Addiction Drives, Morality Seminars, Weekly Assemblies, Summer Camps, Children and Youth Forums, Career and Vocational Seminars, Educational Seminars, Newsletters, Magazines, Books, Brochures, other publications, and a myriad of other humanitarian activities. The message of family values pervades all of these activities. All who come to or come in contact with BAPS are inspired to imbibe them. Detailed Answer Hinduism and Family values One may be curious as to why a Hindu organization, which should be primarily concerned with the salvation of the soul, cares to promote family values? But the emphasis on the family has long been a core value of Hinduism. From ancient times, Hindu scriptures have outlined four objectives of a person's life: dharma, artha, kam, and moksha. Moksha, liberation from the cycle of births and deaths, is the ultimate objective of human existence. However, for one who is not a renunciant, moksha is to be attained while abiding by social conventions of marriage and family life. Therefore, one who is to live in society must pursue a livelihood for sustenance; this being the principle of artha. To fulfill one's desires, the objective of kam, Hinduism has prescribed the framework of the family. Both the accumulation of wealth, artha, and the fulfillment of one's desires, kam, are to be done according to the injunctions of dharma, the codes of conduct sanctioned by the scriptures. In order to sustain happiness in one's life and one's life hereafter, one must maintain a balance among each of these four objectives. Thus, according to Hinduism, a healthy, productive, and vital family life is a necessary ingredient of this balance. It is this principle that motivates BAPS to undertake a sustained and far-reaching campaign to strengthen family values in society. Family values The ideal family is one that cherishes the values that strengthen family bonds and keep the family happy and together. An ideal family is one in which each member understands the perspectives and hardships of the other and strives to meet each other's social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This mutual understanding creates a much needed bridge across the gap of genders and generations. In this ideal family, the parents fulfill their role as caregivers, breadwinners, and role models while the children fulfill their various roles such as acquiring an adept education, offering assistance in the affairs of the family, as well as respecting their elders and caring for them in their old age. The ideal family understands that the bond of marriage and the gift of progeny are sacred. The ideal family realizes that the sustained cultivation of mutual understanding, acceptance, respect, and love will prevent or resolve any difficulties between partners. BAPS and family values BAPS promotes all of the aforementioned values which shape the ideal family. At home, followers are encouraged to perform ghar sabha daily. Ghar sabha is a family assembly, inspired by Pramukh swami Maharaj, wherein all of the family members daily sit together for approximately half an hour to pray to God, engage in scriptural reading, discuss their day and understand each other. Through this daily ritual they develop a better understanding of each other's social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Just as BAPS promotes these values in the home, it also promotes these values through its various activities. Through Parent Forums, Family Seminars and Child-Rearing Seminars followers gain a clearer idea of how to successfully fulfill their roles as parents. Through these events, they gain valuable insight and inspiration from other families. They share experiences and exchange insight regarding the challenges of balancing their career lives with their family lives, as well as other parental issues. As parents, they discuss how to overcome pitfalls on the path to becoming successful caregivers, breadwinners, and role models. Through Marriage Counseling, Character-Building Forums, Anti-Addiction Drives and Morality Seminars, parents also learn the value of the bond of marriage and the gift of progeny. They are inspired to cultivate mutual understanding, acceptance, respect and love for each other and develop a stable relationship as parental partners. Likewise, through various activities, the youth followers also gain valuable insight on how to fulfill their roles in the family unit. The youth following is divided into three main age groups: children, teenagers, and young adults. For Children Through Weekly Assemblies, Summer Camps, and Children's Forums, the children learn the importance of education, respecting their elders, and assisting in domestic chores from a very young age. As these values are deeply rooted from a young age, they help children in helping their families become stronger. For Teenagers Through Weekly Assemblies, Summer Camps, Teenage Forums, Career and Vocational Seminars and Educational Seminars, teenagers are inspired and guided towards academic excellence. Through sharing experiences and exchanging insight with their own age group, they are able to cope with family tension and peer pressure. Through Anti-Addiction Campaigns, Morality Forums and Discourses they receive guidance that helps them live a purer life, thus, preventing or easing tensions within their respective families. As a result they are better able to fulfill their roles in the family unit. For Young Adults Through Weekly Assemblies, Vocational & Career seminars and Anti-Addiction Drives, young adults learn to successfully fulfill their roles in their respective families. While allowing them to share experiences and learn from their own age group, these activities provide guidance on effectively integrating new spouses into the family and on learning to become future parents while also inspiring them to care for their parents in their old age. Through the medium of international festivals and celebrations, BAPS extends the message of family values and ideals to its followers as well as to mass audiences in the form of Discourses, Exhibitions and Cultural Programs. Through Newsletters, Magazines, Books, Brochures and its Website, BAPS promotes family values. The message of family values pervades all of these activities. All who come to or come in contact with BAPS are inspired to imbibe them.

Satsang Glossary will enrich your vocabulary and increase your spiritual knowledge. The words given are with reference to satsang books and will thus enable all devotees to understand satsang discourses and books.

Some of the  Swaminarayna Temples in Australia

Auckland:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
21 Barrhead Place,
Avondale, Auckland-1007
New Zealand
Tel: (64-9) 828 2277
Fax: (64-9) 829 2277

Perth:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
189, Hancock Street,
Double View, Perth
Western Australia - 6018
Tel: (61-8) 9446 9949
Fax: (61-8) 9445 3432

Location
Perth is Western Australia’s capital city and the major gateway into the state. Fronting the widest stretch of the meandering Swan River, city and river make a stunning contrast, especially when the skies and river are a perfect Perth blue.

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Murtis
1st shrine - Shri Sita Ram Dev and Shri Hanumanji
2nd shrine - Shri Radha Krishna Dev
3rd shrine - Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami (Central)
4th shrine - Guru Parampara
5th shrine - Shri Shiv Parvatiji and Shri Ganapatiji

Darshan Hours
Daily from 7.00am to 12.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm

Weekly Assemblies

Daily Sabha:	6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Satsang Sabha:	Sunday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Kishore Sabha:	Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Bal Sabha:	Sunday 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m

Directions

Distance from Railway Station:
North Line
Closed Station: Glendalough Stn

Distance from Bus Station:
500 meters Route : 400 Scarborough - Wellington St Bus Stn

Sydney:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
40 Eleanor Street,
Rosehill, NSW 2142. Australia
Tel: (61-2) 9897 2776
Fax: (61-2) 9637 4470

Murti Pratishtha Ceremony
Murti Pratishtha of renovated Mandir on 2 Feb 2002 by H.D.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Murtis
1st shrine - Ram Sita Hanuman
2rd shrine - Radha Krishna
3rd (Central) shrine - Akshar Purushottam Maharaj
4th shrine - Guru Parampara
5th shrine - Shiv Parvati Ganapati

History
The property was a pie factory originally. It was later on taken over by the Church. The property was purchased from the Church at the end of 1999. After renovation Pujya Doctor Swami first performed the murti pratishtha of picture murtis in Jan 2000.

Daily Schedule

Darshan Timings:

7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Christchurch :

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
19 Frank Street,
Papanui,
Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
Tel: (64-3) 354 6665

Brisbane:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
45 Clare Road,
Kingston, QLD 4114, Australia
Tel: (61-7) 3133 3794

Melbourne:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
60 Heaths Court,
Mill Park,
Victoria 3082, Australia
Tel: (61-3) 9437 6767
Fax: (61-2) 9437 6768

 Wellington:

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
83/6 Eastern Hutt Road,
Taita, Lowe Hutt,
Wellington. New Zealand
Tel: (64-4) 972 2024

BAPS Swaminarayan Herbal Care

By the inspiration of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Herbal Care offers an extensive range of pure and effective Ayurvedic and Herbal formulations, under the brand name ‘BAPS Amrut’. The ‘BAPS Amrut’ brand of products manufactured by BAPS Swaminarayan Herbal Care maintains strict standards. They are prepared according to the traditionally established formulations taught by India’s great rishis of the past. All preparations are made only from the best quality raw material, handpicked by experienced specialists. Using modern techniques and equipment, they are prepared under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic pharmacists, thus ensuring strict quality standards. Our Aim BAPS Herbal Care aims to: Make people aware about this natural way to enjoy complete health, where the ideal of  complete health comprises physical, mental and spiritual well-being. To help people maintain normal health. To provide quality Ayurvedic supplements at an affordable cost. Our Oath for Quality All raw materials are sorted for quality as per our stringent standards for maturity, purity and potency. Every step of the manufacturing process is controlled by continuous quality checking. The final preparation is sealed in an air-tight three-layer package, which provides complete protection and helps preserve its optimum medicinal effect for a long time. No shortcuts. No compromises. BAPS Swaminarayan Herbal Care manufactures products using authentic formulations from the Ayurvedic texts, whose efficacy has been proven by practicing Ayurvedic physicians over thousands of years. The meticulous processing and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities ensures very pure, safe and effective herbal preparations for the benefit of mankind. The power of Nature Herbs are one of the concentrated forms of nature’s power. We put our best efforts to preserve this natural power right from harvesting the plants to the finished product so that the ultimate herbal preparations works efficiently at the root level of the diseases. Stringent testing Every batch of finished product undergoes a series of quality control tests. These tests include examination for overall purity, microbial load and other possible contamination.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                             

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