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Gujarat Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Gadhada
Location | Bhavnagar district of Gujarat |
Built by | BAPS, Swaminarayan Sanstha |
Built in | 1951 |
Managed by | Swaminarayan Sect |
Inaugurated by | Shastriji Maharaj |
Primary deity | Swaminarayan |
Architectural styles | Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra |
Attraction | Largest Temple complex in India |
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Gadhada is a Hindu temple in Gadhada, a town in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat in India. It was built under the supervision of Shri Swaminarayan, himself, started in his own courtyard. Lord Swaminathan planned to build the sixth and final mandir to fulfil the wish of Dada Khachar and his family who were devotees of Shri Swaminathan. Swaminarayan bhagvan helped in the planning, executing and bulding of the temple. He even offered his services by doing manual work in the construction of the temple by carrying stones. The temple was built in two stories with three domes. The whole structure is decorated with beautiful carvings. This mandir was completed in 1829 and was dedicated to Gopinathji maharaj with his idol in the main temple.
History
Lord Swaminarayan's original desire to build a mandir on the hilltop took place after 125 years. The temple was built in two stories with three domes.
The history of this temple goes back to the times when Shastri maharaj used to wish for a temple on the hillock while bathing in the holy waters of River Ghela. He had faith in lord and tried to get land in Gadhada but failed to please the government. It was after independence of India when state kings lost their power and Bhavanagar came under the jurisdiction of the central government. The collector of Bhavanagar Govindsingh Chudasama helped in getting the property for the temple. The foundation stone was laid and the huge temple of white marble was opened in May 1951 and the installation of images was conducted by Yogiraj maharaj, six after the death of Shastriji Maharaj.
About the Mandir
Swaminarayan temples have walkways around the central shrine to allow worshipers to go round the shrine. The walkways have railings that are decorated with designs and inlaid marble. The main shrine area is divided by railings to separate men and women. There is a special area for saints and special guests. The central images, in the front are made of gold- or silver-plated
- Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan had installed the idols of Gopinathji Maharaj and Harikrishna Maharaj in the middle part of the temple. Idol of Dharmdev and Bhaktimata and Vasudevanarayan was placed on the western side and idols of Revti-Baldevji, Shri Krishna and Suryanarayan adorns the eastern part of the temple.
- There is a prasadi temple which is a museum of all the items of Swaminarayan Bhagvan are displayed. On the path there is the idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj.
- There is a chamber of Vasudevnarayanunder a big neem tree on the southern side of the temple. This was the place where Swaminarayan used to conduct his discourses along with his disciples.
- The Akshar Oradi temple and Ganagajalio well is situated on the backside of the temple.
- Lakshmivadi is the place of Lord Swaminarayan’s cremation. A temple of a single dome is built at the place where the funeral rites of the lord were performed.
- River Ghelo flows in the south side of the temple. The river-beds - Narayan Dharo and Sahasra Dharo are places where Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan visited frequently. Small temples of Neelkanth Mahadev and Lord Hanuman are made on the bank of the river.
Significance
BAPS Swaminathan temple is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimage for followers of the Swaminarayan Faith which believes in service for others. Lord Swaminarayan made this place his base for over 25 years. He conducted preaching tours around the nearby areas along with his disciples. There were many Lilas of the lord performed in this place. This was the place from where the most religious discourses and lectures were given by Lord Swaminarayan.
How to Reach There
By Road
Gadhada is well connected by roads to the majorcities of Gujarat. There is regular bus service and private cars available for Gadhada from different cities of Gujarat.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Botad or Ningala on the Ahmdabad –Bhavanagar track. There are connecting buses available for Gadhada from Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar stations.
By Air
The nearest airport for Gadhada is Ahmedabad. Deluxe coaches and private taxis are available at the airport for Gadhada.
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