Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

Source: This post on Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has been created based on the article “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in 200th year celebrations of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat” published in PIB on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently celebrates 200th Anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal.

About Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

1. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in located in Vadtal, Gujarat. It was established on November 3, 1824 under the guidance of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

2. The temple serves as the headquarters for the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi.

3. Design: The temple features a lotus-shaped plinth and nine domes, showcasing intricate stone carvings on its pillars.

4. Shrines: The central shrine houses idols of Lakshmi Narayan and RanchhodRaiji. The right shrine contains images of Radha Krishna alongside Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna, while the left shrine features Vasudev, Dharma, and Bhakti.

5. Historical Significance: The temple’s construction was supervised by Sadguru Shree Brahmanand Swami and completed in just fifteen months. It stands as a testament to the devotion and architectural prowess of the era.

6. Significance of the Swaminarayan Movement: Lord Swaminarayan restored spiritual and national pride. He emphasized the importance of the ShikshaPatri and Vachanamrit texts and encouraged people to carry forward their teachings.

7. Vadtal Dham’s Contributions: Vadtal Dham actively supports social services, providing education, food, and shelter, especially in remote tribal areas. The organization also promotes initiatives like female education, environmental campaigns, and cultural preservation, embodying a blend of modernity and spirituality.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture