About Us
Many ask, "How can you mix spirituality and social service?"
We ask, "How can you separate the two?"
Those who wish to sincerely serve society must be spiritually pure and only those who are spiritually pure can sincerely serve society!
Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual and humanitarian Hindu organization with its roots in the Vedas. It was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century and formally established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.
Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, BAPS reaches out to address many of 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 individual attention, through elevating projects for all. Its universal work through a worldwide network of centers has received national and international recognition including affiliation with the United Nations' EcoSoC.
BAPS 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 spiritual and humanitarian services performed by BAPS.