The village of Chansad, near Vadodara, is the birthplace of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and has been sanctified by his divine touch during his childhood as Shantilal. One of the sacred places is the village lake, where young Shantilal would often bathe and take part in the swimming competitions.
In honor of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary, Gujarat Tourism and BAPS renovated this holy lake.
The work commenced on 5 October 2019 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami. Under the guidance of Ishwarcharan Swami, and by the efforts of Brahmavihari Swami, Shreejiswarup Swami, Bhagyasetu Swami (Kothari of Atladara Mandir), and other swamis and devotees, the lake was renovated in just three years and named ‘Narayan Sarovar’.
Narayan Sarovar has an air-conditioned auditorium, a walk-through exhibition on the life and work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, separate gents and ladies Snan Ghats for bathing, Asthivisarjan Ghat for ritual immersion of ashes, a place for children’s tonsuring, and other amenities and facilities. The Sarovar is surrounded by 18 artistic domes, commemorating the 18 years Shantilal lived in Chansad. Daily, a Maha Arti is performed at 7 p.m. followed by the spectacular lighting that enhances the beauty of the lake.
The opening ceremony of Narayan Sarovar was held on 9 April 2023. In the morning, the Narayan Sarovar was consecrated by performing a Vedic mahapuja in the presence of senior swamis and devotees.
At 5 p.m. the public opening of Narayan Sarovar took place in the presence of the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Pujya Bhaktipriyadas Swami, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, Minister of Tourism of Gujarat State Shri Mulubhai Bera and other dignitaries.
In the assembly to commemorate the grand opening, senior swamis honoured the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. The assembly featured speeches by Adarshjivan Swami, Brahmavihari Swami, Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami. His Holiness Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj also blessed the assembly via video.
More than 15,000 devotees from Vadodara city and surrounding villages were present in this assembly.