Upcoming Events

Guru Purnima is a special day for devotees to honor their guru and the importance of a guru in their lives. A guru leads one from the darkness of maya to the light of wisdom and understanding. Join us in offering guru bhakti, our devotion, and earnest prayers, to Mahant Swami Maharaj, with bhajans, video presentations and spiritual discourses by swamis and youth.

The month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar is considered amongthe holiest of the year. It bringsmany different festivals, one of the most significant is known as Janmashtami, or the birth of BhagwanShri Krishna.

The festival signifies Bhagwan’srole at the helm of the ship that is our lives, and his compassion in navigating devotees across the vast ocean of life. On this day, devotees carry a small murti of Bhagwan and a clay murti of Ganeshji to a river bank or lake shore. Here, both are offered pujan, arti and thaal five times. After each pujan, both are taken for a short boat ride. During these boating rituals, devotees sing bhajans which express sentiments of "sharnaagati" –surrendering oneself to the will of Bhagwan and one’s guru.

The 6th Patotsav ( Anniversary) celebration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bloomington will take place from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

Celebrating the birth anniversary of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the women of BAPS will organize a unique cultural program with the theme exploring the moments from their guru’s life that serve as teachable examples.

Attracted by  the spiritual charisma and selfless love of Brahmswarup Yogiji Maharaj, he accepted monastic initiation in 1961 and was named Keshavjivandas Swami. Having served Yogiji Maharaj with all his heart, he was appointed as ‘mahant’, the head, of BAPS Mandir in Mumbai. Over time, he became fondly known as Mahant Swami.

After Yogiji Maharaj’s passing in 1971, Mahant Swami Maharaj continued to serve devoutly, under the guruship of Brahmswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, travelling relentlessly throughout the world to inspire countless individuals through his profound and thought-provoking spiritual discourses. He has also offered his deep insight and guidance in many social and spiritual activities of the BAPS.

On 20 July 2012, in the presence of senior sadhus in Ahmedabad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor. Following the earthly departure of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 13 August 2016, Mahant Swami became the sixth guru in the Gunatit Guru Parampara of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.  Mahant Swami Maharaj now presides as the guru and spiritual guide of countless devotees and helms the worldwide spiritual and humanitarian activities of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Janma Jayanti Tithi Sabha will be celebrated on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 6:00 pm onwards.

Diwali – one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar will be celebrated with great devotion and splendor. Celebrations will begin with Kid's Diwali Celebration on Saturday, October 5th - the day will be filled with family activities and outdoor fun.

Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the Hindu lunar month Ashwin, and honors the significant role of the moon in Hinduism. It is the birth anniversary of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, the first successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and is a spiritually significant day for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Join us in a celebration that includes special discourses and bhajans.

The  Hindu New Year is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food.  Every year unique thals (vegetarian delicacies) are offered in devotional gratitude for the past year and to seek blessings for the New Year ahead. The Annakut offering includes hundreds of items of food, snacks, sweets, pickles, spicy dishes, salads, fruit drinks and other items devotionally prepared by devotees. We cordially invite you for darshan of the Grand Annakut with family and friends.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired thousands through his deep spirituality, humility and dedication to service. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday  will be celebrated in a special event by women for women on December 1, 2019.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is an inspiration for countless people around the globe. During the course of his lifetime, he has personally counseled countless people, having read and replied to over half a million letters from individuals of all walks of life.  He inspired thousands to lead lives grounded in spiritually and selfless service.