Upcoming Events

Guru Purnima (Vyas Purnima), is celebrated on Ashadh Sud Poonam, the day of the full moon in the month of Ashadh. On this day, Hindus remember Ved Vyas, the eternal guru of Hindu Sanatan Dharma, as he classified the 4 Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva) and wrote the Mahabharata and  18  Puranas.  Guru, a Sanskrit word, comes from the root words ‘gu’ meaning darkness or ignorance, and ‘ru’ meaning remover of that darkness. A guru is one who removes our darkness in  the  form  of  ignorance,  helps  us  overcome  maya,  and  guides  us  on  the  path  to  realizing Bhagwan.  Join  us  in  offering  guru  bhakti,  our  devotion,  and  earnest  prayers,  to  His  Holiness Mahant  Swami  Maharaj, with  bhajans,  video  presentations  and  spiritual  discourses  by  swamis and youth.

BAPS Charities annual health fair is a community event that strives to improve health awareness of the community and connect individuals to health care professionals. Physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals will be available to provide guidance, counseling, and health screenings.  Join us to learn how you can proactively manage your health with one-on-one advice for preventive care.

Blood Draw:  Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 7:30 am – 11:30 am
Health Fair:  Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 12:00 pm  – 3:00 pm

To register, kindly use the following link:

https://www.bapscharities.org/usa/chicago/hf19chicago/

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. Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 24, 2019 7:00 pm onwards

The festival signifies Bhagwan’s role 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.

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.

Join us to celebrate His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 3:00pm onwards.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Janma Jayanti Tithi Sabha will be celebrated on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 6:00 pm onwards.

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Mahant Swami Maharaj Janma Jayanti - Mahila Celebration, a special cultural program organized and performed by the women for women, featuring kirtans, spiritual discourses, traditional dances and dramas depicting the life of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, on the occasion of his birthday, will be celebrated on Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 3:30 pm onwards.

Sharad Purnimais celebrated on the full moon day, in the month of Aso, every year. On this day, Gunatitanand Swami was born in Bhadra. On many occasions, Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed Gunatitanand Swami as an incarnate of Aksharbrahma and first of the 'Gunatit' Guru Parampara. Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami helped countless individuals on the path to God-realization and spirituality. A special event rejoicing the life of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and understanding the importance of Aksharbrahma on path of spirituality, will be celebrated on Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 3:00 pm onwards

At the BAPS Kid’s Diwali Celebration, the traditional rituals are combined with patient explanations and hands-on learning to engage a younger audience. Children participate in events ranging games to making small oil lamps which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.

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Diwali, the festival of lights, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar is celebrated with great devotion and splendor every year. On this festive occasion, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Atlanta cordially invites you, your family and friends to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Open to one and all, the celebration is an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular fireworks, traditions, and rich culture of the Hindu faith

🔗 Watch Diwali & Annakut Celebration 2018, Chicago, IL

The day following Diwali is the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The Hindu New Year is traditionally celebrated with the Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food. Every year over 1,000 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.

New Year Arti – 12:00 PM (Every hour till 5 PM)
Annakut Darshan – 12:30 pm to 8:00 pm 

🔗 Offer Annkut Thal

🔗 Watch Diwali & Annakut Celebration 2018, Chicago, IL 

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor. He led by example; his humility, faith in Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and compassion inspired millions of devotees and over a thousand sadhus to maintain moral and spiritual lifestyles. He inspired hundreds of thousands to lead lives grounded in spirituality and selfless service. He revealed Mahant Swami Maharaj as his spiritual successor, in whom we can see Pramukh Swami Maharaj today.

Join us as we express our gratitude to Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, on his birthday, on Sunday, December 1, 2019 from 3:00 pm onwards.

Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Janma Jayanti Tithi Sabha will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 04, 2019 from 6:00 pm onwards.

🔗 A Timeless Tribute to Life & Work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj - Video

HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's birthday will be celebrated in a special event by women for women on Sunday December 8, 2019 from 3:00 pm onwards.