Upcoming Events

Guru 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 on Sunday, July 14, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.

Shri Krishna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu Bhagwan, was born over 5,000 years ago on Shravan Vad 8. Shri Krishna incarnated on this Earth to kill the evil Kansa and give the discourses of the Gita to Arjun. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Knoxville will celebrate Janmashtami, to recall Shri Krishna’s lila and the invaluable life lessons he taught, on Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.

On Bhadarvo (Bhadra) Sud 11, also known as Parivartini or Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, devotees observe nirjala upvas, a waterless fast. On this day, devotees take a small murti of Bhagwan, Lalji, and the clay murti of Ganeshji to a river or lake. Here, devotees perform puja, arti, and thal of both murtis five times. After each puja, both murtis are taken on a short boat ride. During this time, devotees sing bhajans which describe the importance of sharnagaati, or surrendering oneself in the service of Bhagwan and the Guru. Jal Jhilani will be celebrated on Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.

Attracted by  the spiritual charisma and selfless love of Brahmaswarup 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 Brahmaswarup 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 Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Janma Jayanti Tithi Sabha will be celebrated on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 5:00 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 4:00 pm onwards.

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 - Knoxville 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.

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 a thousand unique thals (vegetarian delicacies) are devotionally prepared by devotees and are offered in devotional gratitude for the past year and to seek blessings for the New Year ahead. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Knoxville cordially invites you for darshan and prasad of the Grand Annakut with family and friends.

HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's birthday will be celebrated in a special event by women for women on Sunday December 1, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.

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 7, 2019 from 4:00 pm onwards.