Swaminarayan Mandir, Rajkot (2024) - Images, Timings

Swaminarayan Mandir, Rajkot Overview

Situated on the Kalawad Road, at a distance of 4 km from the Rajkot Junction, Swaminarayan Mandir is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Mostly known for its architectural brilliance, the temple is one of the most celebrated temples in Gujarat and is among the top tourist attractions in the city. The temple was set up in 1998 by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha and hence is also known as BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.

The temple belongs to the Vaishnava tradition and it has been built according to the Ancient Vedic Shilpa Shastra techniques. It houses a central deity, a white idol of Lord Swaminarayan who sits in the heart of the temple clad in rich fabric. The architecture of the temple is popular since it is exotic and has been imported from far and white. The temple is a socio-spiritual organization and welcomes people from all faiths and religions. It is also renowned worldwide for its humanitarian services and runs a charitable trust as well.

Design of the Swaminarayan Mandir

Swaminarayan Mandir has three shrines, the central one of which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. In addition to that, this shrine also houses idols of Mul Akshar Gunatitanand Swami and Gopalananda Swami. The first shrine is dedicated to Harikrishna Maharaj which is a Panchdhatu murti that has been made from the alloy of the five metals. It also has idols of Radha and Krishna carved out of marble. And finally, the last shrine is occupied by a marble idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj. Besides, you can also find idols of Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the temple complex.

Swaminarayan Mandir is also known for its brilliant architecture and its exotic designs. The structure has been made of Ambaji marble, Makrana marble and Udaipur pink marbles which were far from contemporary at that time. The pink stones were brought from Bansipahadpur in Rajasthan to resemble the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar.