I returned to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Sunday, May 1st to interview a leader from this temple. I was expecting to speak to the pujari, but he actually referred me to someone else, Dr. Mahindra, since he’s knowledgeable about Hinduism. Dr. Mahindra was actually excited to speak to me because he loves teaching others about this religion.
Before I ask him any questions, he gives me an introduction of the BAPS organization. BAPS stands for “Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha.” The first mandir of this organization was inaugurated in Bochasan, Gujarat, hence the word “Bochasanwasi,” which means ‘based in Bochasan.’ “Akshar Purushottam” refers to the Hindu doctrine of worshipping Bhagwan Swaminarayan (Purushottam), and His devotee, Akshar. “Sanstha” is the Sanskrit word for ‘organization.’
Dr. Mahindra goes on and talks about the BAPS mandirs in America. This particular mandir is known as a ‘Hari Mandir’ because it is not a traditional temple for rituals but a hub for activities, such as Sunday Sabha, bhajan, kirtana, etc. There are over 450+ such temples in the world. There are 5 traditional BAPS mandirs in the U.S: Atlanta, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and a new one is being built in New Jersey. The largest mandir is in Delhi.
He also talks about the classes that take place at this mandir. “Activities are geared towards age – keeping up with the Swaminarayan scriptures.” The age range is from 5-35 years old. In addition, there are audio/video presentations shown here as well as language programs for kids. These classes explain why it is important to continue this way of life. The Scriptures are called the Vachnamrut, which is a dialogue between Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his disciples in a question/answer format with authenticity of time, day, and place. This also details the steps to moksha as well. There’s another religious text known as Shikshapatri, which is the code of conduct for one’s way of life. Lastly, there’s another text titled, Swamini Vato, which are day-to-day accounts of the Lord’s devotee, Aksharmurti Gunatitanand Swami. It also is used as a simplified form of the Vachnamrut.
Differences in America and India:
(Dr. Mahindra): Hinduism gives a traditional family-oriented life, but it also tells us that there is more – a spiritual element. In America, there are some goods and bads. Equality is a good thing because classes exist in India, but here, it’s not supposed to be that way. Everyone is considered equal. Unfortunately, there is some opposition to put up a temple because some are ignorant of the various religions, but after understanding it, they are more accepting. For this particular mandir, we didn’t need to worry about any opposition at all.
When you come here to America, culture is different. People get diverted to the American culture, but luckily, because of the mandirs in America, people have been keeping up with the traditions. If someone is firm in mind, they can survive and continue with the traditions. Within homes, a lot has changed as well. In India, each home would usually have a puja room, but in America, only a few have enough space to make a puja room. Living in New York makes it a reason to let things go. No meat, no onion or garlic, no eggs and gelatin are supposed to be consumed. Because we’re in the United States, people tend to conform to the American culture. Fortunately, in India, there are vegan restaurants that help maintain one’s vegetarianism. Language is also restricted because we’re conflicted with the English language here, which is used more than Gujurati.
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