Pune, also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, has many beautiful historical monuments, temples, and other religious places. A recent addition to the renowned temples in the city is the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Located on the National Highway 48 at Narhe, Ambegaon BK, this temple was built by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha, which has built over 1100 temples in India and across the world. The construction of the beautiful temple in Pune was completed in February 2017 and since then it has been open to all.
Built entirely out of stone and without using any steel, the construction of this divine temple was completed in 24 months. It is designed in the Southern Shilpa Shaili, was carved by hand in Rajasthan, and is made of pink sandstone and red stone.
Covering an area of about 33,000 square feet, this temple has 23 Samrans, including seven giant ones and there are 109 Torans to beautify this temple. The base of the temple is formed by 140 carved pillars and there are over 10,000 carvings and sculptures depicting the Indian and Maharashtrian culture on the temple’s walls and pillars.
Discovering Peaceful Vibes at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Pune
Once you enter the temple, its divine and peaceful vibes enchant and captivate you. The Shri Swaminarayan Temple has various beautiful idols such as Shri Ram-Sita, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, Shri Ganesha, Shri Shiv-Parvati and Shri Vitthal-Rukmani to name a few.
One of the highlights of visiting this temple is witnessing the midday aarti ceremony, which is performed daily at 11.15 am. This is an ancient Hindu offering made by waving lighted wicks before the divine figures and accompanied by musical prayers.
There are a total of four aartis that you can witness to seek your spiritual blessings—Shangar aarti at 7.30 am, Rajbhog aarti at 11.15 am, Sandhya aarti at 7.00 pm and Shayan aarti at 8.30 pm.
There are various assemblies that are conducted on a weekly basis at the mandir, such as the Bal and Balika Sabha, Kishor and Kishori Sabha and Satsang Sabha.
Things To Do at The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Attracting lots of tourists daily, this temple has a lot more to offer in addition to the divine intervention and its peaceful vibes. Water fountains adorn the premises of this temple and the sound and light show is conducted every evening.
You can also have a quick snack at the snack shop which serves delectable vegetarian Jain food at an affordable rate.
You can also buy gifts related to the Hindu and Jain culture in their gift shop. Apart from witnessing the four aartis, you can offer special prayers at the Abhishek mandap.
Things to Remember When You Visit the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
A strict dress code must be followed in the temple and one has to dress modestly in non-revealing clothes to respect the temple and its culture.
Footwear is not allowed at the temple’s premises and there are shoe racks provided at the entrance.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple but photos can be taken outside. Devotees are expected to switch off their mobile phones once inside the temple premises.
Luggage is not allowed inside the premises, although small bags are permitted.
No outside food, tobacco and chewing gums are allowed inside the temple premises.
There is no entrance and camera fees charged and the temple is open to everyone.
When to Visit?
The murti darshan timings are from 7.00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm. The best time to visit is during the winter, but that being said, you can visit this divine place at any time of the year.
You can plan your timings of visit according to the aarti timings so that you can witness at least one of the four divine aartis.
How to Reach?
Pune is a well-connected city by road, rail and air. Once you are in the city, you can reach the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the following ways:
- From Pune Junction Railway Station: 15 km by road
- From Pune Airport: 22 km by road
- From Swargate Bus Depot: 11 km by road
You can travel by autorickshaw or rent a car or you can book a taxi cab service to reach the temple from the above-mentioned places.
So, the next time you plan to visit the city of Pune, do not forget to add the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to your travel itinerary and seek your blessings.
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