BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

At a distance of 14 Km from Pune Junction, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple situated at Narhe suburb of Pune. Located on National Highway 48, the Swaminarayan Mandir in Pune is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is one of the 1,100 temples established and overseen by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan (BAPS) globally, and among the prominent places to visit as part of the Pune leisure packages. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir stands as a symbol of spiritual illumination and the preservation of cultural heritage. It provides daily worship services, hosts special religious ceremonies, and celebrates festivals that attract devotees from Pune and surrounding areas.

History of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The Swaminarayan Mandir in Pune is a magnificent temple, built with remarkable architectural grandeur by the Sri Swaminarayan Sansthan. It features a design reminiscent of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi. Officially opened on February 19, 2017, the temple is distinguished by its outstanding architectural style and careful planning. Remarkably, the construction was completed in just 24 months, utilizing only stone materials and deliberately excluding steel.

Architecture of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The temple is a prime example of traditional Nagara-style architecture, distinguished by its elaborately carved marble and sandstone elements that reflect a profound cultural heritage. It spans approximately 184.6 feet in length, 181.6 feet in width, and reaches a height of 74.6 feet, covering a total area of 33,523.36 square feet. The design adheres to the Southern Shilpa Shaili style, crafted by Sompura artisans. The entire edifice is embellished with pink sandstone and red stone sourced from Rajasthan. The Mandir features 23 samrans, including 7 larger ones that enhance its visual appeal from afar. The detailed carvings were meticulously hand-crafted in Rajasthan and assembled in Lilburn, resembling a large three-dimensional puzzle. The temple is supported by 140 intricately designed pillars and showcases approximately 109 exquisite toran, featuring a total of 10,269 carved sculptures and deities.

At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Pune, the inner sanctum houses sacred idols of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, BAPS gurus, and various other deities. It is believed that these deities inhabit the murtis following the prana pratishta ceremony. Devotees engage in daily worship and perform darshan of these deities. The temple also includes an Abishek Mandap, where devotees conduct rituals by pouring water over the idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan while reciting prayers and mantras.

Within the temple grounds, the Aksharpith Book Store provides a diverse selection of literature on Hinduism, meditation music CDs, herbal health products, temple postcards, and gifts suitable for all ages and tastes. Additionally, a vegetarian canteen named Premvati offers traditional dishes on-site. The verdant surroundings of the temple foster a sense of tranquility, encouraging visitors to pray and connect with the divine.

Festivals of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The temple serves as a central hub for the observance of significant Hindu festivals, including Diwali, Janmashtami, and Maha Shivaratri. These occasions are characterized by lively decorations, traditional music and dance performances, as well as elaborate processions. The celebratory ambiance during these festivities offers a culturally enriching experience for both visitors and devotees.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

The temple is open to all individuals and invites visitors from various faiths to appreciate its architecture, traditions, and values. It seeks to provide an enlightening and inspiring experience of Indian culture, creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Timings

Monday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The best time to visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is from September to February while the peak season is from August to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple exploration. For those interested in experiencing local celebrations, it is recommended to plan your visit around the festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, and Maha Shivaratri. Pune typically experiences mild to moderate rainfall during the rainy season, leading to increased humidity. However, this time is perfect for those who appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes that the monsoon season offers. It is advisable to avoid visiting the temple during the summer months, as the temperatures can be quite extreme.

How to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Pune boasts excellent connectivity through air, rail, and road transport. The nearest airport, Pune International Airport, is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city and offers flights to numerous international destinations, including Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and Sri Lanka, as well as domestic routes to major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Pune Junction Railway Station provides robust train services linking the city to all significant towns and cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Additionally, Pune is well-served by bus routes connecting it to nearly all cities and towns in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple can be easily accessed by local bus or by hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from any area within Pune.