BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata Location
Bhasa 14 No., Diamond Harbour Road.
Dist. 24 Parganas (South)
Kolkata, West Bengal 743503 India
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata Timings
- 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
- 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata Arti Timing
- Shangar: 7:30 am
- Rajbhog: 11:15 am
- Sandhya: 6:45 pm
- Shayan: 8:00 pm
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata, also known as the Pailan Temple, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and managed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha. It’s a relatively recent addition to Kolkata’s religious landscape, inaugurated in 2014.
Here’s a detailed look at this architectural marvel:
A Modern Marvel Inspired by Tradition:
- Architectural Design: The temple complex showcases a blend of traditional Indian architecture with modern elements. It features ornate carvings, spired domes, and landscaped gardens, creating a visually stunning and serene environment.
- Inspired by Akshardham: The design draws inspiration from the famous Akshardham Temple in Delhi, another BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir known for its grandeur.
Seeking Blessings and Inner Peace:
- Central Deities: The main sanctum sanctorum houses a murti (idol) of Swaminarayan along with other deities like Laxminarayan and Shiv-Parvati. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, participate in daily rituals (aarti), and experience a sense of inner peace.
- Two-Storeyed Sanctum: The main sanctum is a unique two-story structure, with the lower level housing the gold-plated idol of Swaminarayan accessible for a fee.
Exploring the Temple Complex:
- Visitor Facilities: The complex features a visitor center, exhibition halls showcasing the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, and a food court offering vegetarian meals.
- Large Parking Area: Ample parking space is available within the complex for a convenient visit.
History of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata has a relatively short history compared to many other temples in India. Here’s what we know about its establishment:
Vision and Construction: The temple was envisioned by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the then spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, several years before its inauguration. Construction details and the exact timeline aren’t publicly available online.
Inauguration: The temple was officially consecrated and opened to the public in the year 2014. This makes it a recent addition to Kolkata’s religious landscape.
Roots in Kolkata: Interestingly, BAPS has been present in Kolkata for a much longer period. There’s another BAPS center in Bhawanipur, established 44 years prior to the Pailan temple. This center has served as the foundation for satsang activities (spiritual gatherings) in Kolkata and the eastern region of India.
Connecting the Dots:
While details about the construction process are limited, we can infer a few things:
- Planned Expansion: The vision for the Pailan temple likely arose from the desire to establish a grander center for the growing BAPS community in Kolkata.
- Spiritual Significance: The choice of location might hold spiritual significance within the Swaminarayan tradition, but information on this isn’t readily available online.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Idols
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Kolkata, also known as the Pailan Temple, enshrines several deities following the Swaminarayan tradition. Here’s a breakdown of the main idols you’ll encounter:
Central Deities:
- Swaminarayan: The central and most prominent idol is of Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith. This murti (sacred image) is usually depicted standing in his divine form, often adorned with elaborate clothing and jewelry.
Accompanying Deities:
- Laxminarayan: Alongside Swaminarayan, you might find an idol of Laxminarayan, which is a combined form of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi. This signifies prosperity and spiritual liberation.
- Shiv-Parvati: The temple might also house an idol of Shiv-Parvati, representing Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Their presence highlights the importance of devotion and the union of masculine and feminine energies.
Beyond the Temple Gates
- Explore Kolkata: After experiencing the serenity of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, delve into the vibrant culture of Kolkata by visiting other historical landmarks, museums, and street markets.
- Weekend Getaway: The temple’s location on the outskirts of Kolkata makes it a good option for a peaceful weekend getaway.
Important Information
- Location: The temple is situated in Bhasa, located on Diamond Harbour Road in the southern fringes of Kolkata.
- Timings: The temple is generally open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. It’s advisable to check the official BAPS website or social media pages for any updates on timings during festivals or special occasions.
- Dress Code: As with most Hindu temples, dressing modestly and respectfully is recommended for visitors.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata offers a unique blend of spirituality, architectural beauty, and modern amenities. It serves as a place of worship for devotees and a cultural landmark for visitors seeking to explore the diverse religious landscape of India.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata built?
Ans: The temple was inaugurated in 2014.
Q: Who built the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: The temple was constructed under the guidance of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the then spiritual guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Q: Does the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata have any historical significance?
Ans: While relatively new compared to other Indian temples, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata marks the expansion of the Swaminarayan faith in Kolkata and serves the growing local BAPS community.
Q: What are the timings of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: The temple is generally open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. It’s advisable to check the official BAPS website or social media pages for any updates on timings during festivals or special occasions.
Q: What is the dress code for visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: As with most Hindu temples, dressing modestly and respectfully is recommended for visitors. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
Q: Are there any fees for entering the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: Entry to the temple is generally free. However, there might be a fee for a special darshan (viewing) of the gold-plated idol in the lower level of the sanctum sanctorum.
Q: What facilities are available at the temple complex?
Ans: The complex features a visitor center, exhibition halls showcasing the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, and a food court offering vegetarian meals. Additionally, there’s a large parking area for visitor convenience.
Q: Which deities are enshrined in the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: The central idol is of Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith. You might also find idols of Laxminarayan (combination of Vishnu and Lakshmi) and Shiv-Parvati.
Q: Can I take photographs inside the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum is generally not permitted. It’s advisable to check with the temple administration for specific guidelines.
Q: What are the rituals performed at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: Daily rituals include aarti (offering of light) ceremonies and prayers. Visitors can observe these rituals from designated areas.
Q: Where is the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata located?
Ans: The temple is situated in Bhasa, located on Diamond Harbour Road in the southern fringes of Kolkata.
Q: How can I get to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: You can reach the temple by car, taxi, or rickshaw. Public transportation options might be limited.
Q: What are some things to do near the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Kolkata?
Ans: After visiting the temple, you can explore other historical landmarks, museums, and street markets in Kolkata. The temple’s location also makes it a good option for a peaceful weekend getaway.
