Located in the western fringe of Pune, in the suburb of Narhe on the National Highway 48 (formerly NH4) lies the magnificent BAPS Swaminarayan mandir of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Inaugurated in February 2017, it stands today not just as a place of worship, but as a cultural-architectural landmark, a centre for service and spirituality, and a testimony to art and devotion blending seamlessly. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
| Temple Name | BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir |
| Location | National Highway 48, Narhe (Ambegaon BK), Pune, Maharashtra 411046 |
| Established | 2017 by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) |
| Main Deities | Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Radha-Krishna, Lakshmi-Narayan |
| Architecture Style | Traditional Southern Shilpa Shaili, made of hand-carved pink sandstone; no steel used |
| Highlights | 140 carved pillars, 109 torans, 10,000+ sculptures; Abhishek Mandap for Nilkanth Varni |
| Temple Timings | Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free entry for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest / Traditional attire; footwear not allowed inside sanctum |
| Major Festivals | Diwali & Annakut, Janmashtami, Guru Jayanti, Swaminarayan Jayanti |
| Best Time to Visit | October – February (pleasant weather) or during major festivals |
| How to Reach | 15 km from Pune Junction; 22 km from Pune Airport; easily accessible via NH 48 |
| Facilities | Gardens, canteen, bookstore (Aksharpith), parking, rest areas |
| Essence of Visit | A serene blend of spirituality, architecture, devotion, and community service |
Foundations & History
The BAPS organisation was founded in 1907 under the aegis of the Swaminarayan tradition. Over the decades it has grown into a global network of over 3,850 centres, supporting more than 55,000 volunteers around the world. (Fiyopa) The Pune mandir is part of this vibrant movement: in June 2015 the ground-breaking and site preparation began, and by February 2017 the temple was consecrated after a dramatic 24-month construction period. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
The temple site sprawls over approximately 33,523 sq ft (about 3,100 m²), measuring 184.6 ft by 181.6 ft by 74.6 ft in height. (Fiyopa) Unlike many modern buildings, this temple was built entirely without steel reinforcement — the entire structure is hand-carved sandstone and red stone, assembled like a giant three-dimensional puzzle. (travelblogsindia.in)
Architecture & Artistic Features
Walking up to the mandir, one is immediately struck by the finesse of the carvings. The temple rests on 140 intricately carved pillars, hosts 109 richly ornamented torans (arched gateways) and over 10,269 sculptures and deities across its surfaces — each telling a story, each carved with painstaking detail. (Trawell.in)
Constructed in what is called the “Southern Shilpa Shaili” (southern style of temple architecture) by Sompura architects and craftsmen from Rajasthan, the temple is built out of Indian pink sandstone and red stone — materials chosen for durability and aesthetic richness. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha) Each sculpture, each pillar, each motif reflects both traditional Hindu iconography and cultural motifs drawn from Maharashtra and India broadly. (travelblogsindia.in)
In the inner sanctum (garbhagriha and mandap areas) you’ll find the murtis (sacred images) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, and the more recent BAPS guru-parampara, as well as Radha-Krishna, Lakshmi-Narayan and other revered deities. (Trawell.in)
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
For devotees of the Swaminarayan tradition, this mandir is a living symbol of the ideals of dharma (righteousness), artha (purpose), kama (fulfilment) and moksha (liberation) — four aims of human life that Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasised. (vadtalmandir.org) The BAPS mission emphasises living ethical lives, offering self-service, remaining free from addictions, embracing vegetarianism, and devoting time to spiritual growth. (Fiyopa)
The mandir also functions as a community hub: the architecture, open spaces, meditation areas, exhibition halls and gardens invite visitors both for worship and for quiet contemplation, cultural learning and civic engagement. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
Visitor Experience
From the moment one enters the vast landscaped gardens around the mandir and steps into the marble-stone path, the ambiance shifts. Soft chants, the scent of incense, the rhythmic pillars, the serene murtis — all invite one to slow down. According to travel blogs, the mandir offers free vegan/vegetarian canteen facilities, a bookstore (Aksharpith) offering religious and cultural literature, and good parking and visitor amenities. (Fiyopa)
One particular highlight many visitors mention is the Abhishek Mandap — a structured ritual space where devotees can perform the abhishek (ritual bathing) of the deity, pouring water over the murti of Nilkanth Varni (another form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) while chanting mantras. It brings a participatory dimension to worship. (Fiyopa)
Moreover, on festival days such as Diwali, Annakut, and the guru’s centenary celebrations, the mandir bursts with devotional fervour, sound-and-light displays and cultural programmes. (xploreall.com)
Timings, Dress & Practical Info
Typically, the mandir opens for darshan in the morning and again in the evening:
- Morning: approx 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: approx 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Fiyopa)
Entry is free and open to all regardless of faith. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
Footwear is not permitted inside the main sanctum; visitors are asked to deposit shoes at the entrance. Modest dress respectful of a place of worship is recommended. (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
How to reach: The address is National Highway 48, Ambegaon BK, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra 411046, India. From Pune junction railway station it is about 15 km; from Pune airport about 22 km. (xploreall.com)
Why It’s Worth a Visit
- Architectural brilliance: The sheer detail of the hand-carved stonework, the precision of pillars and sculptures, the scale of the structure make it a marvel in modern religious architecture.
- Peaceful retreat: Being located somewhat on the outskirts of the city with landscaped gardens, the temple offers a peaceful break from urban hustle.
- Spiritual upliftment: Whether you come for darshan, meditation, community service or festival celebration, the mandir aims to uplift mind, body and spirit.
- Community & culture: The BAPS campus encourages involvement – whether volunteering, attending satsang (spiritual discourse), exploring exhibition zones or simply sitting in quiet reflection.
- Inclusive atmosphere: It welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, offering guidance, literature and exhibits that explain the Swaminarayan faith, Hindu philosophy and cultural heritage.
Tips For Your Visit
- Arrive early in the morning for a more peaceful experience, fewer crowds and softer light for photography.
- If you wish to participate in the abhishek ritual, arrive ahead of the scheduled time or check with the temple volunteers.
- On major festival days expect far larger crowds; plan parking/transport accordingly.
- There are vegetarian dining facilities on site – ideal for a quick meal after darshan.
- Respect dress codes, avoid footwear inside sanctum, and maintain decorum in the worship areas.
- After darshan, take time to stroll through the gardens or visit the bookstore/library to deepen your understanding of Swaminarayan teachings.
- Bring a camera (without flash in sanctum) – the carvings, sculptures and evening lighting are photogenic.
- For devotees, participating in service (seva) or chanting in the assembly hall adds depth to the visit.
