Monument – Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur
Built by – Ananandand Swami
Built in – 1822

The glorious, multi-coloured, wood carved Swaminarayan Temple in the old city, was built in 1822 as the first temple of the Swaminarayan Hindu sect. Followers believe the sect’s founder, Swaminarayan (1781–1830), was the Supreme Being.

The land for the construction of this first shrine of Swaminarayan Sampraday was gifted by the British Imperial Government. The task of constructing this pilgrimage place was entrusted personally by Lord Swaminarayan to Ananandand Swami.

This was the first temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday constructed as per scriptural norms with intricate carving in pure Burma teak and constructed with sculptural art depicting deities’ episodes, auspicious symbols and religious icons. The temple is believed to be a valuable cultural heritage in the socio-religious history of Gujarat and India.

The installation ceremony of the pratistha in the temple was celebrated in the presence of thousands of pilgrims representing many parts of India.

Besides the Gods in the main temple, an idol in the form of a child, Ghanshyam Maharaj, has been installed in Akshar Bhavan, where personal items of Lord Swaminarayan have been displayed for viewing.

An idol of Ghanshyam Maharaj has been installed in Rang Mahol in the temple where Lord Swaminarayan stayed during his Ahmedabad visits. Besides the worshipable deities of the main temple, it also houses the sculptures of Swaminarayan.

Different sections of the temple were added subsequently. The main structure was divided into the North Gateway, Nar Narayan Temple, Akshar Bhawan, Rang Mahol and residences for holy women and students. A mansion built by Acharya Maharjshree Keshavprasadji Maharaj came up in 1871.

Photo Credit – www.mandirdiary.com