The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

In 1990, Indian devotees of Lord Swaminarayan began gathering in one another’s houses for weekly worship. When the numbers became too large to support this arrangement, the group began investigating a permanent building and temple, complete with murtis (deities) and other facilities. To this end, the group purchased a former truck carriage in RTP (Research Triangle Park), and in 2004 opened it as an official branch temple (mandir) of the BAPS lineage.

Demographics

The majority of the members of the BAPS mandir are from the Indian states of Gujarat or Maharashtra in the western part of the subcontinent, although there are members from throughout India.

The BAPS mandir in Raleigh does not have formal membership statistics, but its Brahmin estimates that attendance for Sunday programs hovers around 250 people. For major holidays the number is much greater. Mostly recently, approximately 1500 people attending Diwali festivities.

Affiliations

No formal ties with other local temples, though the BAPS mandir is an official branch of the international BAPS association/lineage, directed from India by the head of the lineage, the Inspirer Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Activities and Schedule

M-F: Arti at 7 am and 7 pm.
M-F: Darshan 7 am - 12:30 pm ; 4 pm - 8:30 pm.
S&S: 7 am - 8:30 pm.