Sacred Symbols & Rituals
This red circular mark is placed in the center of the Tilak to represent a devotee.
(What is the Chandlo?)
He is our current Guru and the 6th spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
(Who is Mahant Swami Maharaj?)
Ghanshyam Maharaj was born in this small village in Uttar Pradesh.
(What is Chhappaiya?)
This 4-letter word is the key to unity and harmony within the Sanstha.
(What is Samp?)
We do this three times around the Murtis to show that God is the center of our lives.
(What is Pradakshina?)
This is the specific name for the morning prayer ritual that includes Tilak-Chandlo, Mansi, and Mala.
(What is Nitya Puja?)
This Guru built the first BAPS Shikharbaddha Mandir in Bochasan.
(Who is Shastriji Maharaj?)
Ghanshyam’s father, Dharmadev, tested him by placing these three items on a stool.
(What are a Gold Coin, a Sword, and a Scripture?)
We avoid eating these two specific vegetables to keep our mind "Sattvic" or pure.
(What are Onions and Garlic?)
This is the central shrine of the Mandir where the main Murtis are kept.
(What is the Garbhagruha?)
When we bow down to our parents or the Guru, we touch five parts of our body to the floor. What is this called?
(What is Panchang Pranam?)
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s childhood name was Vinubhai. In which city was he born?
(What is Jabalpur?)
When Ghanshyam was a child, he famously defeated several scholars in a debate in this city.
(What is Kashi / Varanasi?)
This famous story from the Ramayana features a son who served his blind parents with ultimate devotion.
(Who is Shravan Kumar?)
In a BAPS Mandir, which two figures are always placed in the central shrine together?
(Who are Dham and Dhami / Akshar and Purushottam?)
This yellow substance used for the Tilak is known for its purity and cooling effect on the mind.
(What is Sukhad / Sandalwood paste?)
Which Guru is known as the "Amrut Kup" (a well of nectar) because of his constant peace and joy?
(Who is Yogiji Maharaj?)
These were the names of Ghanshyam’s two brothers.
(Who are Rampratapbhai and Ichharam-bhai?)
What is the Sanskrit term for "purity of diet," which leads to purity of the soul?
(What is Ahar Shuddhi?)
This is the traditional waving of lamps before the Murtis accompanied by a prayer song.
(What is Aarti?)
n the Vachanamrut, Bhagwan Swaminarayan explains that the Tilak-Chandlo is not just a mark, but a sign of this spiritual relationship.
(What is the relationship between the Atma and Paramatma?)
Yogiji Maharaj started the very first Bal Mandal in this year to engage children in Satsang.
(What is 1954?)
At what age did Ghanshyam leave his home to begin his journey as Nilkanth Varni?
(What is 11 years old?)
Mahant Swami Maharaj teaches that we should look at everyone with this "divine vision."
(What is Divyabhav?)
What is the name of the ritual where the Guru or a Sadhu bathes the small metallic Murti of Bhagwan?
(What is Abhishek?)