


The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bangkok, Thailand, marked a significant milestone for the Swaminarayan community in the region. BAPS satsang activities in Thailand began in 1984 with a visit from Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and continued to grow with subsequent visits and support from various sadguru swamis. During a visit in 2018, Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the community to find land for a mandir, leading to the acquisition of a plot and the start of construction after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The Shilanyas Ceremony was conducted by the devotees during the pandemic, and the construction was completed under the guidance of Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, with efforts from Surenbhai Patel, Mayurbhai Desai, and the Bangkok devotees, as well as the design and construction team led by Brahmacharandas Swami. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Mahotsav, a four-day event, began on 18 July 2024 with the Vedic pujan of the small chal murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, which had been sanctified by Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj before arriving in Bangkok. The murtis were ceremoniously placed in the newly constructed mandir, following devotion from Surenbhai Patel and his family.

On 19 July, the Praasaad Pravesh ceremony, which signifies the first entry into the new mandir, was celebrated with a Vedic yagna performed by Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya Viveksagardas Swami, attended by over 150 devotees. Pujya Viveksagardas Swami explained the significance of the yagna and the importance of a mandir, while Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami elaborated on the nine forms of bhakti and the mandir's role in fostering a deeper connection with God. The morning of 20 July saw over 350 devotees participating in a Vedic mahapuja to pray for divine blessings and prosperity for Thailand. Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami emphasized that the mandir holds the same divine significance as other abodes of God and serves as a place for devotion, seva, and enlightenment. Later, over 450 devotees celebrated with a vibrant Shobha Yatra, accompanied by traditional Thai performers, through Bangkok to the mandir. The evening concluded with bhajans by Yogipremdas Swami. The climax of the Mahotsav occurred on 21 July, coinciding with Guru Purnima. Over 500 devotees and dignitaries, including H.E. Shri Nagesh Singh, Ambassador of India to Thailand, attended the murti-pratishtha ceremony. Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya Viveksagardas Swami led the rituals, while H.E. Shri Singh acknowledged the mandir as a cultural bridge between India and Thailand. Pujya Viveksagardas Swami spoke about the mandir's role in promoting peace and community well-being, and Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami highlighted the mandir as a place for daily worship and community events. The dedication assembly at Phow Leng Association of Thailand Hall honored contributors and featured a special video blessing from Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. The inauguration of the mandir represents a new chapter for the Swaminarayan community in Thailand, bringing together spiritual and cultural traditions in a beautiful new setting.
