(14) How many BAPS mandirs are there in the world?
Answer: BAPS reaches out to millions of individuals through a network of mandirs and centers. They are more than places of worship and gathering, they are permanent sources of peace and happiness. Spread across the world in 45 countries, the BAPS global network is composed of more than 500 mandirs and over 9,000 centers.

 
 
(15) Why the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)?
Answer: The first mandir of the organization was established in Bochasan, a small town near Anand in the state of Gujarat in India – hence the word “Bochasanwasi,” which means based in Bochasan. The words “Akshar Purushottam” signify our basic belief in worshiping God, Purushottam, along with his ideal devotee, Akshar. “Shri” is an adjective used as a prefix to a name to give respect, such as Shri Mohandas Gandhi. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the God (Purushottam) worshipped by BAPS followers, and His name is part of the organization’s name. “Sanstha” is the Sanskrit word for organization. Thus, the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
 
(16) By whom, when, and why was the Bal Mandal started?
Answer: BAPS Bal Mandal was started by Yogiji Maharaj in 1954. The first Bal Mandal was formed in Mumbai, India. The reason Yogiji Maharaj established the Bal Mandal was to educate, elevate and inspire children to lead moral lives and serve society.

After Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj continued his guru’s dream by spreading Bal Mandal all across the world. Today kids everywhere are inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to live pure, God-centered lives that will help improve the societies they live in.
 

(17) How can we take labh of Swami Bapa ?
Answer: Balaks can take labh of Swami Bapa by first remembering that he likes discipline. By discipline we mean how to behave properly in front of Thakorji and Swami Bapa, with santos, with elder haribhaktas, yuvaks and other balaks. For this we should bear the following points, which sadguru santos like Pujya Dr. Swami often ask to bear in mind :

  1. While sitting in Swami Bapa’s puja, we should try to concentrate our mind on him. Doing mala will be even more beneficial because we receive more punya. But we should be strict on ourselves and not fidget around or talk to the person next to us. This would be aseva.
  2. While Swami Bapa is walking, we should follow point no. 1 above, as well as count the number of steps he takes in one round and the total number of rounds he walks. We should also try to listen and understand the kirtans or shloks that are being sung by other yuvaks or balaks and again note any special hand gestures that he makes concerning the kirtans.
  3. In sabha we should try to understand what the santos are saying. When Swami Bapa gives his blessings we should note at least one point from his talk that we feel will help us strengthen our Satsang. Also try to note any humourous story that Swami Bapa narrates, especially any memorable gestures.
  4. When Swami Bapa is sitting in katha, do his darshan very devotionally. Note down in your book how he sits, which leg does he usually cross over onto the other, how many letters does he pass on to Pujya Dharmacharan Swami, etc. From this we can get a rough idea of how many letters he read during katha that evening.
  5. While returning home we should try to discuss what Swami Bapa or santos said during that katha. Ask your parents anything you did not understand.
  6. When Swami Bapa starts his blessings, he says “Jai” of Guru Parampara. At the end balaks tend to continue hailing Bapa’s jai. This is not proper because we then make Swami Bapa, our Guru, wait till we finish. We are wasting his valuable time. Even his one second is worth millions.
  7. We should never, never try to do his charan sparsh (touch his feet) when he is passing by. We should just do pranams, by joining our palms together. That is also a great seva. Just think what would happen if he tripped over us ? We surely would never wish that. So taking labh of Swami Bapa means doing everything that pleases him, but by observing self-discipline and all our niyams.

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