Murtis

Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj

This murti is that of Lord Shree Swaminarayan at a young age when he was affectionately called by the name of Ghanshyam. Whereas in the case of other murtis, all offerings such as garments, garlands, food, etc. can only be offered in the abstract form, the statue form of Lord Shree Swaminarayan can be physically bathed, clothed, garlanded, decorated and offered food.

Devotees prepare garments for Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj from decorative and colourful materials.

Jewellery is also offered to Him to be blessed, or given as presents.

This was the first marble murti of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj, installed in a temple outside India.

Sahajanand Swami

Lord Shree Swaminarayan, during His physical presence on the earth, recommended his certain postures to be worthy of meditating upon, and installing in the temples.  One which shows Him sitting on a low settee, one foot overlapping the other, duly garmented and decorated, wearing a turban with rose flowers tucked therein, rose garland around his neck and rose bracelets on His arms and wrists, is the preferred posture.

The murti in this position is commonly installed in the temples of Swaminarayan Sampraday and at the homes of devotees. However, other postures may also be installed.

Lord Shree Nar Narayan Dev

Nar is the manifestation of Arjun, and Narayan is the manifestation of Shree Krishna. They are based at Badrikashram (their divine abode). For the duration of this universe, Nar Narayan Dev controls the destiny of all beings, depending on the karmas of those individuals. Lord Narayan manifested Himself as Lord Shree Swaminarayan.

Lord Shree Nar Narayan Dev manifested at Narayan Ghat on the banks of River Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, hence the murti of Lord Shree Nar Narayan Dev was installed by Lord Shree Swaminarayan at our first temple in Ahmedabad, India.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan also installed the murti of Lord Shree Nar Narayan Dev at our temple in Bhuj-Kutch, India.

Lord Shree Hari Krishna and Shree Radha Krishna

The supreme God is always surrounded by His devotees in heaven. Radhikaji was one of the staunchest devotees of Lord Shree Krishna.

When Radha is by the side of Lord Shree Krishna, the murti is known as Shree Radha Krishna. When Radhikaji resides within Lord Shree Krishna the murti is known as that of Lord Shree Krishna.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan is the manifestation of Lord Shree Krishna and is also known as Lord Shree Hari Krishna.

There is no discrimination between the different manifestations of Lord Shree Krishna, as all the different manifestations of Lord Shree Krishna are at His own free will.

Shree Hanumanji

Shree Hanumanji was the staunchest devotee of Lord Shree Rama. Shree Hanumanji’s remarkable glory is sung in the holy epic of Ramayan. He is the destroyer of all evils, and if properly worshiped, one would never fall under the spells of evil spirits. Worship of Shree Hanumanji represents respect to all devotees of the Almighty.

The presence of Shree Hanumanji, at the main entrance or inside the temple, protects the devotees from all external evil forces and gives them peace of mind whilst in the temple.

Every village in India has at least one temple of Shree Hanumanji.

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the second half of the month of Ashwin.

Lord Ganesh

Besides the murtis of various manifestations of Lord Shree Krishna, Lord Shree Swaminarayan also recommended worship of Lord Ganesh (the God of good fortune) whose presence is called upon before any social or religious function is performed. His worship, if properly performed, ensures the fulfilment of religious ceremonies without hindrance or mishap. Worship of Lord Ganesh represents respect and worship of all other demigods. The presence of Lord Ganesh, at the main entrance or inside the temple, helps the followers to leave all internal evils such as lust, anger, greed, jealousy, etc. outside and bring only purity with them into the temple.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the first half of the month of Bhadarva.

Suryanarayan Dev and Shiv Parvati

Installed on Maha Shivratri in 2005, these two murtis were installed much later than the previously mentioned murtis.

As stated by Lord Swaminarayan in Shikshapatri Shlok 84 “My disciples shall reverently respect the five deities namely Vishnu, Shiv, Ganapati, Parvati and Sun”

In Shlok 47, He has asked us to consider Lord Shiva and Narayan as equals.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the second half of the month (vad) of Maha

Sahajanand Swami with Manki Godi