Temples in Hindu religion is a path for attaining moksha (salvation) for many souls and is a place of faith. Temples have many purposes and guidelines. Belief of true image form (Sakar) of God and devotion is maintained through temples. Soul gets nourishment for Dharma (religion), Gyan (knowledge), Vairagya (detachment) and Bhakti (devotion) = Ekantik dharma (profound religion) through association with saints residing in temples. Ultimate salvation is attainable. Thousands of people accomplish moral values and attain peace through temples. Temple is a true place for entire society for faith and assurance during happiness and sadness.
To establish Dharma (righteousness) on the entire earth, instil firm determination of His true form and give true happiness to His devotees of His divine image (murti), Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan made three heartful intentions (Sankalp). 1. Build temples and install divine Murtis, 2. Establish Aacharyas and 3. Produce scriptures to portray the greatness of Swaminarayan sect. His intention behind building temples was;
“I should make grand temples and install divine Murtis inside, so that all males and females can comfortably pray by touching His lotus feet.”
Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan built six grand temples during His divine presence, approximately 200 years ago, in which He Himself installed the divine Murtis. These temples are located in various villages/towns in the state of Gujarat, India. Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan instructed Aacharyas to install divine Murtis through Vedic mantra and ceremony (Vidhi). Hence, divine images in Swaminarayan sect are now installed by Aacharyas in various towns, cities and worldwide countries through Vedic ceremony.
Ahmedabad was the first temple to be constructed. An English collector gave the land during the British Rule. The deed document was transcribed on to a copper plate, stating that the land would remain under ownership of the Swaminarayan Sampraday for all time. Anandanand Swami designed the structure of the temple. Lord Swaminarayan Himself established the images of Lord NarNarayan Dev in VS 1878 on the 3rd day of the bright half of the month of Falgun (Monday 24th February 1822 AD).
The devotees living in Bhuj including Gangaram Mull, Sundarji Suthar and Hirji Suthar requested Lord to construct a temple at Bhuj. Lord instructed Vaishnavanand Swami to construct the temple and again Lord himself established the murti of Lord NarNarayan Dev in Bhuj on VS 1879 on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh (Friday 15th May 1823 AD).
Devotees of Vadtal including Joban Pagi, Kuberbhai Patel and Ranchodbhai Patel requested Lord to build a huge temple at Vadtal. Brahmanand Swami and Aksharanand Swami designed the Vadtal temple. Lord Swaminarayan Himself helped in the construction of the Vadtal temple by carrying stones to the site. At Vadtal, Lord established Shree LaxmiNarayan Dev, Shree Ranchodrai Dev and Shree HariKrishna Maharaj (image of Himself) with Shree RadhaKrishna Dev. Lord established these images in Vadtal in VS 1881 on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of Kartik (Thursday 3rd November 1823 AD).
Punjaji Darbar of Dholera urged Lord to construct a temple in Dholera. Nishkulanand Swami and Adbhutanand Swami constructed the temple. Lord Swaminarayan established Shree MadanMohan Dev and Radhikaji in VS 1882 on the 13th day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh (Saturday 19th May 1826 AD).
Lord constructed a huge temple at Junagadh on land presented by Jinabhai (Hematsinh) Darbar of Panchala. Brahmanand Swami constructed the temple and Lord established Shree RadhaRaman Dev in VS 1884 on the 2nd day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh (Friday 1st May 1828 AD).
Lord Swaminarayan stayed in Gadhada for 25 years. He made Gadhada the centre of the sampraday whilst He was on earth. It was the deep love and affection of Dadakhachar and his four sisters Jaya (Jivuba), Lalita (Laduba), Panchali and Nanu (Ramabai) that attracted Lord to spend most of His life in Gadhada. He stayed at the royal residence of Dadakhachar treating it as His personal home. By the request of Dadakhachar and his sisters, Lord constructed a grand temple under His personal supervision and with the assistance of Viraktanand Swami.