Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
BAPS Logo with the symbol of Akshar Deri
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| Abbreviation | BAPS |
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| Motto | "In the joy of others lies our own." – Pramukh Swami Maharaj |
| Formation | 5 June 1907 |
| Founder | Shastriji Maharaj |
| Type | Religious organization |
| Legal status | Foundation |
| Purpose | Educational, Philanthropic, Religious studies, Spirituality |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India |
| Location |
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| Coordinates | 23°02′N 72°35′E / 23.03°N 72.58°ECoordinates: 23°02′N 72°35′E / 23.03°N 72.58°E |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
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Membership
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55,000 volunteers |
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Head
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Mahant Swami Maharaj |
| Website |
www |
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Formerly called
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Bochasanwasi Swaminarayan Sanstha (BSS) |
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (IAST: Bocāsanvāsī Akshar Purushottam Sansthā), often abbreviated as BAPS (formerly Bochasan Swaminarayan Sanstha or BSS), is a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. BAPS was established as a formal organization on 5 June 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj. It was formed on the founder's doctrinal stand that Swaminarayan had promised to remain manifest in the person of Akshar, a term used to describe his chief devotee and Swaminarayan's abode. Due to the organizational emphasis on the doctrine, also spelled as the "Akshar Purushottam" doctrine, it essentially forms part of the organization's middle name. The fundamental beliefs of BAPS include the spiritual guidance through Akshar as the Gunatit Guru who is believed to be in close proximity to Swaminarayan and the necessity to identify with the living Guru as a means to acquire oneness with Akshar and offer pure worship to Swaminarayan. Gunatitanand Swami is recognized in BAPS as the foremost Akshar in the lineage of Gunatit Gurus. He was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Prumukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
As a global Hindu minority organization, BAPS actively engages in a range of endeavors aimed at spirituality, character-building, and human welfare. The activities span religious, cultural, social, and humanitarian domains. Through these activities, it aims to preserve Indian culture, ideals of Hindu faith, family unity, selfless service, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. 55,000 volunteers and 3,300 temples serve 3,300 communities around the world.
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