Why the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)?
A. The first mandir of the organization was inaugurated in Bochasan, a small town near Anand in the state of Gujarat in India, hence the word ‘Bochasanwasi’, meaning ‘based in Bochasan’. The words ‘Akshar Purushottam’ signify the Hindu doctrine of worshipping God, Purushottam, along with His ideal devotee, Akshar, just like the worship of Radha along with Krishna, Laxmi along with Narayan, Sita along with Ram, and Parvati along with Shiv. ‘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 – in fact, the organization is also known as the Swaminarayan Sampraday. ‘Sanstha’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘organization’. Thus the name Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha).
