Bochasanwasi Shri 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 |
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (IAST: Bocāsanvāsī Akshar Purushottam Sansthā), often abbreviated as BAPS 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 present through a lineage of Gunatit Gurus or Akshar dating all the way back to Gunatitanand Swami - Swaminarayan's foremost principal devotee. Due to the organizational emphasis on the Akshar Purushottam doctrine, it essentially forms the organization's middle name. The fundamental beliefs of BAPS include the spiritual guidance through Akshar who is believed to be in close proximity to Swaminarayan so as to realize perfect proximity and supreme devotion to Swaminarayan as experienced by Akshar by attaining oneness with Akshar. Gunatitanand Swami 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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