The Swaminarayan Mandir at Vadtal, in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, was ordered by Lord Swaminarayan and constructed under the supervision of S.G. Brahmanand Swami. A very special place and one to visit again if at all possible.
The principal deity is Lakshmi Narayan that is the dual representation of the Hindu deities Vishnu, also known as Narayana, and his consort, Lakshmi.
The temple complex includes Hari Mandap, the house and building where Lord Swaminarayan wrote the Shikshapatri. Here’s my selfie with a copy of the book, that was very kindly gifted to me.
Here is the room and seat at which the book was written. The book has had a profound affect on the Swaminarayan community, and continues to do so from generation to generation.
It was special for us to meet one of the mandir’s monks, Pu. Dharma Prakash Dasji Swami, and I hope he has, by now, recieved this photo.
We were grateful too, to Pu. Shyam Vallabh Dasji Swami for his kindness and generosity.
Here are a few more pictures and I will add captions when time permits!
Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal Wikipedia entry