Uttar Pradesh is renowned as the spiritual tourism hub, famous for its sacred sites like Ayodhya, Mathura, Kashi, and numerous Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. As a spiritual traveler and Gujarati who finds immense joy in visiting and exploring pilgrimage sites in search of inner peace, I decided to take a short solo pilgrimage trip to Ayodhya and Lord Swaminarayan temple in Chapiya.
My journey began with careful planning, ensuring that everything from tickets to accommodation was taken care of. I started my trip from Ahmedabad, boarding an early morning flight to Ayodhya. Upon reaching the sacred city around 10 AM, I immediately took a taxi to my hotel, already feeling the positive vibe of the place.
After freshening up and enjoying a good and healthy breakfast, I wasted no time in visiting the revered Lord Shri Ram Temple, followed by a prayer at the Hanumangarhi. After visiting these two places, I went to a famous restaurant for lunch, where I opted mostly for local vegetarian dishes. After that, I went straight to the Saryu Ghats and took a 45-minute boat ride, during which I explored the serene ghats and admired the various temples and their architecture located along the river. I also took a stroll on the Ram ki Paidi.
In the evening, I explored the Terhi Bazar and Hanumangarhi markets and purchased some artifacts and souvenirs for family and friends, along with some sweets and prasad. On the second day, after breakfast, I hired a taxi and headed towards Chapiya, which is about 55 kilometers away.
Swaminarayan Chapiya is a highly revered place located near the sacred city of Ayodhya and is one of the most prominent temples of the Swaminarayan Sect. Ayodhya is considered the heart and soul of Uttar Pradesh, and it was in this very region that the Swaminarayan Sampraday was established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan over two centuries ago in Gujarat.
It was in Chapiya, Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh that Lord Swaminarayan, born as Ghanshyam Pande in 1781, chose to incarnate. He manifested at the house of Dharma-Dev in Chapiya, in Kaushal-Desh, with the divine purpose of safeguarding Bhakti-Mata and Dharma-Dev from the relentless harassment by demonic forces. Moreover, his incarnation was also aimed at guiding spiritual aspirants to the supreme abode of Akshardham, by imparting the profound knowledge of his true nature, dharma, detachment, and devotion.
In 1792, at the tender age of 11, Lord Swaminarayan started a seven-year pilgrimage across India, adopting the name Nilkanth Varni. During this transformative journey, he engaged in various welfare activities, and after a span of 9 years and 11 months, he finally settled in the state of Gujarat around 1799.
It was in the year 1800 that he was initiated into the Uddhav Sampradaya by his revered guru, Swami Ramanand, who bestowed upon him the name Sahajanand Swami. Just two years later, in 1802, Sahajanand Swami’s guru entrusted him with the leadership of the Uddhav Sampraday before his passing. Sahajanand Swami then convened a gathering and imparted the sacred Swaminarayan Mantra, after which he came to be known as Swaminarayan, and the Uddhav Sampraday became the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
As I approached the Swaminarayan Chapiya temple, I was instantly spellbound by its magnificent, white marble architecture. This temple is a true example of the divine legacy of Lord Swaminarayan, attracting visitors and followers of the Swaminarayan Sect from all over, who come to pay their obeisance at his birthplace, along with visiting the sacred land of Lord Rama.
The temple grounds were bustling with devotees, many of whom were Gujaratis who had travelled to connect with the deep spiritual energy of this spiritual site. I could feel the vibrant energy and devotion as I stepped into the temple, I feel elated after each melodious bell and the serene ambiance of the place.
After circumambulating the temple, I was struck by the intricate carvings and the ornate deities, and the overall grandeur that seemed to radiate a timeless spiritual essence and vibrations of this sacred place.
After offering my heartfelt prayers, I spent some time exploring the rest of the temple complex, marveling at the architectural wonders and the devotional passion of the pilgrims who had gathered here from across the nation.
Unwillingly, I had to bid adieu to Chapiya, but I knew that the indelible impression it had left on my soul would remain forever.