BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj was rebuilt in 2010 after the original was completely destroyed in the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake. Constructed from Turkish white marble and pink Rajasthani sandstone, the new complex took nearly a decade to rebuild with over 1,500 artisans carving the intricate shikharas, pillars, and exterior panels entirely by hand.

The main mandir features 24,000 square feet of carved marble and sandstone, 1,357 carved stone pillars, and 97 carved elephants circumambulating the base — symbolising the 97 moons (purnamasis) significant to the Swaminarayan tradition. The complex includes a heritage exhibition hall, community dining room, and extensive dharmashalas. It stands as a monument to the resilience of the Bhuj community after the earthquake that killed 20,000 people.