A Niyam could be referred to as a regular act of devotion to the Supreme Lord. They are classified into two categories.
- Samanya Niyams: which have to be practiced by all devotees regularly without exception.
- Vishesh Niyams: those taken by choice and are practiced in addition to Samanya Niyams.
With the construction of the new Bhuj Temple nearing its final stages, the Learned Saints proposed an idea, of devotees taking up additional (Vishesh) Niyams to increase their devotion and spiritual contentment in the lead up to the grand opening celebration in May 2010.
Niyams are a great way of pleasing the Lord. It is a way in which self discipline and control can be obtained. The taking of Niyams allows one to engage in extra devotion by which we can move even closer to the Lord Almighty and obtain his indescribable and infinite abode.
Here are some Niyams that have been suggested by our Holy Saints and which are currently being performed by devotees around the world.
- Recitation of Harismruti
- Recitation of Vachanmrut
- Recitation of Bhaktichintamni
- Recitation of the Janmangal Stotra
- Chanting with Barley/Seasame Seeds
- Writing of the Maha Mantra
- Perform Mala
- Maha Mantra Dhun
- Pradikshina (Circumambulation of the Lord)
- Dandvat Pranam (Prostration towards the Lord)
Please remember, that these are only suggestions which one may decide to carry out. You can do anything that you desire and are comfortable with, for example:
- I shall try to help 5 people give up bad habits
- I shall try to introduce 5 new people to Satsang (Spiritual Path)
- I shall try not to eat impure food (outside cooked food)
- Set realistic & reasonable targets and be consistent in your approach to achieve them.
- It is not a competition to see who can do the most but rather an individual commitment performed with love and devotion.
- Extra Niyams can always be taken up, if you feel it is within your capacity.
Lastly, we request that YOU to join the thousands of devotees globally that are performing an extra niyam for the benefit of themselves and for the success of the event. The culmination of many, participating in small niyams will result in the gracious blessings of our Lord Swaminarayan, on the auspicious opening of His new temple.
Visit the
downloads page for audio/literature publications to help you with your Niyams.
The online form for niyams is currently unavailable. We hope to have it up and running shortly, so please visit back soon. We apologise for any inconvenience.