Our History
In the year 1781, Bhagwan Swaminarayan descended upon this earth with utmost grace in India, Many fortunate souls still experience His divinity and become his followers. Followers of Bhagwan Swaminarayan have migrated out of India in early 1950s and amongst them are P. Thakorbhai Patel and P. Rameshbhai Dhanani who migrated to the state of Pennsylvania from the small villages of the state Gujarat, India. P. Thakorbhai initiated satsang gatherings in the mid-1990s, and later, Late. Rameshbhai took the lead in the late 2010s in Teflord, PA (USA). After many years of dedication, a serendipitous encounter in the mid-2010s united a group of individuals deeply devoted to Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Gadi, sparking the inception of our cherished Mandir. Driven by their shared vision, these devout Haribhaktos envisioned the establishment of the Vadtal Gadi Mandir Junagadhdham in Telford, PA. Yet, like all significant endeavors, the journey towards this goal unfolded gradually
Initially, they gathered in various homes monthly for Satsang, nurturing their spiritual connection. Eventually, an official Chapter emerged, and the monthly Satsang transitioned from intimate home gatherings to larger ones in rented halls, particularly for festivals. During these formative years, dedicated Haribhaktos diligently transported essential items like books, musical instruments, seating mats, and cooking supplies from house to house, storing them in trunks, garages, and homes. These gatherings expanded into rented halls, accommodating hundreds of attendees. With frequent visits from Santos and Dharmakul from India, the Satsang movement flourished. In 2015, a significant milestone was achieved with the acquisition of land in Telford, Pennsylvania, for the Mandir's construction, providing a sacred space for thousands to worship Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
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Through unwavering determination, tireless effort, and the divine blessings of RadhaRamandev, a property spanning approximately 11.22 acres was acquired in Telford, PA in 2015. The land, formerly housing a 2,160 sq ft single-family home, now hosts the temple. Over the years, the Mandir saw a steady increase in devout Haribhaktos attending. In response, the Mandir committee decided to reconstruct a two-story Mandir in 2019. Despite encountering significant challenges such as the unforeseen onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures, fueled by determination and resilience, we persevered through adversity and successfully concluded the project in 2024.
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In the presence of thousands of Santos and devotees, Bhumi Pujan was performed by H.D.H. P.P. D.D. 1008 Acharya Shree Rakeshprasadji Maharaj. In 2024, H.D.H. P.P. D.D. 1008 Acharya Shree Rakeshprasadji Maharaj will perform Murti Pratishtha of Radh Raman Dev in the presence of many respected Santos from India. Shree Swaminarayan Temple Telford serves as the headquarters of Shri RadhaRaman Dev, containing three main shrines.
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Bhagwan Swaminarayan was particularly known to organize very large gatherings for His devotees, such as on the holy occasions of Ramnavmi, Holi, Shivratri, and Janmashtami. In same way, P. Rameshbhai continued to organize such events that would bring together devotees with so much excitement and some events would last over a week. Today, many families stand as a testament to the transformative nature of such samaiyas or gatherings. P. Rameshbhai and P. Thakorbhai has cultivated Lord Swaminarayan’s divine message of living with spiritual harmony winning countless hearts.
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Over the years, the temple has been graced by the presence of many Santos from Vadtal Desh, dedicating their service to the temple and its community. Their influence has inspired countless devotees to embrace and practice the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Every Saturday, hundreds gather to offer prayers and engage in religious activities. Additionally, the temple hosts grand Hindu festivals such as Janmasthmi, Ramnavmi, Shivratri, Holi, Diwali, and Tulsi Vivah, fostering a vibrant spiritual atmosphere within the community.
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For the salvation of all souls and to. establish a lineage of pure form of worship, Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan committed to one resolution: "I will build temples and install deities. Anyone who offers worship to the deities while following moral principles, he/she will attain the four aims of human life namely: Dharma (righteousness, moral values), Artha (prosperity, economic values), Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values), and Moksha (liberation, spiritual values). There is no better achiever than the one who performs temple services (temple seva), serves liberated saints, and offers devotion to God with reverence."
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The Mandir boasts state-of-the-art facilities providing an enhanced experience for the local community and devotees alike. Offering Gujarati classes and services for the elderly and childcare, the Mandir has become a central pillar for the Hindu community.