Anoopam Mission Midwest Peoria, IL, USA
The Temple
Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual & Cultural Centre
In 1975, Sant Bhagwant Sahebji and Sadguru Sadhu Pujya Shantidada visited Peoria, IL for the first time, marking the beginning of a profound spiritual journey for the community. Their initial stay at the home of Pujya Jitubhai and Ritaben Patel, the pioneers of Peoria Mandal, was the foundation for what would evolve into a vibrant center of devotion.
Many families, through their respect and love for Jitubhai and Ritaben, began attending sabhas. Among these devoted families were Pujya Manubhai and Sudhaben Patidar, Pujya Jitubhai and Dakshaben Shah, Pujya Sudhakerbhai and Kanakben Baman, Pujya Nimishbhai and Pratimaben Gandhi, and several others. Some years later, Pujya Vinubhai and Jadiben Patel and Pujya Bimalbhai and Poojaben Sheth also joined this growing spiritual family.
In 2008, Pujya Bimalbhai and Poojaben Sheth’s deep affection for God inspired them to create a Ghar Mandir in their home, enshrining cut-out murtis of Dham, Dhami, and Mukt alongside marble Radha-Krishna murtis on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. These murtis were installed by Sadguru Sadhu Pujya Ratidada.
Years before Peoria even had regular sabhas, Shantidada stood in the Ghar Mandir, his loving eyes fixed on the murtis. He proclaimed, “One day, when someone lands at the Chicago airport and asks, ‘Where’s the Midwest Anoopam Mission Mandir?’ we’ll proudly say, ‘Here.’”
Exactly 16 years after the establishment of the Ghar Mandir, the Pran Pratishtha of Dham, Dhami, and Mukt as marble murtis took place, joining the existing Radha-Krishna murtis. During the supremely auspicious occasions of Shantidada’s pragatyadin and Janmashtami 2024, this Ghar Mandir was officially transformed into an Anoopam Mission mandir, bringing Shantidada’s divine vision to life.
Transforming a home into an official mandir is unprecedented in the history of spirituality. Through this powerful change, Sahebji brilliantly challenged the dichotomy between the mandir and the home – now, they are one and the same.
Location
Shree Swaminarayan Spiritual Cultural & Community Centre, Upasana Dham is the Anoopam Mission temple located at 7201 N Wescott Ct, Peoria, IL 61615, USA
Spiritual Activities
There are several spiritual activities held at Upasana Dham Peoria.
Kirtan Sandhya and Satsang Sabha
Devotees of Anoopam Mission organize Satsang Sabha, an evening filled with devotional singing and harmonious music. Every Friday at 7:00 PM CST, devotees from nearby areas gather for this uplifting event. The sabha begins with aarti, followed by devotional singing, spiritual discourse audio clips from our guru, or personal insights shared by devotees about their spiritual journeys.
At times, the Satsang Sabha adopts a more intimate format, with an open forum where devotees can share what’s on their hearts and receive spiritual support from the community. This nurturing environment reflects the love and compassion of our God.
Youth Sabha
The Youth Sabha is held parallel to the adults’ Satsang Sabha every Friday at 7:00 PM CST and is designed for ages 4 and above, led by Peoria youth leaders.
The topics blend spirituality with practicality, covering themes such as practicing self-love, learning Hindu rituals, becoming best friends with God, and challenging negative thinking. At the end of the Youth Sabhas, children enhance their public speaking skills by sharing their takeaways with the adult sabha participants.
Celebration of religious festivals
Anoopam Mission celebrates all major Hindu festivals with devotion, including the auspicious days of Swaminarayan saints and other significant events. Quarterly, we hold samaiyos to unite the community in celebration.
Padramanis, Mahapujas, and Prayers at Devotees’ Homes
Padramanis are personal visits made by Sant Bhagwant Sahebji and Vratdhari santo to the homes and businesses of devotees. They regularly travel across the country for Mahapuja and prayers, sharing comfort, guidance, and God’s loving presence to eager devotees.
All are welcome to join our sabhas and be a part of this heartwarming community!
Parking Guidelines
To minimize disruption to the residential area, please remember to follow standard parking guidelines by not blocking neighbors’ driveways or fire hydrants, and please keep noise levels down during late hours.
For larger gatherings (samaiyos), cars can be parked near 7114 Vauxhall Place as well. From there, we suggest walking to Upasana Dham.
