About
Created To Promote A Scripturally-Based Hindu Diet
BAPS Shayona is a service provided by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to promote vegetarianism generally as well as the devotional Hindu diet amongst practitioners of the faith. Shayona prepares, sanctifies and offers food to thousands of devotees visiting BAPS temples around the world during weekly services and special festivals. Additionally, Shayona volunteers prepare ritually pure and devotionally offered food for special religious events and for purchase at BAPS temples around the world, filling an unfortunate gap for those practitioners who are unable to meet the dietary requirements of their faith alone.
Tulsi Leaf
BAPS Shayona is represented by the Tulsi leaf, a symbol of sanctity and devotion in Hinduism. It is our mission to provide the purest foods made in the purest manner according to the scriptures so that Hindus can sublimely express their beliefs of sanctity, devotion and non violence.
Prasadam
Perhaps the most important aspect of the Hindu diet is the offering of food to God. Such a practice perfects the concept of vegetarianism itself. After offering the food to God, it is no longer mere nutrition for one's body, but it becomes prasadam - sanctified food that nourishes one's body and soul. The simple act of eating becomes a profound act of devotion.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism in the Hindu context is about more than just diet. It is a way of living that incorporates special rituals, singular devotion to God, and an unwavering belief in nonviolence. To be a vegetarian is to understand that to contribute towards a more peaceful society we must first tackle the violence in our own hearts and expressed in our actions.