Chhapaiya, a quaint village in Uttar Pradesh, is a place of great spiritual importance, known as the birthplace of Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan sect. Here, the serene Ghanshyam Bhavan stands tall, a monument that tells the story of Swaminarayan’s birth. In 1863, Acharya Shree Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj erected a temple at this sacred site, honoring the memory of Swaminarayan, who passed away in 1830.

Forty-seven years later, in 1910, Acharya Shree Purushottamprasadji Maharaj built another grand temple, which is now being transformed into a marble marvel as part of a project initiated in 2004 by Acharya Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj. The ground floor of Ghanshyam Bhavan houses a beautifully decorated room that marks the exact location of Dharmadev’s house, where Ghanshyam was born.

Nearby, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complements the spiritual ambiance of Chhapaiya. This village, situated around 50 kilometers from Gonda and 40 kilometers from Ayodhya, is more than just a place; it’s a pilgrimage destination. As the birthplace of Swaminarayan, Chhapaiya holds special significance for his followers around the world. Visitors can explore the places where Swaminarayan played as a child, the tree he climbed, and the lake where he performed miracles.