The central shrine of the mandir houses the murti of Swaminarayan, with Gunatitanand Swami to his left, together worshipped as Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj.

[3] Followers gather for weekly assemblies in the haveli where devotional hymns are sung and discourses on Hindu scriptures are conducted.

[4] Some of the major festivals celebrated annually include Rama Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali.

[5] In 1972, at the behest of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a small group of devotees in Chicago began gathering in homes to hold spiritual assemblies.

In 1984, Pramukh Swami Maharaj consecrated murtis in the building and inaugurated the first Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the Chicago area.

[7] Construction of the complex took place over various phases, beginning with the haveli and culminating with the opening of the shikharbaddha mandir.

[12] Also in 2005, the mandir was recognized in Stone World magazine as a true symbol of ancient heritage and craftsmanship of traditional Indian temples.

A conference held on March 22, 2014 was themed ‘Lead from Within.’ The program illustrated that true leadership is rooted in a person's character, actions and examples.

The conference elaborated on how sadhana (spiritual practice) plays a role in maintaining strength and courage while navigating life experiences and events.

For the past several years, funds raised from the BAPS walkathon in Chicago have benefited the American Cancer Society.

The health fairs help provide medical care and advice to underserved members of the community.Diwali is one of many important festivals to worshiping Hindus.

Along with Annakut, BAPS also does a New Year Aarti every hour inside the temple so that people visiting at the time can pray and receive blessings.

On April 1, 2021, BAPS Charities hosted a vaccination drive in conjunction with Prism Health Lab at the mandir.

[20] US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy praised BAPS Charities for holding vaccination clinics at mandirs.

Regarding the elderly, Murthy noted easier accessibility at the temples “surrounded by trusted friends in familiar settings than it may have been for some of them to get vaccinated at an unfamiliar location.”[21][22]