Across its two centuries of history, the Swaminarayan Sampraday has branched out into a handful of distinct organizations, each carrying forward Sahajanand Swami’s vision but adding its own flair to worship, governance, and social outreach.

1. Vadtal (Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi) and Ahmedabad (Nar Narayan Dev Gadi):
   • Originators: Established in 1820 by Swaminarayan himself, these two dioceses are the bedrock of the tradition.
   • Governance: Both are led by a hereditary acharya, a descendant of Swaminarayan’s family line.
   • Worship style: Rituals, temple layouts, and festival calendars remain remarkably similar, yet each Gadi has subtle differences in liturgical texts and icon arrangements.
   • Community focus: Vadtal often emphasizes rural outreach in Gujarat, whereas Ahmedabad combines urban initiatives with cultural education.

2. BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha):
   • Theological twist: Elevated the Akshar-Purushottam doctrine—viewing Gunatitanand Swami as the perfect abode (Akshar) of God—into its spiritual cornerstone.
   • Leadership: Guided by a single guru (currently Mahant Swami Maharaj), rather than the dual-acharya model.
   • Global footprint: Underwent rapid expansion, with architectural marvels like Atlanta’s new Hindu mandir and London’s Neasden Temple.
   • Social initiatives: From COVID-19 relief in India to food drives in the U.K., this branch blends modern management with traditional values.

3. Other Offshoots:
   • International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO): Emphasizes lay-led satsangs and cultural programs, particularly across North America, Europe, and East Africa.
   • International Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal (ISSM): Known for youth activities and educational workshops, especially in Australia and New Zealand.
   • Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Trusts: Various trusts run independent temples in South Africa, Mauritius, and beyond, each tailoring festivals like Janmashtami or Diwali to local flair.

What sets these branches apart often boils down to governance style, core theological emphasis, and methods of community engagement. While the two original gadis keep alive the ritual fabric laid down by Swaminarayan, BAPS has shot for the stars with global temple architecture and a one-guru leadership model. Meanwhile, ISSO and others carve out niches in diaspora communities, ensuring that the joy of bhakti remains a two-way street—rooted in ancient discipline yet adaptable to the fast-paced world of today.