With the blessings
of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Southend-on-Sea
was declared open on Sunday 5 October 2003, the auspicious day of Vijaya
Dashami (Dashera). With the blessings of Swamishri, members of the Satsang
Mandal in Essex have been conducting regular satsang assemblies for
many years. Their efforts culminated in the purchase of a spacious hall
on the coast of South East England in Southend-on-Sea.
On the afternoon of Sunday 5 October, Pujya
Atmaswarup Swami and sadhus from Neasden's Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
performed the murti-pratishtha (image installation) ceremony, which
commenced with Vedic mahapuja rituals with participants. After the pratishtha
rituals of Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Radha-Krishna Dev and the Guru
Parampara, a beautiful annakut was offered to the deities.
This was followed by a special assembly
to mark the occasion in which Pramukh Swami Maharaj's blessings were
read to the audience. Sir Teddy Taylor, M.P for Southend East &
Rochford, Councillor Sir Roger Weaver and the Deputy Mayor were present
and welcomed the new mandir. Six-hundred devotees and well-wishers came
for darshan on the opening day.
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