The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Wellingborough, Northants, was inaugurated on Sunday 23 August amid ancient Vedic chanting and ceremonies.

Presiding over the ceremonies was sadguru Swayamprakash Swami (Doctor Swami), who had travelled from India for the occasion. Other learned sadhus officiated the murti-pratishtha vidhi (invocation ceremony) in accordance with ancient Hindu scriptures.

The mandir is a completely new building on a site where the previous BAPS mandir – consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1977 – once stood. Dr Hiten Patel, Communications volunteer for BAPS, explained, “We’ve had a presence in this delightful town for over thirty years but steady growth over this time has necessitated this expansion and something more purpose-built. We’re overjoyed with the new facilities, because it means we have more space to worship and are much better placed to reach out to the local community, especially the young.”

The Mayor of Wellingborough, senior police officers and other guests from the community expressed their gratitude at being present on this unique occasion.

The ceremony followed from Saturday’s colourful ceremonial procession through the streets of Wellingborough and prayers by the devotees for peace and well-being in the local community.

The new mandir will serve as the hub of spiritual and community services for BAPS in the Northants region.