October 12, 2003

With the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Westchester BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated with great joy and jubilation. Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Pujya Santo conducted a Mahapuja according to ancient Vedic traditions.

Murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Shri Aksharmurti Gunatitanand Swami Maharaj, Guru Parampara, Shri Radha Krashnaji, Shri Sita Ramji, Shri Shankar Parvatiji, Ganpatiji and Hanumanji were consecrated and installed in the hand-crafted sinhasan. An Annakut was offered to the Deities. Maharaj recognized their devotion and partook in some of the prasad as evidenced by missing pieces. The event was attended by many devotees from around the Northeast Region as well as dignitaries such as the Consulate General of New York Pramathesh Rath, and the Deputy Mayor of Yonkers Phil Amicone. The ceremony began with a Kirtan Aradhana on the previous evening, followed by an Abhishakham ceremony of the murtis, performed first by Pujya santo who anointed and bathed the murtis with panchamrut and then by the male and female devotees.

Photogallery