September 10-11, 2005
Indianapolis, IN
With the blessings
of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Indianapolis BAPS Shree
Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated with great jubilation
and festivity. Many volunteers spent months leading up to
the opening ceremony, devoting their time and immense enthusiasm
to ensure that the Mandir was ready on time. The two day Mandir
Murti-Pratishtha had an inspiring program of Kirtan Aradhana
on Saturday, September 10.
On September
11, a traditional Vishvashanti Mahapuja was held in the morning.
Following the mahapuja, Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Pujya
Vivekmurti Swami joined by other santos, performed the murti-pratishta
to consecrate the murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj,
Shri Radha Krishna Dev, Guru Parampara, Shri Shiv Parvati,
Shri Sita Ram, Shri Ganapatiji and Hanumanji. After the Pratishtha,
a breathtaking annakut of vegetarian items, prepared by the
Mahila Mandal were offered to the newly consecrated murtis.
Everyone had the darshan of the Murtis and the first Annakut.
Pujya Yagnavallabh
Swami delivered a speech on the benefits of the new Mandir.
A video of Pujya Doctor Swami's speech on Mandir was also
shown. The youth wing, beautifully dressed in costumes, performed
a traditional folk dance. A video of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami
Maharaj's blessings was shown and devotees were also blessed
by Swamishri's blessings by telephone from India. As a part
of the Mandir opening ceremony colorful balloons were released
in the sky by Pujya Santo. At the end of the day, a special
Suvarna Tula Mahotsav of Shree Harikrishna Maharaj took place.
Devotees from as far as Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Kansas,
Louisville. Dayton. St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Minneapolis
also attended the celebrations.
Photo
gallery
