June 11, 2006
Toronto, Canada
While the pillars
of satsang were laid in Canada long back in 1974, the auspicious
morning of Sunday, June 11, 2006, marked a historic event
as the first carved pillar of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
Toronto was installed in the presence of Pujya Kothari Swami,
Pujya Gnanpriya Swami and other dignitaries.
The Stambh Sthapan
Vidhi began with mahapuja at 11:00 am in the presence of Pujya
Kothari Swami to commemorate this auspicious occasion. Devotees
from across Canada and USA came to witness this divine occasion.
Thereafter, the profusely hand-carved marble pillar was hoisted
to the top of the Mandir by the massive crane bearing the
BAPS insignia. Devotees chanted in unison, "Mandir Mahotsav
ni Jay!" and saints chanted the Vedic mantras while the first
marble pillar was successfully installed in its place by the
skilled artisans.
A special assembly
was held in the afternoon to mark the occasion where the celebrations
included a parade through the audience by the children and
youth in colorful costumes with dances and devotional music.
Pujya Gnanpriya Swami talked about the importance of this
historic milestone in the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir in Canada. Thereafter, Pujya Kothari Swami, who came
from India to participate in the ceremony, gave a discourse
extolling the virtues of donating ones time, talent and wealth
to such a noble cause. Everyone was overjoyed to hear the
video blessings of Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj for the historic
occasion.
The celebrations
were made more memorable by the presence of many dignitaries,
including, Mr. Jason Kenney, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to
the Prime Minister, The Hon. Stephen Harper, Shri Satish Mehta,
Consul General of India, Toronto and Mr. Matthew John, Manager
of Outreach, Office of the Prime Minster
Photo
gallery
