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15
July 2007 (V.S. 2063, Ashadh sud 1) Sunday, Jacksonville
(USA), Toronto (Canada)
At 7.05 pm Swamishri departed from Jacksonville International
Airport and landed at Toronto International Airport
at 9.00 pm.
The main purpose of Swamishri’s stay was to perform
the pratishtha of the shikharbadh BAPS Swaminarayan
Mandir on 22 July. Prior to this Swamishri celebrated
the Rath Yatra festival, Yuva-Yuvati Day, Prashashti
Din (felicitation of all who had offered services for
the mandir construction) and Guru Bhakti Din.
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20
to 22 July 2007; Toronot Mandir Mahotsav
Mandir Vastu Pravesh
20 July 2007
During Swamishri's morning puja, the kalashes and flagposts
to be placed atop the new shikharbaddh mandir were arranged
in the backround. After his puja, Swamishri performed
their pujan and arti and showered sanctified flowers.
Today marked the Vedic entry ceremony to the new mandir
– the Vastu Pravesh ceremony. Tyagvallabh Swami,
Ishwarcharan Swami, Viveksagar Swami and other sadhus
performed all the preliminary rituals. Thereafter Swamishri
arrived to perform the main rituals.
After the ceremony, Swamishri went on a round to inspect
the mandir. He was very pleased by the intricate stone
sculpting and commented, “On seeing the carvings
on the stones and of the sinhasans, Shastriji Maharaj
will be pleased.”
Then Swamishri went to see the exhibition on the ground
floor – Canadian Museum of Cultural Heritage of
Indo-Canadians – set up by the efforts of sadhus
and volunteers.
Swamishri understood the panels with keen interest and
observed the displays in great detail. He was delighted
by the aesthetic presentation of India’s ancient
culture and traditions, dating from over 10,000 years
ago.
In the evening an assembly to celebrate the BAPS Centenary
Year was held. Through speeches, video presentations
and thematic traditional dances, the story of BAPS’
services and spirituality was highlighted. Blessing
the assembly, Swamishri said, “Man always becomes
so entangled with his family, relatives, work and business
that he forgets the real task for which God has given
this human body. Some ask, what is so rare about the
human body. But only by the combined merits of many
births is this human body attained. Science has advanced,
but nobody has been able to make such a body.
“This human body is to be used for attaining moksha.
Every morning, on waking up, one should pray. The shastras
advise that duties relating to dharma should be carried
out promptly. With faith in God, the shastras, and mandirs
one’s work will be accomplished.” u
Yagna
for World Peace
21 July 2007
As part of the Mandir Murti-Pratishtha celebrations
a Vedic Yagna for World Peace was held in which 1,401
men and women devotees, seated in groups around 151
yagna kunds specially set up in the 50,585 sq.ft arena,
participated. Of these, the 30 main participants were
seated on the stage, from where all the participants
were guided in performing the Vedic yagna rituals
by the experienced pandits, Ghanshyambhai Shukla and
Mukeshbhai.
Swamishri arrived in the yagna marquee at 9.30 am.
First, he performed pujan of all the murtis to be
consecrated in the new shikharbaddh mandir the following
day. Then he took his seat in the yagna ceremony.
After performing the yagna rituals, Swamishri blessed
the devotees, “The sole purpose for holding
this yagna is for attaining moksha and for the prosperity
of one’s family, and peace for our society,
country and world. This yagna is being performed as
directed in the shastras.”
Nagar Yatra
21 July 2007
After the completion
of the yagna, the murtis to be consecrated were taken
on beautifully decorated chariots for a colourful procession
through downtown Toronto. Over 4,000 eager devotees
were transported by 32 buses from the mandir to the
starting point in downtown.
The procession began at 4.00 pm and was flagged off
in the presence of invited dignitaries: Mike Cole, Minister
of Citizen Township & Immigration; Dr. Alok Mukherjee,
Chairperson of Toronto Police Service Board; Devon Sheriff
of No Frills food stores, and others.
The procession was led by mounted officers of the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police. Behind them the sequence of
the procession participants and items was as follows:
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Sadhus and male devotees carrying BAPS Centenary banners.
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Devotees carrying the flags of over 40 nations where
BAPS has a significant presence.
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Akshar Dhwani Marching Band, Dallas.
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Youths joyfully singing devotional songs.
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Peacock chariot with the murtis of Akshar and Purushottam;
sadhus singing bhajans.
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Youths performing traditional dances.
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Lion Chariot with the murti of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj.
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Children dressed in traditional costumes and performing
traditional dances.
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Swan Chariot with the murtis of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj
and Shri Radha-Krishna Dev, as well as sadhus singing
bhajans.
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Male devotees enthusiastically singing bhajans.
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Kumbh Rath, decorated with traditionally embroidered
cloths. Murtis of Shri Ram-Sita, Hanuman and Shri Shiv-Parvati,
Ganapati. Circling this float were traditionally dressed
kishoris dancing.
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Women devotees carrying auspicious kalashes on their
heads.
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Elephant chariot with the murtis of Bhagatji Maharaj
and Yogiji Maharaj.
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Kishoris and yuvatis performing traditional dances.
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Centenary Chariot with the murtis of Shastriji Maharaj
and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
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Women devotees carrying auspicious kalashes.
As this lively and colourful parade made its way through
downtown Toronto, thousands of onlookers, young and
old, watched to appreciate the spectacular sight.
The 3 km route from start to finish included the city’s
four major hospitals: Toronto General Hospital, Princess
Margaret Cancer Research Hospital, Sick Kids Hospital
and Mount Sinai Hospital.
The procession concluded at 6.00 pm at Willington Street.
Murti-Pratishtha Ceremony
22 July 2007
After years of patient, persistent and productive
efforts, the first ever shikharbaddh mandir in Canada
was about to be inaugurated. To make this grand auspicious
occasion extra-special, the Prime Minister of Canada,
Stephen J. Harper; the Premier of Ontario, Dalton
McGuinty; the Mayor of Toronto, David Miller and the
High Commissioner of India, Rajmani Lakshmi Narayan,
along with numerous other distinguished officials
had accepted invitations to attend. Several weeks
previously, the Prime Minister had visited the mandir
for an important community meeting. At that time,
he agreed to attend the inauguration ceremony.
The Prime Minister arrived for today’s occasion
directly from the airport, returning from a meeting
of Heads of State in South America.
The murti-pratishtha ceremony and assembly were broadcast
live on Aastha, TV Asia and Sahara-1 to 162 countries.
Swamishri was scheduled to arrive for the murti-pratishtha
rituals at 10.00 am.
However, to enable the completion of the Prime Minister’s
security arrangements, his chief security officer
requested that the area under the main dome of the
mandir, where the murti-pratishtha mahapuja was being
performed, be vacated. Thus, Swamishri arrived at
9.25 am.
In the presence of senior sadhus, over 500 senior
devotees and major patrons had completed the preliminary
Vedic mahapuja rituals. Swamishri requested them,
“The day we have all been waiting for has arrived
today. By God’s grace this superb mandir has
been made. You have all performed the mahapuja ceremony.
But now, as per the security officer’s instructions,
you are all requested to go downstairs. and take your
seats. All of you have come for this murti-pratishtha,
so may you all be blessed.”
With this, the devotees left for the assembly. At
the designated auspicious time, 9.58 am, Swamishri
began to perform the murti-pratishtha rituals.
Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha ceremony
before the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma
Gunatitanand Swami in the central shrine. Simultaneously,
Tyagvallabh Swami performed the rituals in the first
shrine of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and Shri Radha-Krishna
Dev and Ishwarcharan Swami performed the rituals in
the last shrine of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj.
After completing the rituals in the central shrine,
Swamishri performed pujan of the murtis in all the
other shrines. During this time, annakut was arranged
before the murtis. Then at 10.43 am Swamishri performed
the murti-pratishtha arti before the central shrine.
Meanwhile, outside, at 10.45 am, the Prime Minister
arrived to a red carpet welcome. At the entrance he
was received by the senior sadhus, directors of BAPS
and other senior devotees. The Dallas Marching Band
played a vibrant welcome tune, while thousands of
devotees waved flags.
The Prime Minister, the Premier, the Lord Mayor and
the High Commissioner were led up the main stairs
to the mandir porch, where Swamishri was waiting to
greet them all. Swamishri garlanded the dignitaries
and tied nadachhadis on their wrists. Then the national
anthems of Canada and India were sung.
Thereafter, the commemorative plaques were unveiled
to the accompaniment of Vedic verses. The plaque to
the right of the main door was unveiled by the Prime
Minister and Swamishri, while the plaque on the left
was unveiled by the Premier and Lord Mayor.
Then, while the sadhus recited Vedic mantras, Swamishri
and the Prime Minister pushed open the main doors
to officially inaugurate the mandir. Swamishri then
respectfully requested the dignitaries to enter with
their right foot first as per the Vedic tradition.
Anandswarup Swami, who was mediating between the Prime
Minister and Swamishri as interpreter, began to describe
the details of the mandir. Seeing the intricate carvings
all around, the Prime Minister remarked, “Incredible!
This is one of the most beautiful buildings I have
ever seen.” Swamishri, too, pointed out many
details.
After darshan here, Swamishri and the dignitaries
descended the stairs leading to the exhibition. Here,
the Indian High Commissioner officially inaugurated
the exhibition.
The dignitaries were guided to a room in the Haveli.
Before joining them there, Swamishri performed the
murti-pratishtha of the abhishek murti of Shri Nilkanth
Varni and offered abhishek.
Then, a private meeting between Swamishri and the
Prime Minister took place. Swamishri said, “Here,
one can see the beauty of Indian architecture. This
mandir will provide peace for all. We pray to God
that you may spread goodness and peace throughout
the country. May everyone in the country be happy.
Whenever you come to India, please visit Swaminarayan
Akshardham in Delhi.” Anandswarup Swami conveyed
Swamishri’s message to the Prime Minister, who
replied, “Despite your busy schedule you have
come to our country. I feel that it is an honour for
us. This place is worthy of a visit not just by the
people of Toronto but for all throughout Canada. It
will become a landmark. I am grateful to you. I, too,
hope that I can come to India and visit Akshardham.”
After this meeting Swamishri and the Prime Minister
made their way to the assembly, where over 13,000
devotees and well-wishers were seated.
On stage, Tyagvallabh Swami garlanded all the dignitaries
and Swamishri presented them golden kalashes as mementos.
The assembly continued with a recital of Vedic mantras;
their meanings were explained in English. Then, Anandswarup Swami spoke in English on
the necessity of mandirs in today’s society.
This was followed by a short video presentation about
the activities in BAPS mandirs and then a traditional
dance was performed by youths.
Thereafter, the Lord Mayor, David Miller, addressed
the assembly, “This mandir to me is symbolic
of who we are in Toronto as a people.
“Just as Toronto embraces people from different
backgrounds, this Mandir and museum opens its doors
and embraces Torontonians and tourists of all backgrounds.
“It’s a place where people from all walks
of life are welcomed and come together to learn about
the traditions, history and culture.
“One cannot enter this magnificent building,
without being awed by the vision, the craftsmanship
and most of all the peace and serenity.
“It truly is a gift that all Torontonians can
share.
“I’d like to congratulate and thank BAPS,
and thank you for your continued contribution to the
growth and success of Toronto.
“I’d like to recognize the thousands of
volunteers for your hard work, dedication and for
giving back to communities around the world.”
After this, the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty
spoke, “It seems to me that Toronto is the perfect
place for this Mandir.
“We are all here to witness the grand opening
of this truly exceptional and magnificent architecture
– inspired by both genius and faith.
“On the occasion of the opening of our new Mandir
we are once again embracing our destiny. We are welcoming
into our lives, this magnificent expression of a faith
and a culture.
“And we know that Toronto, Ontario and Canada,
we know that all of us are the better for our new
Mandir.
“They tell me your divine holiness that you
are 87 years of age. That you pursue a more aggressive
world travel circuit that I can possibly undertake
myself. It is truly an honour to have you here today.
“Because of this Mandir and following my recent
trip to India, my admiration for the Indian people
and Ontario’s own South Asian community has
further deepened.
“I think of the people, people like you, who
cherish their history and work hard to build a brighter
future.
“To all those who have devoted themselves to
the creation of our new Mandir, thank you for this
wonderful gift to the people of Ontario and Canada.
You have enriched us in so many ways.”
Then the High Commissioner of India, Rajmani Lakshmi
Narayan spoke, “This wonderful temple symbolizes
all that is most magnificent about Indian culture.
It symbolizes the ties between India and Canada.
“I congratulate BAPS for taking up this initiative
and putting up this wonderful Temple.
“I think of the hundreds of volunteers who worked
tirelessly to bring this project to life. I think
as well of all the humanitarian projects that BAPS
followers take on. So I want to thank you for your
devotion to your families and for your commitment
to your faith and culture.”
Following him, the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper,
addressed the gathering, “Tracing its beginnings
to prehistoric times, the country has amassed a millennia-old
history of linguistic, ethnic and spiritual pluralism.
“Such diversity at times has posed significant
challenges for India. But the country is making a
determined effort to alleviate tensions and reconcile
interest through its democratic institutions.
“Where far too many countries have failed, India
is succeeding.
“The BAPS Swaminarayan Complex stands as a testament
to Canada and India’s proud tradition of pluralism.
“This awe-inspiring work of architectural brilliance
will serve as a source of pride not just for Indo-Canadians,
but I hope all Torontonians, all Ontarians, all Canadians
and all visitors to our country will come to see this
magnificent facility.
“I’d like to thank his Divine Holiness
and BAPS Canada for seeing this ambitious project
through to fruition.
“I’d also like to commend this organization
for the role you’ve played over the years in
fostering peaceful co-existence among all communities
through heightened understanding and co-operation,
while preserving heritage and faith.”
After the speeches by the dignitaries, Shukmuni Swami
gave a brief introductory speech in English about
Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Finally, Swamishri blessed the murti-pratishtha assembly,
“We are grateful to the Prime Minister, Premier,
Mayor and High Commissioner and other dignitaries
for gracing our function. Their presence has delighted
us all. Their support has made this work possible.
“Shriji Maharaj incarnated on this earth and
explained the need for spirituality. One may do many
things but one’s base nature and inner faults
have to be overcome with spiritual wisdom. Believe
one’s atma to be akshar and offer bhakti to
Purushottam. All this work has been based on this
principle.
“Again, may this country prosper and all become
happy. You have all come here, so abide by the laws,
co-operate with the people and live peacefully.”
Swamishri’s blessings concluded at 12.52 pm.
After the vote of thanks, the stage dignitaries departed.
Then the Leader of the Opposition, Stephane Dion,
was honoured on stage by Swamishri with a garland
and mementoes.
With this the murti-pratishtha assembly concluded.
Before leaving the mandir, the Premier of Ontario,
Dalton McGuinty also had a private meeting with Swamishri.
Premier: I feel it is our great fortune that you have
come here.
Swamishri: We are thankful to you all for your great
support.
Premier: I have also seen Delhi Akshar-dham. It is
a magnificent place. I especially enjoyed the boat
ride.
Swamishri: It is good you came today. Your speech
was very good. May God bless you with great strength
and may the country prosper.
Premier: You have fulfilled the great res-ponsibility
of inspiring not only your devotees but people all
over the world. I derive inspiration from you that
I may serve as Premier until I am 87!”
Swamishri: May God fulfil your wish.
In the afternoon, a special assembly for women was
held.
At the same time, thousands, including Canadians,
Chinese and others, queued at the main mandir staircase
to await their turn for darshan of the newly consecrated
murtis.
The local and national print and electronic media
also gave extensive coverage to this auspicious occasion.
As a result, news of the new mandir became widely
known and appreciated throughout Canada.
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