On this auspicious day, His
Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the second
traditional Hindu mandir in the United States in Bartlett,
Illinois. After performing his morning puja, Swamishri made
his way to the main entrance of the mandir complex where he
released red and white balloons that represent colors of peace
and are the official colors of the BAPS flag.
Saints and kishores dressed
in traditional Indian wear lined up on two sides as Swamishri
made his way to the majestic mandir. At the top, Swamishri
released doves that symbolized the spread of peace around
the world. After Swamishri officially opened the main doors
of the mandir, he made his way inside to perform the murti
prathistha ceremony in accordance with Vedic rituals.
After instilling the spirit
of God into the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan; Aksharbrahm
Gunatitanand Swami; Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj; Shri Harikrishna
Maharaj; Shri Radha-Krishna Dev; the Guru Parampara; Shri
Sita-Ram and Hanumanji; and Shri Shiv-Parvati and Ganeshji,
Swamishri blessed the yajmans present in the mandir and Haveli.
Swamishri said that God has now resided in the mandir and
whatever one prays for will come true. In addition, he stated,
"What could not be accomplished in infinite births has been
accomplished in this birth and in this body."
After performing arti and doing
darshan, Swamishri opened the gateway to God for saints, devotees,
and aspirants.
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