Commemorating the opening of BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR in ADELAIDE

image9 image10On Sunday, 12 April 2015 over 2000 people gathered together to celebrate the opening of the largest Hindu Mandir in Australia, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Adelaide.

The festivities took place for over 4 days culminating in the grand opening on a sunny Sunday morning.

The festivities and traditional vedic prayers were presided over by a senior saint of the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami with the blessings of the spiritual leader of BAPS, His Divine Holiness Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The BAPS Mandir in Adelaide is the fifth BAPS Mandir in Australia and is the only Hindu temple to be entirely constructed from the ground up on Australian soil.

image8The consecration of the deities occurred with the traditional Vedic ceremony and rituals known as murti pratishtha, which infuses divinity into the deities.

image7HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj teaches that mandirs are necessary, they provide peace and solace for the soul and are sanctuaries where the divine presence of God can be experienced. In addition the BAPS mandirs are centers for social and cultural activities.

image6Thousands of visitors and devotees from all parts of Australia and the rest of the world attended this divine occasion and witnessed the spiritual and cultural activities that included short skits, folk dances and the recital of holy mantras. Delicious meals and refreshments were also served to all throughout the 4 days.

image5Senior saint Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami presented a spiritually uplifting address explaining the importance of a Mandir in one’s life. He said, “This mandir is open to all. Whoever sincerely offers his prayers will attain happiness and peace”. He promoted a lifestyle free of addictions and vices.

image4Significant guests who attended the event were the Premier of South Australia, the Honorable Jay Weatherill; Minister for education and child development and member for Port Adelaide council Dr Susan Close and the Australian Labor Party representative for Makin, Mr Tony Zappia.

image3Other highlights of the four-day festival included the inaugural assembly that took place on 9th April included thought provoking dramas reflecting how the youth and children had sacrificed and participated to help contribute to building this magnificent Mandir.

image2On the second day a special Women’s Cultural Program was held with vibrant and colourful dance performances, illustrating an array of artistic talent and celebrating the role of women in society.

image1On the third day people of all ages participated in a prayer for world peace called the Vishwashanti Mahayagna, for the first time in Australia. This symbolic ceremony was performed for the peace, prosperity and happiness for all.

Thereafter a grand Nagar Yatra was held with over a thousand people in a procession with the murtis in colourful and elaborately decorated floats.

The Mandir address is 54-64 George Street, Greenfields and is open to the public.

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