On Sunday, Nov 5th 2000 the Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) inaugurated a new Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Mesa (Phoenix), Arizona. This is the 25th mandir in North America of BAPS. Amidst Vedic mantras in the new mandir hundreds joined in the rituals of the Murti Pratistha ceremony from 9:00 AM. The children were the most enthusiastic. The Murtis of Shree Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shree Radha Krishna Dev, Shree Guru Parampara, Shree Ganapatiji, and Shree Hanumanji which were previously sanctified by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj were installed with due austerities by the saints. The children of BAPS performed a traditional folk dance to represent the joy of all devotees. The Mayor of the City of Mesa, Mr. Keno Hawker, also graced the occasion. He proclaimed, ”On behalf of the city council of Mesa and 400,000 residents I welcome this temple and you all.” Very impressed by BAPS” children’s activities the mayor mentioned, “I am in agreement, a strong agreement, that children are the greatest asset for the family and society at large. We need to work together to believe, to achieve and to serve and uplift the society.” Over 500 hundred people attended the festivities.