November 2, 2003
With the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Minneapolis BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated on the auspicious day of Shri Hari Navmi. Members of the Satsang Mandal in Minneapolis-St. Paul have been conducting regular satsang assemblies for many years, and their efforts culminated in the purchase of a spacious hall in the heart of the metro area.
Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Pujya Santo from the mid-west region performed the murti-pratistha ceremony, which was preceded by a Vedic Mahapuja where prayers for world peace were chanted. Installed were the murtis of Shree Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shree Radha-Krishna Dev and the Guru Parampara, and a beautiful annakut was offered to the deities. The event was attended by devotees and well-wishers, and was followed by a special assembly to mark the occasion, in which Pramukh Swami Maharaj's blessings were read to the audience.