Savannah, GA is a historical town on Atlantic coast of Georgia famous for its oceanfront, seaports and naval base around. It is a prime tourist and transit town located on I-95, the main interstate of USA that stretches from Montreal Canada to Miami and Key West Florida. Savannah has been an active Satsang center with many devotees and well wishers around.
On November 28, 2004 the dream of the devotees and the community came true. On this auspicious day, the inauguration and Murti Pratishtha of the 9th Mandir in Southeast region of North America was dedicated to all by BAPS and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It was an event not only for East Georgians, but also for the devotees and well-wishers from entire southeast region. The entire Murti Pratishtha event was a 2-day event. On Saturday November 27, 2004 a grand Kirtan Aradhana was held in the Mandir hall. Devotees listened to the melodious kirtans from the BAPS youths. Very next day, November 28, 2004 the Vedic Mahapuja for the Pratishtha started at 9AM in presence of P. Yagnavallabh Swami and 5 saints from southeast and northeast regions of BAPS. The Pratishtha ceremony took place after the Mahapuja and a beautiful annakut of 250 items prepared by the ladies wing of Savannah was offered to the deities of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahm Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Radhaji, Shri Krishna, Guruparampara, Shri Shiv-Parvati-Ganpatiji and Shri Sita-Ram-Hanumanji. Post Pratishtha assembly was held where, the Saints, and BAPS Southeast Board of directors shared the history of Savannah Satsang with all. Video presentation was shown of Pramukh Swami Maharaj doing Murti Pratishtha vidhi of the deities in Orlando in July 2004 followed by his blessings. Many local and state dignitaries attended the ceremony. Noteworthy were State representative from Chatham county Ms. Regina White, Savannah city Mayor Pete Liakakis and fire marshal Leslie Meadows and other council members. P. Yagnavallabh Swami honored them in the assembly.
Truly a remarkable event that will be remembered by all devotees and well wishers that attended the event.