With the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Indianapolis BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated with great jubilation and festivity. Many volunteers spent months leading up to the opening ceremony, devoting their time and immense enthusiasm to ensure that the Mandir was ready on time. The two day Mandir Murti-Pratishtha had an inspiring program of Kirtan Aradhana on Saturday, September 10.
On September 11, a traditional Vishvashanti Mahapuja was held in the morning. Following the mahapuja,Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Pujya Vivekmurti Swami joined by other santos, performed the murti-pratishta to consecrate the murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Radha Krishna Dev, Guru Parampara, Shri Shiv Parvati, Shri Sita Ram, Shri Ganapatiji and Hanumanji. After the Pratishtha, a breathtaking annakut of vegetarian items, prepared by the Mahila Mandal were offered to the newly consecrated murtis. Everyone had the darshan of the Murtis and the first Annakut.
Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami delivered a speech on the benefits of the new Mandir. A video of Pujya Doctor Swami's speech on Mandir was also shown. The youth wing, beautifully dressed in costumes, performed a traditional folk dance. A video of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj's blessings was shown and devotees were also blessed by Swamishri's blessings by telephone from India. As a part of the Mandir opening ceremony colorful balloons were released in the sky by Pujya Santo. At the end of the day, a special Suvarna Tula Mahotsav of Shree Harikrishna Maharaj took place. Devotees from as far as Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Kansas, Louisville. Dayton. St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Minneapolis also attended the celebrations.