The seeds of BAPS Swaminarayan Satsang were sown by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj during his first visit in 1929. Shastriji Maharaj blessed the few devotees, namely, Pranlal Premchand, Maneklal, Kalidas, Hiralal and others. Thereafter, the Satsang was fostered through the visits of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and sadhus.
5 October 2005: Murti-Pratishtha Yagna
On 5th morning after his morning puja, Swamishri did pujan of the mandir kalashas, flags and flagstaffs.
At 10:30 am, Swamishri presided over the murti-pratishtha yagna in which the murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Radha-Govind, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Guru Parampara, Shri Shiv-Parvatiji and Ganpatiji and Shri Ram-Sita and Hanumanji were worshipped. Swamishri performed puja and arti of the murtis. Over 830 couples participated in the yagna rituals. In conclusion, Swamishri blessed the devotees.
Procession
From 4:00 pm to 6:15 pm a grand procession of the murtis was carried out in the heart of Jaipur city. The procession included seven decorative floats, each having murtis attired for the festive procession, musical band, a cavalcade of youths on motorcycles, two elephants and two groups of traditional dancers from the Oriya and Rajasthan communities. The senior sadhus were seated in horse drawn buggies. BAPS youths and children were colorfully dressed for the occasion, dancing and singing bhajans all the way. Women devotees were also traditionally dressed, carrying auspicious pots and singing bhajans. More than 2000 devotees participated in the memorable procession which started from the Albert Hall at 4:00 pm and then proceeded towards Chopat bazaar, Tripoli market and Sanganeri Gate.
Tourists and locals avidly witnessed the colorful pageant. The sound of bhajans and dhun by BAPS sadhus charged the atmosphere with bhakti. Along the 2 1/2 km route, priests of different mandirs welcomed and honored the murtis and senior sadhus with garlands.
The procession concluded at the Albert Hall at 6:15 pm.
In the evening, BAPS sadhus presented a concert of bhajans, during which devotees rejoiced and danced in traditional fashion to the tune of bhajans.
6th October: Murti-Pratishtha Day
The beautiful shikharbaddh BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, ornately carved in pink stone and inspired by Swamishri, was a creation through the labor of love of BAPS volunteers and Rajasthani sculptors and artisans.
At 9:30 am, Swamishri arrived in the main sanctum of the mandir where the Vedic pratishtha rituals had already begun in the presence of senior sadhus. Swamishri performed the pratishtha rituals of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri Radha Govind, Shri Shiv-Parvatiji and Ganpatiji and Shri Ram-Sita and Hanumanji.
After the pratishtha rituals of pujan and arti, Swamishri presided over the pratishtha assembly. The Home Minister Shri Gulabchand Kataria, Education Minister Shri Ghanshyam Tiwari, PWD Minister Shri Rajendra Rathod and other government officials were honored and they spoke glowingly of the Sanstha’s socio-spiritual works and the divine personality of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
In conclusion, Swamishri blessed the assembly.