Jamnagar has been known since ancient times as Little Kashi, and sanctified on numerous occasions by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the parmahansas of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
Jamnagar is also an important industrial center of Gujarat.
There, on Wednesday 8 October 2008, the auspicious Shilanyas Ceremony for a new BAPS shikharbaddh mandir was performed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Over 8,500 devotees participated as yajmans in the mahapuja from 7.00 to 9.00 am. Thereafter Swamishri performed pujan and arti of the shilas (stones) and then placed the sanctified shilas and the auspicious nidhi-kumbh in the foundations.
Among the dignitaries present were Air Marshall Mehra, former Air Marshall of the Western Air Command; Mayor Shri Kanaksinhji Jadeja; Shri Mulubhai Bera, MLA; Shri Laljibhai Solanki, MLA; Shri V.P. Patel, Collector, and others.
In the special assembly to mark this occasion, the guests were welcomed and garlanded by senior sadhus.
A letter of good wishes from India's former Defence Minister, Shri George Fernandes, was read.
Addressing the gathering, Air Marshall Mehra said, "Just as soldiers ignore all barriers of faith and communities to help everyone in need, the sadhus and volunteers of BAPS are also working for the good of all humanity."
Finally, Swamishri blessed the 12,000 devotees gathered for this auspicious occasion.
After the assembly, all yajmans entered the foundation to place a brick and took mahaprasad.