The Shilanyas Mahotsav for the new purpose-built BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Adelaide, Australia, was held on Sunday 13 June 2010.
Over 350 devotees participated in the Vedic Mahapuja which was held in the presence of Vivekpriya Swami and sadhus from India. The Mahotsav assembly was attended by over 750 invited guests, community leaders and devotees, many of whom had travelled from around Australia and New Zealand to be present on this historic occasion. Children of BAPS Adelaide performed a cultural dance, which was followed by a walk-through video of the Mandir to be constructed and a video of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in India performing pujan of the first ‘shila’ (stone) to be placed in the foundation.
The guests present on this occasion included Hon. Jack Snelling, MP, Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education; Mr Hieu Van Le, Chairperson of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission; Her Worship Gillian Aldirdge, Mayor of Salisbury Council, which is where the new mandir is to be developed; Councillor Helen Wright, Deputy Mayor, Representative for City of Port Adelaide Enfield; and Councillor Damian Amamoo, Representative for City of Prospect. Also present were various MPs, councillors, the South Australian Police Chief Superintendent, architects, engineers, and other community representatives. The guests were presented with a plaque of appreciation, thanking them for their continuing support.
Everyone then went to the Mandir site in Green Fields to take part in the traditional Shilanyas Vidhi, where guests and attendees placed a stone into the foundation of the Mandir. All felt honoured to have been part of such a historic milestone for both Indo-Australians and the Adelaide community at large.
“This is a significant event for the wider community… you have made South Australia a better place.” – Hon Jack Snelling, MP
“I congratulate BAPS Adelaide for reaching this wonderful milestone” - Mr Hieu Van L