Scarborough is the one of the most blessed suburbs of the City of Toronto in the history of Satsang in Canada. Since 1974 His Holiness Pramukh Swami and Sadguru Swamis have travelled here many times for Vicharan, conducting satsang assemblies and visiting devotees’ homes. Over time, the growth in Satsang activities created a need for a Mandir. This need was fulfilled when the inauguration of a new Mandir took place on Sunday August 31, 2014.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Scarborough is located just about 30 km east of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir will become a place of worship and a place to nurture Vedic values for generations to come for the hundreds of Indo - Canadian families living in Scarborough and the adjoining cities of Markham, Pickering and Ajax.
The Mandir Mahotsav celebration started on the morning of Saturday, August 30, 2014 with a grand Vishwa Shanti Mahayagna, where more than 950 couples prayed for peace in the world and for the good of the community. Learned Pundits had come from India specially to conduct this auspicious Yagna.
Later in the afternoon, a Nagar Yatra (procession) of the Murtis was organized in the city of Scarborough. Devotees and well-wishers from all over Canada took part in the 3 km long Nagar Yatra. Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami and several Swamis from North America and India also graced the procession.
The Murti Sthapan vidhi took place on the auspicious morning of Sunday. August 31, 2014 in the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami, devotees, well-wishers and community leaders. These murtis were consecrated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Amdavad, India on April 11, 2013. A colourful cultural program followed the Murti Sthapan vidhi, which was presented by the children and youth of Scarborough.
On this auspicious occasion, in the spirit of service to the community, BAPS Charities made a donation of $5,000 to support the life-saving work of the local Scarborough Hospital. The cheque was accepted by the President & CEO of the Scarborough Hospital, Robert Biron, who sincerely appreciated efforts of all the volunteers involved.
Special Guests over the three-day celebration included, Norm Kelly, Deputy Mayor of Toronto; Councillor Vincent Crisanti, Ward 1, Etobicoke North; Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, Ward 38, Scarborough Centre; Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 43, Scarborough East; Sgt. Lou Gibb, Toronto Police Service, 41 Division and Robert Biron, President & CEO, The Scarborough Hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Norm Kelly, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, said, “I am very much impressed with the unity, persistence and the spirit of service of all the volunteers in the creation of this Mandir.”
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj has inspired such small and large mandirs, including the magnificent stone and marble BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (www.toronto.baps.org), in Toronto, to cater to the needs of individuals, families and the community and to inspire all to become noble citizens of the city.