A new BAPS Mandir was inaugurated in the state capital of California in Sacramento with great fanfare on October 26, 2014 in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami and swamis from North America and India. Devotees and well-wishers from California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and other parts of the world attended this joyous occasion over three days.
On Friday, October 24, 2014, a special Swagat Sabha welcomed Pujya Swamis and devotees who have dedicated their time and effort in getting the new mandir ready for this occasion. In this sabha, Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami spoke on the importance of samp, seva and mahima. Sacramento Yuvak Mandal presented a skit on ‘Bhakti ki Shakti’, inspiring tradition, faith and sacrifice.
On Saturday October 25, 2014, despite inclement weather a large number of devotees participated with their family and friends in a grand Vishwa Shanti Yagna. The Yagna embodied prayers for peace and unity in the local community and the world. In the afternoon a Women’s cultural program was organized followed by an appreciation assembly in the evening.
The auspicious occasion of Murti Sthapan took place on Sunday October 26, 2014. The ceremony began with the traditional mahapuja followed by the murti sthapan ceremony in which the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Nilkanth Varni, Shri Radha-Krishna, Guru Parampara, Shri Sita-Ram-Hanumanji, and Shri Shiv-Parvati-Ganeshji were consecrated. These murtis were consecrated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Amdavad, India on October 29, 2012.
Mandir Mahotsav marked a major milestone in the history of Sacramento, fulfilling the divine wish of Pramukh Swami Maharaj who inspired the devotees in 1996 to build a Mandir in the capital of California. The new Mandir is centrally located in Mather, CA, covering Greater Sacramento Metropolitan area, will be the center of Satsang growth, Youth activities, and Community Services - not only in Sacramento, but also in other parts of Northern California. “Mandir is a true gift from our Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and it will help strengthen our culture and values for generations to come," said, Rathin Raval, Lead Coordinator.