A new BAPS Mandir was inaugurated in the city of Columbia, TN with great fanfare on Sunday, July 27, 2014 in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami and Pujya Swamis from India. Devotees and well-wishers from Nashville, Huntsville and surrounding areas attended this joyous occasion.
On Sunday, July 27, 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.
The auspicious occasion of Murti Sthapan also took place on this day. The ceremony began with a 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 Sarangpur, India on March 3, 2014.
The Mandir Mahotsav marked a major milestone in the history of satsang in Columbia. Historically, satsang sabhas in Columbia took place in a rented hall, school gym or city parks since the year 2007. By the grace of Pramukh Swami Maharaj satsang has increased in the area and after 6 years of hard dedication a mandir was built. “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, Bhadresh Patel, Lead Coordinator.