In the 18th century, Sunsar was renowned for the bravery, tolerance and good character of its residents. But from the mid-19th century, the villagers took to addictions and drinking, along with which stealing became commonplace. The village became notorious and the mere mention of its name filled people with fear. Many social reformers and government initiatives attempted unsuccessfully to remove the scourge of addictions and lawlessness in Sunsar. Then in 2000, the spark of satsang ignited the path of reform.
A staunch BAPS devotee began a medical practice in Sunsar. He began a regular satsang sabha and sadhus from Mahesana mandir visited Sunsar frequently. With the support of volunteers, satsang was firmly established. Slowly, the strong-headed addicts were attracted to satsang and its pure, addiction-free life.
In 2005, when Pramukh Swami Maharaj was at Mahesana mandir, 300 villagers from Sunsar went for his darshan and pledged to give up their addictions.
As satsang spread, the need for a mandir arose. So, with the guidance and support of sadhus from Mahesana, a mandir has been built in Sunsar.
A three-day celebration was held to mark its inauguration. The ceremonies and celebrations included a special cultural programme, a yagna for world peace in which about 750 yajmans participated, and a grand nagar-yatra of the murtis.
On 7 February, the murtis were ritually consecrated in the new hari mandir by Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Pujya Doctor Swami). Pramukh Swami Maharaj had previously performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of the murtis on 3 May 2014 in Sarangpur.
In a special pratishtha assembly afterwards, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shrimati Anandiben Patel said, “In Sunsar and its surrounding villages, through the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the vicharan of his sadhus, the villages have adopted satsang, and so their education level and living standards have improved. This mandir, built by the combined efforts of the villagers will help to instil noble values in children and youths and give them inspiration to progress in life. I congratulate BAPS for the success of its de-addiction campaigns conducted by the children, youths and women in this region.”
Other dignitaries present in the pratishtha assembly of over 15,000 people included Shri Rajnibhai Patel, Gujarat State Home Minister, Dilipsinh Thakar, Gujarat State Minister for Labour and Employment, and other government officials.