On the auspicious day of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday as per English calendar, September 13, 2017, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the Murti Pratishtha of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edison, New Jersey.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited the mandir in Edison a total of 14 times. His most recent visit was in 2014 when Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed a small pujan and blessed the land of the new Mandir by showering flower petals on its grounds. Memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s many visits to the Mandir in Edison were brought to life today on this memorable occasion. The excitement for the new mandir being constructed just next door to the current Mandir was ubiquitous. Swamis and devotees could not help but feel emotionally charged as they witnessed the Murti Pratishtha ceremony. All in attendance felt Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj’s divine presence.
In celebration of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 84th birthday, Mahilas of Edison offered an annakut made up of eighty-four birthday cakes to the Murtis. Kishoris and Yuvatis beautifully decorated the cakes with blue and golden fondant icing, upon which they placed intricately designed fondant cake toppers. Each cake topper represented different aspects of Satsang which included a Vachanamrut, a murti, and a mala. On each cake, they wrote inspirational quotes about samp, seva, and other Satsang topics.
Mahant Swami Maharaj expressed his joy on occasion by blessing swamis and devotees. In his blessings, he emphasized that all who pray in front of this Murti will have all their heartfelt wishes fulfilled.