Since the early 1980s, Satsang has been growing throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The inauguration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL in 2004 by Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj accelerated that growth. In 2011, Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave blessings to the devotees from Evansville to develop a Mandir in Evansville.
In April 2018, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the murtis and Mandir plans at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi.
The auspicious occasion of Murti Pratishtha took place on Saturday, June 2, 2018, in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ghanshyamcharandas Swami, visiting Swamis from India, and Swamis from across North America. Around 550 people attended this auspicious occasion. Women in the community prepared an Annakut, consisting of more than 100 food items for the occasion. Devotees and well-wishers from Evansville and the surrounding area attended this joyous event.
Through the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Mandir has been graced with the Murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Shiv-Parvati, Shri Hanumanji, and Shri Ganeshji.
On the evening of June 2, 2018, a special Satsang Sabha and Cultural Program was held in appreciation of the volunteers who had dedicated their time and effort in building the Mandir. In this Sabha, Pujya Ghanshyamcharandas Swami spoke on the importance of Samp (unity), Seva (service) and Mahima (the glory of the Satsang). Following this, the women’s cultural program took place in appreciation of the hard work women put into the construction and opening of the Mandir
The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Evansville, Indiana will serve as a spiritual and cultural home, as well as a community center for charitable services such as health fairs, blood donation drives, and walkathons benefitting the local community. The Mandir will also facilitate youth activities so that future generations can be anchored in their faith and spirituality and continue to strive and grow as good citizens while retaining valuable traditions and culture.