The historic inauguration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, took place on Saturday, September 18, 2021, in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and revered Swamis from India, USA and Canada.
The Mandir Mahotsav celebration began with the vedic mahapuja followed by the murti-pratishtha ceremony in which the murtis (sacred images) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Radha-Krishna, Guru Parampara, Shri Sita-Ram-Hanumanji, and Shri Shiv-Parvati-Ganeshji were consecrated. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj had previously sanctified the murtis on
July 9, 2021, in Nenpur, India. An annakut consisting of more than 100 food items was prepared by the women devotees for the occasion, which was offered after the murti-pratishtha ceremony.
Devotees attended the event following local COVID protocols. In addition, thousands of devotees, community leaders, friends and well-wishers from across Canada and worldwide participated in the ceremony virtually through the live webcast.
The event concluded with prayers for peace and well-being throughout the community, province and country and blessings from senior swamis. HH Mahant Swami Maharaj sent blessings from India on this auspicious occasion for the happiness and spiritual progress of the devotees and the community.
Satsang activities in Saskatoon began in 2007. Over time, weekly satsang activities started at the homes of the devotees and rented halls in the community. Satsang flourished with the blessings of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and the regular visits of swamis and senior swamis. HH Mahant Swami Maharaj inspired the establishment of this mandir to meet the community's needs and the ever-increasing number of devotees, coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Saskatoon will facilitate activities and events for young and old alike to preserve Hindu traditions, heritage and spiritual values, including children and youth activities, language classes and traditional music classes. As a place for harmony, the mandir will welcome all individuals to experience spirituality and understand Hinduism's universal values and traditions. Humanitarian activities and events will also be organized to support the local community.