Murti-Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, Detroit, MI, USA

The chanting of Vedic verses and the singing of the arti filled the air with excitement and anticipation for the murti pratishtha of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Detroit, located in Canton, MI. Devotees gathered with joy on August 27^th, 2023 to welcome Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj by participating in a mahapuja. The murti pratishtha ceremony was followed by a stage program comprising of blessings from Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, as well as other swamis, and a folkdance performance.

Leading up to the event was a seven-day parayan, which commenced on Sunday, August 20^th, filled with spiritual discourses delivered by Pujya Gnanvatsaldas Swami, Pujya Yogendradas Swami and Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami.

As part of the festivities, Mahila Din took place on August 26, featuring performances and engaging spiritual content. The program, hosted by the women’s wing of BAPS, was centered on the theme, “Meri Yatra Kalyan Ke Liye Hai” and highlighted the purpose of Nilkanth Varni’s travels across India at the age of 11. The journey encompassed many perils and tribulations; and Nilkanth Varni persevered, to bestow liberation to all whom he encountered.

As the day of August 26 progressed, the air of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Detroit, was filled with devotional music and folkdances, as devotees gathered around Nilkanth Varni Maharaj’s murti in a procession that toured the murti in form of a Shobha Yatra around the mandir campus.

Ending the day was a musical program consisting of devotees from across the country who gathered to offer their devotion through singing and playing traditional instruments and religious melodies. The kirtan aradhana encapsulated the joy of the devotees leading up to the Mahotsav. All were swaying in their seats and enthusiastically singing and clapping in accompaniment to the wonderful sounds.

Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj had consecrated the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj in Toronto on July 7, 2023. This week-long celebration was a final welcoming at his new home.