With great jubilation and excitement, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj engaged in the first of a series of inauguration ceremonies of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on September 30, 2023. These historic celebrations are 25 years in the making, fulfilling the inner wish of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to build a cultural landmark of Hindu art and architecture in New Jersey.
Sadguru Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Pujya Doctor Swami) began the program by speaking on the mahima, or the greatness, of the creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham paralleled by the rich history of building BAPS mandirs. He echoed the sentiments of all present, that this divine creation was the inner wish of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and anything is possible with God’s power within our efforts.
Upon the arrival of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and senior swamis performed the Vedic rituals and prayers called the Prasad Pravesh ceremony. The Prasad Pravesh ceremony is usually performed upon entering a new premise or building for the first time. On this occasion, sacred soil and water were collected from 555 pilgrim places throughout India and other countries across the globe. With their inclusion in Akshardham, whoever comes here will experience the bliss of visiting India's holy places.
Mahant Swami Maharaj journeyed through the 13 inner sanctums, called garbha gruhs, to honor various gods of the Hindu faith. On the ground level of Akshardham will house the sacred image of Nilkanth Varni. Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the consecration ceremony of the Nilkanth Varni Abhishek murti.
Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami fondly recalled the numerous devotees who participated in the celebrations online. He conveyed that Mahant Swami Maharaj holds dear the commitment and service of the many devotees who have contributed in various ways over the years.
In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj explained that nirdosh buddhi is the gateway to Akshardham, essentially paving the way to live a higher spiritual life filled with faith and purity. He expressed that the unmatched dedication of the volunteers has left nothing undone for the completion of Akshardham. Mahant Swami Maharaj humbly shared that no words could accurately express Akshardham's grandeur, intricate designs, and utmost divinity.
Throughout the nine-day inaugural ceremonies, Akshardham Mahotsav will celebrate the significant aspects of the Mahamandir and the universal values upon which it was constructed.