His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, consecrating the murti of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami is a fulfillment of the inner wish of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj. Reflecting on his guru's sentiments, Mahant Swami Maharaj explained that "Regardless of wherever Maharaj [Bhagwan Swaminarayan] resides, Swami [Gunatitanand Swami] is always with him. Therefore, by placing the murti of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami alongside Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he has ensured that their eternal bond remains unbroken."
In celebration of this momentous occasion, hundreds of devotees from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, Georgia gathered on Sunday, February 26, 2023 to welcome Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. Festivities began with a jubilant swagat, a traditional welcome ceremony, a vibrant and colorful nagar yatra, and a procession through the streets. The devotees arrived in vibrant outfits and participated in dances while singing bhajans, accompanied by bells ringing and drumming. As the procession made its way toward the main entrance of the mandir, hundreds of devotees lovingly welcomed the new Shri Akshar Purshottam murtis, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Following the procession, a mahayagna commenced with reciting rituals amidst the auspicious chanting of Vedic mantras. Devotees actively participated in the yagna, and were treated to a series of video presentations and discourses from pujya swamis who elaborated upon the divine life and noble works of Gunatitanand Swami. The assembly was also addressed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, who highlighted the spiritual significance of the Vedic Akshar-Purushottam philosophy. The culmination of the celebrations was the pratishtha ceremony conducted by the pujya swamis. After the end of the ceremony, devotees from the mandir eagerly lined up to do the first darshan of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, marking the beginning of this historic event. Overall, the celebration of the Akshar Purushottam Vadhamana was a joyous occasion filled with devotion, rituals, and festivities.