A grand and historic celebration was held from March 29 to April 1, 2023, at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, to welcome the newly consecrated murtis (sacred images) of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. The Akshar Purushottam Upasana is a philosophy that establishes worshiping God along with His gunatit sadhu. The gunatit sadhu is not God, but he is God’s ideal devotee and God works through him. In the BAPS Swaminarayan denomination of Hinduism, Gunatitanand Swami is worshipped as Akshar and Bhagwan Swaminarayan is worshipped as Purushottam, God. His Holiness 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 Gunatitanand Swami alongside Bhagwan Swaminarayan, he has ensured that their eternal bond remains unbroken."
The murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj were joyously welcomed to their new home in Robbinsville with a nagar yatra (cultural procession) through the Mandir complex. All devotees had an opportunity to have the first darshan (divine viewing) of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, marking the beginning of this historic event. The murtis were ushered through the beautiful Mandir grounds by Swamis and devotees of all ages on a decorative palanquin. Hundreds of devotees lovingly gathered for the procession adorned in vibrant outfits. A special devotional assembly was held in the Nilkanth Plaza area where the arti ritual was performed along with devotional dances and the singing of prayerful hymns.
Following the procession, a series of insightful spiritual discourses were delivered by Swamis elaborating upon the divine life and noble works of Gunatitanand Swami. Mahant Swami Maharaj also addressed the assembly through a video presentation, who highlighted the spiritual significance of the Vedic Akshar-Purushottam philosophy.
The celebrations continued where thousands of devotees and well-wishers took the opportunity to perform abhishek of the murtis of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. Abhishek is the ancient Hindu practice of pouring water over the sacred image of God to honor him and to attain his blessings. Welcoming Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj to Robbinsville was a joyous occasion filled with devotion, rituals, and festivities.