On August 24, 2024, over 1,300 worshippers and well-wishers gathered in Tyngsborough, MA, to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir for the Boston area. The event was graced by Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami, along with visiting swamis from India and Canada.
The ceremony featured a traditional Vedic ritual, where sanctified rice and bricks blessed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj were ceremonially placed into the foundation of the new mandir. This sacred act symbolizes the spiritual and communal foundations of the new mandir, which will serve as a place of worship and community gathering for generations to come.
Justin Williams, the project engineer, expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled that my son could witness such a meaningful event, and I’m proud to have played a role in making this possible.”
Since the inauguration of the first Boston mandir in 1990, Satsang activities have flourished, and the current mandir has outgrown its capacity. The new complex is being built to accommodate the increasing number of devotees and visitors throughout the year.
In his address, Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami praised the dedication of the swamis and devotees, emphasizing how their efforts made this new mandir possible. He also spoke on mandirs' vital role in supporting individuals, families, and the broader community.
Volunteers from across New England and Robbinsville, NJ, came together to make this event memorable for all attendees.
Lead volunteers from the Boston mandir expressed their deep appreciation for the strong community support. They emphasized their excitement about starting the construction of the new mandir, which will fulfill the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj by providing a place of worship and serving as a valuable resource for the local community.
Inspired by the volunteers' dedication, Site engineer Moises Dias added, “I’m honored to work with such a humble and dedicated community—it’s truly inspiring.”