Eleven days of celebrations marked the inauguration of the new 25-acre BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Sydney, in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
On the morning on 5 March, a Vedic Shri Swaminarayan Vishwa Shanti Mahayagna was organized for world peace and the well-being of society. Mahant Swami Maharaj commenced the yagna by lighting the auspicious ritual flame. Sanctified grains were offered in the ritual flame while over 330 children from Australia and New Zealand recited the 315 Sanskrit verses of the Satsang Diksha shastra. New South Wales Legislative Assembly Member for Leppington Mr. Nathan Hagarty was present for the ceremony.
On 6 March, senior swamis performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha mahapuja for Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni. Thereafter, the murti-consecration ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy; Hon. Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications; and Ms. Karen McKeown, NSW Member for Penrith were present for the ceremony.
On 7 March, a colorful nagar yatra (grand procession) took place around the cultural precinct campus. The sacred murtis to be installed in the mandir were honored on beautifully decorated floats. Mark Speakman, Leader of the NSW Opposition; Mark Coure, NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism; and Jordan Lane, Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism were present to take part in this joyous procession.
On 9 March, a special Women’s Day Cultural Program themed ‘Yeh Mandir Mera’ highlighted the inspirational sacrifices by women that made the mandir possible. It featured cultural performances and inspiring speeches by young and senior women.
On 15 March, prior to their placement in the shrine of the mandir, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the pujan of the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and then offered abhishek to the murtis with sanctified water from the River Ghela in Gadhada.
On 16 March, Pujya Viveksagar Swami performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha mahapuja. Thereafter, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the murti-pratishtha rituals in the presence of devotees from across the Pacific region and other countries. Dr. Andrew Charlton, Member for Parramatta, and Dr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, were present during this auspicious occasion and expressed their gratitude for this precinct in this part of the nation.