18 January 2003 (V.S. 2059, Magshar sud 15) Saturday, Mumbai; Gunatit Diksha Day, Poshi Punam
To commemorate the day when Gunatitanand Swami was given the sadhu diksha by Shriji Maharaj in Dabhan, an assembly was held at a water park in Thane on the outskirts of Mumbai. Swamishri performed the mahapuja arti and sanctified the grounds of the water park.
During the assembly, Pujya Viveksagar Swami talked about the significance of 'Akshar diksha'. Then a traditional welcome dance was performed by kishores. Swamishri finally blessed the assembly of over 12,000 devotees.
In the evening, Swamishri visited the suburb of Vikroli and performed the murti-pratishtha rituals at the newly built Swaminarayan Mandir (Hari mandir).
19 January 2003 (V.S. 2059, Posh vad 1) Sunday, Mumbai
Fulfilling the wish of Yogiji Maharaj, the grand new Yogi Assembly Hall was inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on Sunday 19 January 2003 at the auspicious time of 10.55 a.m.
Located within the impressive and imposing 10-floor 90,000 sq.ft. Yogi Hall Complex, behind the BAPS Mandir in Dadar, Mumbai, the Yogi Assembly Hall is fully air-conditioned with a seating capacity of around 3500 and is fully equipped with audio-video facilities.
The interior of the hall is beautifully decorated with traditionally sculptured designs in wood. The intricately carved pillars, balconies, windows and the impressive lotus sculptured in the ceiling give the auditorium a traditional spiritual character.
For the women devotees, a two-tier balcony provides ample seating space and a clear view of the 55 x 25 ft. stage.
Below the hall, on the ground floor, is a 1000-capacity multi-purpose auditorium and in the basement is a car park.
In the three floors above the hall are residential facilities for visiting pilgrims and offices for the various local satsang activities.
The complex has been designed and constructed under the supervision of sadhus and satsangis.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Shri Arun Gujarati, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and many other dignitaries. Shri Arun Gujarati said, "Only Pramukh Swami can make such a hall. One can see blemishes on the full moon, but there are no blemishes in Pramukh Swami's life. This auditorium, bearing Yogiji Maharaj's name, is probably the first of its kind in India."
Chhagan Bhujbal then addressed the assembly, "I have been to Gadhada and also visited Akshardham in Gandhinagar. They are fantastic. Following the Latur earthquake (1993) the Sanstha gave such tremendous help that it can never be forgotten. At such times, Pramukh Swami has not merely remained in the mandirs, but has reached out to the people. One day will come when the whole world will follow Pramukh Swami's path."
Blessing the assembly, Swamishri said, "It was the wish of Yogiji Maharaj that a grand assembly hall be built in Mumbai. All his wishes were divine. He also wished that the Narmada Dam project be quickly completed. He always wished for the good of others. It was his wish to build Akshardham in Delhi and land was acquired on the banks of Yamuna. There is great power in his wishes. This project has been completed by the support of the devotees and well-wishers."
This special inauguration assembly was attended by over 700 invited guests and devotees. In the evening, over 10,000 devotees attended the first satsang assembly in the new hall.
21 January 2003 (V.S. 2059, Posh vad 3) Tuesday, Mumbai
Swamishri was not feeling well this morning. Later he got a fever and diarrhoea. For the next two-three days, despite taking medicines, the diarrhoea could not be brought under control. Swamishri became weak. On the doctors advice Swamishri took rest all day long. Even after recovering from diarrhoea, due to the resulting physical weakness Swamishri took rest till 29 January.
30 January 2003 (V.S. 2059, Posh vad 14) Thursday, Mumbai; Children's Day
Despite his frail health, Swamishri went to the evening satsang assembly. 2,000 children were present in the 'Yogi Sabhagruh' for the special Children's Day program. A program showing the agenda for the Golden Jublee Celebration of BAPS Children's Activities (2004) for the years 2003 was presented on stage. Thereafter a beautiful traditional dance was performed by children. Finally, Swamishri blessed the assembly, "Yogiji Maharaj's vision and wishes were very powerful. Whatever he wished happened. Today, through his wish we have Bal Mandals, Kishore Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, Mahila Mandals and Sanyukta Mandals. He had God in his heart, therefore he desired that God's knowledge dawns on everyone - the knowledge of Akshar and Purushottam."
31 January 2003 (V.S. 2059, Posh vad 14) Friday, Mumbai, New Delhi
Swamishri landed in New Delhi at 9.17 p.m. By the time he reached the Akshardham site it was 10.20 p.m.. Thereafter he had dinner and retired for the night.