On January 2, 2012, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Warrington, PA was inaugurated by Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami with many overjoyed devotees in attendance who eagerly participated in the festivities. Satsang in Warrington started in 2010 with just a few families gathering but quickly developed into a regular, bi-weekly sabha(assembly). Today, through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotees are excited to finally have a permanent place of worship.
On the day of the inaugural ceremonies, visitors were welcomed into the main atrium by local youths, who ensured the environment was warm and joyous. Once inside, visitors were drawn to many other displays of celebration that local volunteers had created.
The ceremony began with the traditional mahapuja ritual in the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami, Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and 25 other swamis and was followed by the murti-pratishtha ceremony where in the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Radha-Krishna, Guru Parampara, Shri Hanumanji, and Shri Ganeshji were consecrated. Thereafter, all the devotees enjoyed a spectacular annakut prepared by the Warrington mahila wing, which stood as a symbol of their devotion on the event of this auspicious inauguration.
In the assembly that followed, Pujya Mahant Swami spoke about the importance of a mandir in shaping our lives. Devotees from all over the region attended this historic event and helped make it a memorable event for all. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, representative of the 8th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, also took part in the celebration, congratulating everyone and commending the community members' collective efforts in establishing the Mandir. The new Mandir will serve as a center for spiritual, community and charity services.