The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lenasia, South Africa, was inaugurated ten years ago by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 11 September 2004. To commemorate this occasion, a 3-day Dashabdi Mahotsav on the theme “Mandiram” was held from 14th December to 16th December 2014 in the esteemed presence of Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Doctor Swami) and a group of 11 sadhus. Through the inspiration of His Holiness Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotees and well-wishers from around the world came together to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The celebration commenced on 14 December 2014 with a Mahila programme which highlighted the important role the Mandir plays in the life of women today. A welcoming assembly was held in the evening for Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus. A grand drama entitled “Mandir ma Prabhu biraje chhe” and a traditional swagat dance were the highlights of this welcome assembly.
A kirtan aradhana took place on Monday, 15 December 2014, enthralling an audience of local and international attendees with devotional bhajans sung melodiously by the sadhus and devotees.
On Tuesday, December 16th, the third and final day of the Mahotsav began with the vedic ceremony of Shri Nilkanth Varni Murti Pratishtha, invoking Bhagwan into the murti. The Nilkanth Varni pratishtha was followed by a satsang sabha to celebrate the pratishtha.
The Dashabdi Mahotsav concluded with a sanskrutik programme which comprised of inspirational speeches by sadhus and classical dances and skits by the youth. Around forty balaks from across the region joined together to recite sanskrit shlokas, depicting the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's Akshar Purushottam Upasana.
The central message that was conveyed over the 3-day celebrations by Pujya Doctor Swami was to increase unity in families, purify our inner selves and to create awareness in parents and elders to instill moral values and education in children.