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 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 over 700 invited guests and devotees were present. In the evening, over 10,000 devotees attended the first satsang assembly in the new hall.