BAPS sabha in Albany, NY began in 1998. Since then satsang has flourished. Early sabhas took place in a devotee's home. Soon karyakars felt the need for a permanent place to do sabha. After two years of searching, karyakars found a location for a new mandir. The construction of the mandir would be difficult, but everyone was committed.
The murti pratishtha mahotsav commenced with a kirtan aradhana on Friday, September 28, 2007. In the kirtan aradhana, pujya santo sang devotional songs.
On the following day, the murti pratishtha took place. Earlier, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed a pujan of the murtis in New York. The same murtis were installed and consecrated in Albany mandir by sadguru sant, Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami. Senior sadhus Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Pujya Yagneshwar Swami also performed the pratishtha puja.
The opening of the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Albany, is the beginning of a new chapter for the city and local Hindus. Well placed in the capital of New York, this mandir is yet another milestone for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.