His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj touched the lives of millions of people around the world. One of his greatest gifts has been the mandirs he has built. Thanking Pramukh Swami Maharaj for this wonderful gift, devotees of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Cleveland, Ohio celebrated the mandir’s 20th anniversary with a joyous and inspirational three-day event. Inaugurated in September 1996, the mandir has become an integral part of the local community, inspiring peace, harmony and spirituality within the lives of those who have visited over the years.
Various events during the three-day celebration highlighted the impact the mandir has had on devotees over the last 20 years. The celebration began on Friday, September 2nd, with discourses by Pujya Yogikirtandas Swami. On Saturday afternoon, approximately 75 girls and women organized an inspiring cultural program themed Gurudevo Namamihm. The program shed light on the impact the Mandir has made in their social, career, family, and personal satsang lives. During the evening, a melodious kirtan aradhana program was led by swamis and the youth of BAPS.
On September 4, 2016, a mahapuja was organized in the presence of Pujya Priyasevadas Swami and other swamis from the region. The three-day event concluded with a grand celebration organized by the youth. Devotees recalled their most cherished memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s visits to Cleveland over the years. Devotees reflected upon the constant motivation and inspiration that he gave to start satsang activities and build a mandir. The youth talked about the positive impact that the mandir has made in their lives and how Swamishri has touched their hearts.
Through a keynote speech, Pujya Priyasevadas Swami emphasized the importance of Hindu values, the need to share them with the next generation, and the integral role that mandirs play in building a foundation for these values.