Two days of celebrations marked the official opening of the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Griffith. Around 1,000 devotees and well-wishers of Griffith and from all capital cities of Australia attended the celebratory programs.
On the afternoon of 18 April, the murtis (deities) to be consecrated in the new mandir were seated in decorated floats and honored in a grand colorful parade through the streets of Griffith.
In the evening, at the local Yoogali Club, BAPS sadhus and volunteers presented a melodious program of devotional bhajans. This event was also graced by Griffith City Council’s Emeritus Mayor John Dal Broi. In his address Mayor Dal Broi deeply appreciated and commended the efforts of BAPS and its volunteers, and also praised the contribution of the local Indian community to the greater Griffith area.
On the morning of 19 April, the auspicious Vedic murti-installation rituals were performed by Pujya Bhaktipriya (Kothari) Swami. In honor of this occasion, women devotees from the community had prepared an annakut of more than 100 vegetarian food delicacies to offer to the deities.
In his address to the assembly, Pujya Bhaktipriya (Kothari) Swami prayed that all the people of Griffith and surrounding areas be blessed with peace, prosperity and progress in their lives. He added that the mandir will inspire all to live a righteous life, and will nurture traditional values and cultural heritage in youths for generations to come. Senior representatives of Griffith City Council, prominent local businessmen and women, and community leaders were also present for the Mandir opening.
On the evening of 19 April, at Yoogali Club, a special cultural program was presented on the theme of family unity, hard work and the importance of being a role model for children to create and nurture the citizens of tomorrow.
Previously, in Sarangpur, on 17 December 2018, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj had performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of these murtis.