In 2004, a new page was written in the history of BAPS Canada when satsang activities began in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next 15 years, the devotees endured many challenges, from preparing maha-prasad to washing utensils outside in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. Finally, their enthusiasm and perseverance to do satsang and the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj resulted in acquiring the current location for a new BAPS Mandir.
Edmonton is a vibrant urban centre in the heart of the wilderness, the largest northernmost metropolis, and the capital of Alberta, Canada. The city is known for the largest shopping mall in North America and for Canada's largest living history museum.
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the 'Canadian City of Festivals', saw the joyous celebration of the inauguration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swam officially opened the mandir to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the mahapuja and the consecration ceremony. An annakut prepared by the women devotees was offered after the murti-pratishtha ceremony. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj had previously sanctified the Akshar Purushottam Maharaj's murtis in 2015 and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj had sanctified the rest of the murtis in 2021.
Devotees attended the event following local COVID protocols. In addition, thousands of devotees, community leaders, friends and well-wishers from across Canada and worldwide participated in the ceremony virtually through the live webcast.
In the inaugural assembly, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami praised the devotees of Edmonton for their devotion, dedication and perseverance. He requested all to come to the mandir regularly because the mandir is a place where spirituality, culture, ethics and values are reinforced into the lives of children and adults. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj also sent blessings from India on this auspicious occasion.
Mandir Mahotsav was successfully celebrated and all those who attended were left inspired. With a growing Hindu community, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Edmonton will serve as the hub of spiritual, community, and charity services for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Alberta.