Five days of celebrations marked the inauguration of the new BAPS Hindu Mandir and Community Centre in Lower Hutt, Wellington, in the presence of Pujya Narayanmuni Swami, other BAPS swamis and devotees and well-wishers from the ANZ region.
On 6 August, Narayanmuni Swami and swamis were warmly welcomed. The following day, a satsang assembly was held in the presence of Narayanmuni Swami.
On the morning of 8 August, a Vedic Shri Swaminarayan Vishwa Shanti Mahayagna was organized for world peace and the well-being of society. Sanctified grains were offered into the ritual yagna flame while children, youth and adult devotees from Australia and New Zealand recited the 315 Sanskrit verses of the Satsang Diksha shastra.
In the afternoon, over 360 women devotees participated in a special women’s assembly, titled ‘Shashvat Sukh nu dham – Mandir’. The cultural program highlighted the importance and benefits of mandirs, and also the inspirational contributions by women devotees that had made this mandir possible. It featured cultural performances and inspiring speeches by young and senior women, as well as video presentations and a Bhakti Tula.
In the evening, swamis and youths from the ANZ region presented a melodious program of devotional bhajans, gracefully conveying the timeless traditions and enduring values that mandirs instill in individuals and the local community, creating an atmosphere of spiritual harmony and cultural richness.
On 9 August, the sacred murtis to be installed in the mandir were honored on beautifully decorated floats in a colorful 2km nagar yatra (procession) through the roads leading to the mandir. Devotees from throughout the ANZ region, well-wishers and other esteemed guests participated in this procession.
In the evening, a special cultural program celebrated the inspirational journey of the BAPS Mandir in Wellington, featuring live interviews and skits of how people's lives are positively impacted by mandirs.
On 10 August, the Vedic murti-pratishtha mahapuja and murti-installation rituals were performed by Narayanmuni Swami and swamis in the presence of devotees and well-wishers from across the ANZ region. Thereafter, a dedication assembly was held to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Chris Hipkins, former prime minister and opposition leader; Shrimati Neeta Bhusanji, High Commissioner of India; Mr. Guna Mugesan, President, Hindu Council of New Zealand; Shri Mukesh Giya, Second Secretary and Head of Chancery, High Commission of India; and Dr Carlos Cheung, Member of Parliament. The guests sincerely appreciated and commended the efforts of BAPS and its volunteers, as well as the contribution of the Indian community in the region.
Previously, in Sarangpur, on 21 May 2024, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj had performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals of the murtis.