A glorious chapter was added to the religious and cultural history of Jodhpur as the grand new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated with divine splendor and devotion by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
At 6:45 a.m., Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Pujya Viveksagar Swami and Pujya Ghanshyamcharan Swami performed the preliminary murti-pratishtha mahapuja rituals in the presence of a large congregation of devotees, and also offered prayers for peace, harmony, and prosperity for Rajasthan, India and the entire world.
Thereafter, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the main Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals in the central shrine.
The murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami (central shrine); Bhagwan Krishna and Shri Radhaji (left shrine); Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj (right shrine); Bhagwan Shankar, Shri Parvatiji and Shri Ganapatiji; Bhagwan Ram, Shri Sitaji and Shri Hanumanji; and Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj and the Guru Parampara (ground floor) were ritually consecrated in the newly constructed mandir. Mahant Swami Maharaj then performed pujan and the first arti of the deities, filling the atmosphere with divine energy and overwhelming devotion.
In his blessings following the consecration rituals, Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “This mandir is now open to all devotees and well-wishers. Come, have darshan of Bhagwan, chant his holy name, perform pradakshina, and offer prostrations. Bhagwan manifests here in his divine form. May every citizen of Jodhpur and the entire world be blessed with peace, happiness, and prosperity.”
The mandir opening drew a large gathering of devotees eager for the first darshan of the deities.