20 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 3) Tuesday, Houston
Swamishri arrived in Houston and inaugurated the newly built sadhus' residence.
In the evening assembly, Swamishri was given a grand welcome by the Akshar Dhvani marching band. In his blessings, Swamishri stressed the importance of satsang in one's life, saying it benefits the individual, family, community, and country. He concluded by encouraging everyone to take advantage of the spiritual and cultural activities organised during the 14-day Mandir Mahotsav.
21 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 4) Wednesday, Houston
After Swamishri's morning puja, the kalash vidhi for the Houston Mandir was held, during which Swamishri performed the pujan of the kalashes.
23 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 6) Friday, Houston
Prasad Pravesh
Kirtan Aradhana
The inauguration of the first shikharbaddh mandir in America began with a traditional Vedic mahapuja performed by Doctor Swami, followed by the Prasad Pravesh ceremony performed by Swamishri. Under the central dome of the mandir, Swamishri carried out various Vedic rituals to mark the first official entrance into the mandir.
In the evening cultural programme, sadhus presented a kirtan aradhana.
Viveksagar Swami concluded the kirtan aradhana with a speech explaining the importance of engaging in kirtan bhakti in today's day and age. The Mayor of Stafford, Leonard Scarcella, was present in the kirtan aradhana, and he addressed the assembly. Earlier in the day, he had met Swamishri and honoured him with a Key to the City of Stafford.
26 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 9) Monday, Houston
Senior Citizens' Din
The Southwest Satsang Mandal held a Senior Citizen's Day to give all elderly devotees an opportunity to offer their devotion to God. Senior Citizens got together to sponsor various activities throughout the day, including all meals and parayans, for which they received blessings from Swamishri.
27 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 10) Tuesday, Houston
Karyakar Din
In today's Karyakar Din, all karyakars received special guidance from senior sadhus on how to improve their seva. Sadhus also explained the importance of seva and bhakti through various kirtans.
28 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 11) Wednesday, Houston
Yuvak - Yuvati Din
After Swamishri had darshan in the mandir, he released balloons to launch today's Yuvak-Yuvati Day, after which yuvaks sang various kirtans during Swamishri's puja. A special morning assembly was arranged for them, in which Doctor Swami addressed them.
The highlight of the evening assembly was a drama performed by the yuvaks entitled 'Brahmanand Darshan'.
In his blessings to the assembly, Swamishri first praised the devotion and services of the Yuvak Mandal. He also stressed the importance of discourses in addition to seva, saying that without the understanding and knowledge provided by discourses, ego will come in the way and one will be unable to perfect one's devotion.
29 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 12) Thursday, Houston
Kishore - Kishori Din
On Kishore-Kishori Day in Houston, members of the Southwest Kishore Mandal highlighted several qualities of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the guru parampara, and Swamishri through a special awards ceremony.
Finally, kishores offered various awards to Swamishri, while explaining in detail the reasons why he should be recognised as 'Adarsh Shishya', 'Seva Murti', 'Bhakti Swarup', 'Aham Shunya Purush', and 'Param Hitkari Sant'. As part of the awards ceremony, during the presentation of the Adarsh Shishya Award, Swamishri was asked to explicate verses from the Bhaktachintamani and narrate an incident in which he gave up his own desires to follow his guru Shastriji Maharaj's wishes.
30 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 13) Friday, Houston
Bal - Balika Din
On Bal-Balika Din the evening cultural programme began with a kirtan aradhana by the balaks. After Swamishri's arrival, they acted out various incidents from Swamishri's life that serve as examples for them to follow.
They also presented a drama about a poor shopkeeper who was unable to reap the benefits of a parasmani that had the capability to change metal to gold, simply because he failed to recognise its importance. The balaks then described how they have recognised the parasmani in the form of Swamishri, who transforms their lives into gold by inspiring them to lead moral lives.
In his blessings to the assembly, Swamishri praised the efforts of the children. He also explained to all parents, "Everyone in the world puts great emphasis on educating their children, but in addition to this, if values are instilled in them then they will do great things, and will be able to serve society."
31 July 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan sud 15) Saturday, Houston
Guru Bhakati Din
To show their gratitude, love, and respect for Swamishri, all the devotees celebrated Guru Bhakti Din.
Through a dance and various speeches, balaks, kishores, and yuvaks highlighted Swamishri's qualities that make him a unique spiritual leader.
In his blessings Swamishri mentioned the importance of maintaining good conduct in all aspects of life, since we are not here to put on an act, and our actions will speak for us.
Earlier in the day, Swamishri had graced a special Medico-Spiritual Conference arranged for healthcare professionals. Sadhus discussed the crucial role spirituality plays in medicine, and Swamishri met all physicians present.
1 August 2004 (V.S. 2060, Adhik Shravan vad 1) Sunday, Houston
Samarpan Din
On Swamishri's last full day in Houston, the Southwest Region held Samarpan Din, where they recognised the sacrifices of countless devotees in organising and executing the Mandir Mahotsav. After Swamishri's morning puja, a special mahapuja was held for all devotees to bring peace into their lives and to fulfil their inner wishes.
During the evening assembly, Swamishri explained that the most important thing to do after the construction of the Mandir is to take full advantage of it, and increase our understanding of our soul. "Once one has knowledge of the soul," he said, "one will not desire to indulge in the pleasures of the world."