Continuing the legacy of “Akshardham”
monuments of Gandhinagar and New Delhi, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
had done a divine sankalp seven years ago in 1997 to build
an “Akshardham” monument and cultural complex in New Jersey.
Just recently, land was purchased for this very purpose, and
the traditional Hindu rite of “Bhoomi Poojan” took place on
Sunday, June 6, 2004.
Devotees gathered early in the
morning on this auspicious occasion at the New Jersey Convention
and Exposition Center. Although devotees were unable to go
physically to the future site to perform the poojan, a bit
of land from the site was given to everyone to perform all
the rites. In addition to the poojan of the land, a traditional
mahapooja was conducted by saints as well. Senior saints spoke
about the importance of such a complex, and Swamishri mentioned
in his blessings that such a complex would be open to all,
and lead to preserve our cultural values.
Chief Financial Officer of the
District of Columbia, on behalf of the mayor, presented Swamishri
with a proclamation declaring June 6, 2004, as “Akshardham
Bhoomi Poojan Day.”
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