April 30, 2006
Atlanta, GA
The Kumbhi Sthapan
Vidhi for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta was conducted
in the presence of saints. Despite heavy clouds hovering around
the shikharbaddh mandir site and the unseasonably cold wind,
the devotees spirits were not dampened and a sense of elation
permeated the atmosphere.
Almost two years
ago, in June 2004, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
performed a historic Shilanyas Vidhi (foundation stone laying
ceremony) of the Shikharbaddh Mandir in Lilburn, Georgia.
On that historic day, Pramukh Swami Maharaj touched the hearts
of all present and blessed the devotees when he stated that
Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara have blessed everyone,
and will look after the Mandir's successful completion.
Pramukh Swami
Maharaj's divine words echoed in the hearts of all as saints
and devotees gathered at the site to mark yet another moment
of history for Mandir- the Kumbhi Sthapan Vidhi (first base
placing ceremony). This was a very significant moment because
the Kumbhi is the first base and stone piece, in which the
remainder of the Mandir will be built upon.
The day's auspiciousness
was heightened by the Vidhi being performed on Akha Trij (Akshay
tritya) Vaishak Sud 3, a very special day for spiritual events,
groundbreaking of construction projects, business openings,
and other major events according to the Hindu calendar. During
the Vidhi, Pramukh Swami Maharaj's blessings warmed those
present on this rather cold, damp day, adding to the momentum
for the completion of the Mandir in summer 2007.
Pujya Akshaymuni
Swami, engineer of the Shikharbaddh Mandir, offered inspiring
words to those present by elaborating on the extent of success
and completion of the Mandir. Along with him, Dr. K. C. Patel,
President of BAPS North America, conveyed his strong support
and gave words of encouragement for everyone to pray and commit
to the successful completion in time for Swamishri's arrival
in Summer 2007.
Despite the blistering
winds, devotees chanted in unison, "Mandir Mahotsav ni Jay!"
as saints chanted the Vedic mantras and the first Sthambh
(pillar) was successfully placed on the Kumbhi by the skilled
artisans.
On this auspicious
day, the devotees took back a memory of a historical moment
and a renewed inspiration towards the completion of the mandir
in a timely manner. Truly a remarkable beginning of the "Mandir
Mahotsav 2007 - Celebrating Heritage, Nurturing the Future."
Photo
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