May 14, 2006
Springfield, MA
With
the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a new BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Sanskardham in Springfield, Massachusetts was
inaugurated with great jubilation and festivity. Volunteers
spent months in preparation for the opening ceremony. The
two-day festival was kick-started with a kirtan aradhana and
cultural program on Saturday, May 13.
On May 14, a traditional Vishvashanti Mahapuja was held in
the morning. Following the mahapuja, Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami
and Pujya Chaitanyamurti Swami joined by other santos, performed
the murti-sthapan vidhi to consecrate the murtis of Bhagwan
Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahm Gunatitanand Swami, Shri Radha-Krishna
Dev, Guru Parampara, Shri Sita-Ram and Hanumanji, and Shri
Shiv-Parvati and Ganeshji. After the ceremony, an annakut
of vegetarian items, prepared by the mahila mandal was offered
to the newly consecrated murtis.
Following the ceremony, Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami presented
mementos to volunteers involved in building the new sanskardham.
Then, Pujya Gunsagar Swami addressed the assembly highlighting
volunteer efforts. Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami delivered a speech
on the benefits of the new sanskardham for the local community.
The Bal Mandal, dressed in traditional costumes, performed
a folk dance. Local youths performed several dramas depicting
the devotees of Swaminarayan Bhagwan. Unexpectedly, devotees
were also blessed by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s blessings
by telephone from India. Devotees from as far as Boston, Fall
River, Hartford, Albany, Groton, New York and Westchester
attended the celebrations.
During his visit to the Sanskardham on July 20, 2006 Pujya
Kothari Swami performed the pujan of all the murtis.
Photo
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