COMMUNITY


BAPS celebrates Shri Swaminarayan Mandir’s 4th anniversary

Bartlett, IL: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago, celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Mandir on a grand scale with devotees and invited guests from the entire mid-west region on Sunday, August 10.
The festivities began early in the morning with devotees praying in front of the sacred images of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the mandir as the sadhus performed the ritual Panchamrut Abhishek on the sacred images. A grand Annakut with offerings of various sweets and delicacies were placed in front of the Lord as a humble offering of devotion by followers. All those present were also blessed with the opportunity to perform the sacred Abhishek of Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj.
Complimenting the celebrations, another assembly was held amidst hundreds of devotees and well-wishers throughout the region. Several theatrical performances, multimedia presentations and discourses were prepared to demonstrate the significance of mandirs. P. Santo addressed the assembly explaining the importance of a mandir, the morals and values it instills within individuals, and the Indian traditions and heritage it passes on from generation to generation. The week’s celebrations joined all devotees on a journey back in time to one of the most memorable events in BAPS history.
The same enthusiasm and eagerness were relevant on the day as it was exactly four years ago when His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the inauguration ceremony of the mandir.
The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swami-narayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals.
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of devotees across the world to lead a God-conscious, character-centered life. As the present leader of BAPS, he travels from village to village, continent to continent, inspiring people of all ages to center their lives on moral values and sound judgment.