Murti Pratishtha (Idol installation) and inauguration of the new Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple on Culver Road in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey was celebrated by the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Monmouth Junction New Jersey starting June 3 and carrying on till June 11. Devotees from across the world came to the event and many took part via the Internet through live feeds on SVG.org.
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The celebration started with the Pothiyatra to mark the beginning of the recitation of Shreemad Satsangijivan Katha orated by Pundit Kothari Shastri swami, Shree Ghanshyamvallabhdasji from Gadhpur India and by Pundit Sadguru Swami Shree Nityaswarupdasji Sardhar. Thousands of devotees experienced their emotions ranging from joy to tears as they listened to the narration.
While the main event was on Sunday June 11th there were many mini celebrations through the 9 days, culminating in the Annkut Utsav. Saturday June 10, marked a special occasion and was attended by many dignitaries and special guests.
News India Times publisher and Padma Shree recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh addressed the gathering and received blessings from Bhavi Acharya and Santos. He reiterated his commitment to the Indian diaspora, and to the new mandir. Deputy Mayor Charles Carly of South Brunswick also received blessings and reiterated the strong ties between the township and the temple which he pledged would always remain strong. Carly praised the vibrancy of the Indian community and said it would always have a friend in him.
Among others who addressed the assembly were TV Asia chairman and CEO H.R. Shah, a Padma Shri recipient, spoke of the vibrant and diverse Indian-American community. He spoke of his new venture – a ‘mandir yatra’ in the U.S., soon to be aired on TV Asia.
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Devotees took part in the yatra, rass, cultural programs, blood drive, Seva, yagnas, mahapujas and the main Murti Pratishta. They received the darshan and blessings of Bhavi Acharya Shree Nrigendraprasdji Maharaj who is the 8th Acharya to be on the Vadtal dioceses ( Laxminarayan Dev Gadi), which is one of the two only authentic dioceses established by lord Swaminarayan in his last will and testament.
The new Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Monmouth Junction is open daily 8am – 12pm and 4pm- 8pm. Weekend sabha is held every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. Mahaprasad is served after every weekend sabha. Many kids’ activities are available on temple premises.
By Premji
