Aug 24, 2010
On the morning of Sunday, August 15 many devotees, volunteers, well-wishers, and other community members gathered in celebratory style to participate in the opening ceremonies for the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Center in Bridgeton, MO. Having anticipated the opening for several months now, the attendees eagerly arrived early and dressed in traditionally colorful clothing, indicative of the vibrant Indian culture that filled the atmosphere of the day.
Organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the Mandir (Hindu temple) inauguration, consisting of the opening of the new facility along with the Murti Pratishta ceremony, commenced with great fanfare. “Murti” means sacred image and “pratishta” means installing; thus the event is a Vedic ceremony of installing the sacred images of Bhagwan (God) in the Mandir and instilling them with life. The underlying recipe leading up to the successful completion of the Mandir can be attributed to the devotion and hard work of the local volunteers of BAPS, who in turn dedicate their inspiration to the spiritual leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Also in attendance and showing their support were dignitaries and special guests including, Conrad Bowers, Mayor of Bridgeton, on behalf of the Mayor of St. Louis – Francis G. Slay, his son (Francis G. Slay, Jr.), and St. Louis County Executive Chairman: Charles (Charlie) Dooley.
“Bridgeton is a family oriented community. We’re proud to invite you (BAPS) to our family,” said Bowers.
“I hereby proclaim August, 15th, 2010 as BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Day in St. Louis,” read Mr. Dooley from a resolution passed by St. Louis.
The Mandir, traditionally a Hindu place of worship, is also a common community place where people forget their differences and voluntarily unite to serve society. It is a place where people experience peace and reinforce their ethical and moral values. Additionally, the Mandir helps serve the youth of the local community through hosting of leadership camps, educational fairs, and cultural programs.
“My son and daughter have been able to maintain their Hindu heritage because of the language, dance, drama, and instrumental classes they attended at the old BAPS Mandir,” said Sandip Shah, Youth Coordinator at BAPS St. Louis. “The Mandir will also become a focal point of community activities, including walkathons for charity as well as blood donation drives and health camps,” he added.
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan 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. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders.
For more details visit www.baps.org
CONTACT: BAPS North American Headquarters
Phone: 732-777-1414
