Images

On the third and final day of the Mahotsav, June 29th, 2014, hundreds of disciples from all over the world had gathered inside the temple early in the morning. His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree concluded the yagna ceremony and then performed the long-awaited idol installation ceremony (Praan Pratishtha ceremony). One by one, Acharya Swamishree installed the murtis of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa in their new home. Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, Acharya Swamishree, sants, and disciples then prayed to the Lord to manifest in pratima-roop (idol form) in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada from Akshardham. The Lord accepted their prayers, and from that moment on, Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa bestows His divine darshan and accepts the prayers of those who come to the Toronto temple just as He does at His divine abode in Akshardham.

Acharya Swamishree, sants, and disciples then proceeded outside for the flag-raising ceremony. This flag will be changed each Patotsav (temple anniversary), to mark the home of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa in Canada. Acharya Swamishree and disciples performed aarti to conclude the ceremony.

Sants and disciples then quickly assembled a grand annkot to offer to the Lord for the first time in the temple. The annkot consisted of various Indian sweets, snacks, and fruit carvings. Acharya Swamishree and sants offered the first annkot aarti to Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, and disciples took turns afterwards.

Acharya Swamishree was then escorted to the sabha mandap by Swamibapa Pipe Band and seated upon His gadi, and He showered His final blessings for the Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav. Acharya Swamishree explained how Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa’s vision of having a temple of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan had now become a reality. He stated that upon the humble request and prayer of Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, Lord Shree Swaminarayan came from Akshardham and will reside forever in this temple. The doors of eternal salvation are now open. Acharya Swamishree encouraged all of the disciples to have utmost faith in the teachings of Lord Shree Swaminarayan. Realizing Lord Shree Swaminarayan to be supreme and performing true devotion unto Him will yield ultimate salvation for all mumukshu. Acharya Swamishree was extremely pleased with all of the devotional performances and seva performed throughout the Mathosav. He concluded His divine blessings with the crowd-favorite kirtan “Rumzum Rumzum Chaale Harivar Rumzum Rumzum.” All of the sants and disciples clapped and sang along with the music. Happiness was evident in the eyes of all those who were present.

Afterwards, several sants and disciples made remarks about the temple and Mahotsav preparations and celebrations. Parayan sponsors were presented with memento murtis, and all volunteers were honored for their hard work and dedication throughout the Mahotsav. By the divine grace of Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa, everything had come together for a fantastic celebration in the end.

Acharya Swamishree was then escorted out of the sabha mandap, to the mahaprasad tent to consecrate the afternoon’s lunch, and back to the temple.

Everyone was served delicious mahaprasad, and this concluded the four-day Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Temple Toronto, Canada. Because of Acharya Swamishree and Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa's divine efforts, there is yet another home for Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa equivalent to Akshardham in North America. Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa will forever bestow His divine darshan and grant salvation to all those who visit His abode in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.