Nearly 1,000 devotees and dignitaries from Africa and beyond recently congregated for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a brand-new BAPS Hindu Mandir in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, in the presence of Priyavrat Swami.
Other BAPS swamis, High Commissioner of India to Malawi S. Gopalakrishnan, President of Hindu Seva Samaj Malawi Pramodbhai Kalaria, and senior representatives of 11 Indian community organisations from across Malawi were also among those in attendance at the solemn ceremony.
Devotees enthusiastically participated to prepare the foundations and decorate the entire premises for this celebration. The foundation stone-laying ceremony included the mahapuja (grand prayers) of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, followed by placing of the foundation stones and kumbhs sanctified and blessed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
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The atmosphere was charged with pride and joy, as devotees offered their heartfelt prayers for the swift and successful completion of this sacred project.
Earlier, Mzuzu – a city in the northern region of Malawi with a small Indian population – showcased satsang (prayer) assemblies through the efforts of Rasikbhai Patel – settled in Mzuzu for business from Limbe city. Over time, visits by BAPS swamis has given momentum to these satsang activities.
The need for a mandir became apparent from these gatherings at devotees’ homes, and efforts to acquire land began. In 2018, after land was acquired, the foundation stone ceremony was performed by Pujya Kothari Bhaktapriya Swami. With the cooperation and dedication of local devotees, a beautiful mandir was constructed.
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In April, the Vastuhom (ritual purification of the building) and Prasad Pravesh (ceremonial entry) were performed for the mandir. The murtis (idols) were honoured in a grand procession through the main streets of Mzuzu. The procession was flagged off by the city's Mayor, Kondwani Bryan Nyasulu, who also walked at the forefront throughout the entire procession. His wife Nyasulu walked in the women's section. At the end of the procession, the local council named the approximately 1.5-kilometer road circling the BAPS mandir as ‘Pramukh Swami Road’.
Children also celebrated the inauguration with a traditional dance performance. The assembly concluded with the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj specially sent for the occasion.
*Info: BAPS