BAPS Temple: a landmark nears completion
In stark contrast to the landscape surrounding it, the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Lilburn, Georgia, is rising like a sphinx as it nears completion. The colossal white structure is an architectural marvel that brings ancient India in the midst of the Bible belt of Georgia. A multi-million dollar project and the largest such temple in the U.S. is already creating buzz in the area. Not just the Atlanta Journal Constitution, but also the New York Times has chimed in on its uniqueness and its contrast to almost anything within miles.
With the blessing of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha broke ground on a traditional Shikharbaddh Mandir in September of 2005 in Lilburn, Georgia. Today on the verge of completion, the structure, which is constructed solely of over 106,000 cubic feet of Italian Carrara Marble, Turkish Limestone, and Indian Sandstone, is nearing completion. This masterpiece of intricate carvings and cultural art has a spiritual meaning and purpose for every dome, spire, and column in the grand scheme of the mandir.
Arriving in over 346 containers shipped from India, the 15,000 piece 3-D jigsaw puzzle is now almost complete. His Holiness Pramukh Swami will be arriving in Atlanta on August 16th for a 15-day visit in which he will perform the Murti Pratishta, or the consecration of the idols. Devotees from around the nation and the world will be present to witness this auspicious opening of the third traditional BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the United States.
According to His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, "Mandirs preserve the cleanliness of the soul and keep it from becoming diseased. Some diseases cannot be seen, only experienced. Our scriptures have shown the medicine to be mandirs." The mandir will promote the ideals of non-violence, harmony in the family and will inevitably propound the values of our ancestry.
The following are the key dates of the inauguration festivities to be held at the Temple located on 460 Rockbridge Road NE, Lilburn, GA- 30047
From August 16th – 30th, 2007
Magnificent festival with various cultural programs including speeches, dramas and folk-dances in the presence of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Friday, August 24, 2207
A grand Centenary Celebration in honor of 100 years of BAPS history.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
A Vishvashanti Mahayag (traditional yagna for world peace) followed by a Nagar Yatra (Festival Parade) through the streets of Lilburn.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Murti Pratishtha (Temple Inauguration) and opening ceremonies of the Mandir.
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine.
