CHINO HILLS, CA: The atmosphere on site of the anticipated BAPS Chino Hills Mandir and Cultural Center was joyous and jubilant as devotees and well wishers gathered to continue celebrations in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The week long festivities marked as the "Festival of Inspirations" continued in Chino Hills showing how Pramukh Swami Maharaj has inspired hundreds of people to come together with one common goal...to build a traditional Mandir in Chino Hills.

The ‘Festival of Inspirations’ comprised an array of festivities that culminated with the Murti Pratishtha, Stone-Laying Ceremony, and Vishwashanti Mahayagna. Other highlights of the seven-day festival included the BAPS Centenary Celebration which took place on September 13, including thought provoking dramas and lively dances reflecting the growth of BAPS over the years to serve communities, families and individuals.

BAPS was revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and was established in 1907 by the third spiritual successor, Shastriji Maharaj. On September 14, people of all ages participated in a prayer for world peace called the Vishwashanti Mahayagna. The Vedic yagna was conducted by holy priests who recited sacred verses in Sanskrit while participants seated around traditional yagna kunds simultaneously chanted Vedic verses throughout the ceremony.

"This was my first experience sitting in a yagna with my family and I actually enjoyed the ceremony. This yagna was a unique experience for us to pray with others for world peace and harmony.” said Shamini Patel. The auspicious Murti Pratishta Ceremony was held on the morning of September 15 through a Vedic ceremony in which divinity is infused into the sacred images.

The divine atmosphere was filled with the chanting of Sanskrit verses as devotees observed this memorable event of Pramukh Swami Maharaj performing the idol installation ceremony, during which the murtis were infused with life and divinity. The murtis were adorned with colorful garments and an Annakut of savory vegetarian dishes was offered to the murtis.

Thereafter, the first aarti was performed by Swamishri. Following the Murti Pratishta Ceremony, Swamishri blessed the assembly and encouraged the devotees “to be persistent in their efforts and continue working hard to complete the mandir.” The youth wing performed a vivacious dance in celebration of this special occasion.

A Nagar Yatra was held in which the Murtis were paraded around the complex. Devotees marched behind the floats enthusiastically waving flags, dancing, clapping, and chanting devotional songs. The day concluded with a lively and entertaining kirtan aradhana, performed by the sadhus whom sang devotional hymns in accompaniment with traditional Indian percussion. On September 16, Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the creation of the traditional mandir by placing the first stone of the mandir.

This marks the commencement of phase II of the project, the start of the traditional Shikhirbad Mandir. After the ceremony, he blessed the devotees by speaking of how devotees should maintain their firm faith in God. This project is possible only thru the hard work, dedication and the self-less sacrifice that the volunteers have made in making this project a reality. I

t is through the Inspiration of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj that these volunteers and supporters have sacrificed so much of their time and money to the project.

“The construction of the new Mandir has inspired me from within to educate and express my feelings towards India and its rich heritage. I hope to spread the same message to other youths showing them how the Chino Hills Mandir will help me practice my faith and strengthen my cultural identity,” said 19-year-old Akta Patel, a second year Biological Sciences Major at UC Irvine.

In the afternoon, a program entitled “Asmitana Ajwala,” was hosted by the BAPS Women’s Wing celebrating India’s rich culture and heritage. In addition to the graceful dances, other compelling performances included animated dramas, as well as informative speeches about upholding our pride in Hinduism.

In conjunction with the celebrations, a Blood Drive was held as a way to give back to the community. The evening concluded with a program entitled "Education Excellence" performed by the children’s wing of BAPS.