NEW YORK: Bochasawasi Akshar Purshottam Swami (BAPS) are now set to take New York by storm. BAPS devotees have planned a multi million dollar authentic and majestic Mandir in Melville, NY, which is expected to be commissioned by 2016.
The two-storied Shri Swaminarayan Mandir complex, currently under construction on a 5-acre plot, is expected to cost $9 million. It will have a spacious sanctuary besides classrooms. In addition to worship services, it will also offer educational programs, cultural classes and activities, religious lessons, free health clinics, children and youth activities, humanitarian projects, etc and shall also make efforts in social outreach. All its statues were sculpted in India.
Originally envisioned in 1988, its Bhumi Pujan ceremony was held on November 11, 2012 and its foundation stone was laid on October 27, 2013. Community leaders associated with raising of this temple include Harshad Bhatt, Girish Patel, etc.
BAPS, headquartered in Ahmedabad, is a socio-spiritual organization. Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the late 18th century was the main force and has inspired millions through his teachings and services to the community. No alcohol, no addictions, no adultery, no meat, no impurity of body and mind are the cornerstones of his teachings. It envisions “a society whose joy lies in the joy of others”. With Pramukh Swami Maharaj as the current Spiritual Guru, it has over 3,850 centers across the world and has over 880 devout sadhus, spreading his gospel.
Melville, an affluent hamlet in Huntington (New York) known to native Americans as Sunsquams, houses US headquarters of several national/international corporations and hosts operations for various Fortune 500 companies. Frank P. Petrone is the Supervisor of Town of Huntington.
Frank Petrone, the Supervisor of the Town of Huntington, welcomed the BAPS community to Melville and said “only the bricks and mortar are left, because the mandir has already been built more than ten years ago, in the hearts of the BAPS members and the Melville community members.” Council members Susan A. Berland, Mark Curthbertson and Mark Mayoka of the Town of Huntington also lauded the devotees’ efforts.
Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, has applauded efforts of BAPS volunteers and area community residents for realizing this Hindu temple complex. He said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society. He hoped that this new temple would help in this direction. Instead of running after materialism, we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.
India Post News Service
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