The newly constructed BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandir in Rosehill was officially opened by the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell on 9 February. A huge gathering of visitors and devotees attended the inauguration, which was followed by four days of celebration.
The Mandir Mahotsav celebrations, which began on 6 February concluded with the Vedic Murti Pratishtha ceremony. Among the dignitaries who attended were Federal MP Julie Owens, and State MP Geoff Lee.
The Premier congratulated BAPS and its volunteers on the completion of the mandir’s reconstruction, which began in September 2011.
“It’s a wonderful achievement reflecting the hard work and commitment of the entire community. It’s certain to continue to serve this community as a place to come together supporting your cultural and spiritual growth,” O’Farrell said.
“This year marks an important milestone in the BAPS community. It has been 30 years since His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (5th spiritual successor of Bhagwan swaminarayan and spiritual leader of BAPS) visited Australia in 1984,” the Premier said.
“Over those 30 years the community has expanded considerably and become an integral part of not just our multicultural society, but our multi-faith society,” he added.
The BAPS mandir has been a part of Sydney’s landscape since 1996 and moved to its current location, 40 Eleanor Street, Rosehill, in 2000. A media release from the temple committee says that the renovated facilities, traditional architecture and spiritual core have created a modern and culturally rich experience for Hindu devotees and the growing number of visitors.
The mandir in Rosehill is one of three BAPS mandirs around Australia; Melbourne and Perth have their BAPS mandirs. A new BAPS mandir will open in Brisbane on 15 February and construction is underway for a mandir in Adelaide.
The mandir is open Monday to Saturday 7am to 11.30am and 4pm to 8pm, and Sundays from 7am to 9pm. Daily aartis are held at 7.15am and 7pm.
For more information on BAPS, its activities and centres visit baps.org
Published in The Indian Sun (Indian Australian Magazine)
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