The newly built BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Morbi was opened to devotees on Sunday in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and thousands of devotees. Senior BAPS gurus Brahmavihari Swami, Kothari Swami and Anand Swaroop Swami also attended the ceremony.
Blessing the gathering, Mahant Swami Maharaj said the temple belonged to everyone and prayed that all visitors would receive blessings for happiness and prosperity in body, mind and spirit.
The grand inauguration and idol consecration ceremony of the magnificent shikharbaddh temple, located on a large site along the banks of the Machchhu River, coincided with Sharad Purnima and the birth anniversary of Gunatitanand Swami. More than 25,000 devotees attended the celebrations.
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed by Mahant Swami Maharaj. The temple opened to the public in the evening amid devotional chants, kirtans and a grand maha aarti.
CM Prays for Gujarat’s Prosperity
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel offered prayers at the temple and attended the religious gathering, seeking prosperity, peace and well-being for the people of Gujarat.
Addressing devotees, Patel said the Swaminarayan sect was promoting Sanatan Dharma and Indian culture across the world through the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means “the world is one family.” He added that Morbi, widely known for its ceramic industry, would now also gain recognition as a spiritual destination.
Patel urged people to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He called for collective efforts in water conservation, tree plantation under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, natural farming, environmental protection, yoga and healthy living.
Appreciating BAPS’s efforts to build a drug-free India, the Chief Minister appealed to citizens to support anti-addiction campaigns. He also encouraged devotees to spread awareness about the vision of a developed India through household religious gatherings and community satsangs.
Ministers Jitu Vaghani, Praful Panseriya, Trikam Chhanga and Kantilal Amrutia, MP Vinod Chavda, former MP Mohan Kundariya, local MLAs, Morbi Mayor Uttam Surani and district officials were among those present at the ceremony.