First U.S.-based B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Research Institute inaugurated in New Jersey

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The first ever B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Research Institute, USA, was inaugurated in Robbinsville, New Jersey, at the site of Swaminarayan Akshardham – North America, on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Hundreds of swamis and devotees gathered to participate in a ‘Satsang Dikshā Homātmak Pāth.’

This yagna involved offerings to a sacred fire while selected verses from the Satsang Diksha were recited. The yagna prayed for world peace along with an auspicious beginning for the research institute. Children sang Vedic peace prayers and recited Sanskrit verses. Thousands witnessed the historic ceremony in person and via live telecast across North America and worldwide, a press release from BAPS said.

Mahant Swami Maharaj joined the ceremony virtually from Ahmedabad and inaugurated the Institute with the lighting the inaugural lamp (deep –pragatya). Diyas were subsequently lit by those present in New Jersey. Mahant Swami Maharaj then blessed the attendees as well as all the people who remotely joined the live broadcast.

“Yogiji Maharaj had envisioned such an institute and was passionate about youths learning and discoursing in Sanskrit. The research institute has fulfilled this vision,” Swami Maharaj is quoted saying in the press release. He blessed the students, and added, “In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning the world is one family; let’s reach out to extend the circle of global harmony.”

The event took place in the presence of more than 115 representatives from over 50 Hindu Mandirs and organizations, guests and scholars, BAPS said.

Mahamahopadhyaya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami came from India to preside over the inauguration. He is considered one of the world’s leading scholars on Hindu philosophy and Sanskrit  and the author of the commentary and philosophical texts, the Swaminarayan-Bhashyam and the Swaminarayan-Siddhanta-Sudha. At the June 18 event, he delivered the inaugural lecture of the institute and reinforced messages of global harmony, public service and educational excellence.

The ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’ is the first such center of learning and research of Indian languages and Hindu scriptures in the Swaminarayan tradition to open in the United States.

“The impetus for the institute in Robbinsville has been a growing interest from members of the community to learn Sanskrit and gain a deeper understanding of Hindu scriptures,” the press release said.