Samir Shukla
The BAPS Charlotte Mandir held its bhoomi-pujan ceremony on Sunday, June 9, 2024 with the divine grace of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and the blessings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The ceremony, attended by over 900 devotees from Charlotte and surrounding areas, marked a milestone in the construction of the new mandir. The event was graced by the presence of revered Swamis, including Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami, Pujya Shantmurti Swami, Pujya Shukmuni Swami, Pujya Munitilak Swami, Pujya Adarshnayan Swami, and Pujya Agampriya Swami.
The bhoomi-pujan ceremony signifies the beginning of a new chapter in BAPS Charlotte’s history, which dates back to 1996 when His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the first mandir.
The new mandir will serve as a hub for spiritual growth, community service, and cultural heritage, promoting love, peace, harmony, and unity among all.
Distinguished guests included:
- Ken McCool – Matthews Board of Commissioners
- John Higdon – Mayor of Matthews
- Gina Hoover – Mayor Pro Tem of Matthews
- Mary-Ann Baldwin – Mayor of Raleigh
- Charlotte City Councilmen and Councilwomen
- Kevin Kennedy, Principal – Cluck Design Architects
- David Klausman, Senior Project Engineer – V3 Southeast Engineering
- Brittany Evans, Principal – Phillips Gradick Engineering
- Maxwell Karr, Project Engineer – Bennett & Pless Engineering
- John D. Cooper, CEO & President – Cooper Tacia Contractors
