Source: The Austin American Statesman
AUSTIN, TEXAS, November 6, 2002: A light rain blessed the day as hundreds of Hindus convened under a mammoth tent in North Austin to bless land in preparation for building a temple. The five-acre field is the future site of the Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex for Austin-area Hindus, but particularly important for devotees of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known as BAPS. The Shilanyas Vidhi, ceremonial laying of the foundation stone, which took place on Saturday, was meant to purify and pay homage to the land before construction. “It takes a lot of sacrifice and giving up a lot of things (to build a temple),” said Dhwipa Patel, a University of Texas senior and an organizer at the ceremony. With Austin’s growing Southeast Asian population, local BAPS leaders estimate that there are 600 followers in the area who worship at home or in a rented studio space. BAPS, which emphasizes physical and spiritual purity, was founded in 1801 by Lord Swaminarayan, a guru who ignited a religious movement in India and was worshipped as God incarnate by his followers. The current guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, follows in an unbroken line of succession which began with Lord Swaminarayan. BAPS communities in Texas are close-knit, relying on each other spiritually and financially. In Houston, the headquarters of the Southwest region, a new sanctuary that mirrors the ornate marble structures in India will open in 2004. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to participate in a project like this,” said Jayesh Shelat, a Houston volunteer. The plans for the Austin temple and cultural center are still being reviewed and ultimately must receive the blessing of spiritual leaders in India, Sharan Patel said.