On September 13, 2023, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the sacred ceremony of Dhaja Dand Pujan (sanctification of the flagstaff) at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ. The 22 magnificent dhaja dands will sit atop the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, infusing the entire campus with a heightened sense of divinity. Flags will fly high on the glimmering staff, a tangible reminder that where there is God and faith, there is victory. This special pujan was a part of the Festival of Inspirations leading up to the Akshardham dedication ceremony and opening next month. The ceremony was held in Akshar Vatika, where Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave darshan in 2014. Seeing Mahant Swami Maharaj at the same location revived memories of Pramukh Swami Maharaj for many attendees.
On Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 90th birthday, the primary flagstaff, along with 21 others, were sanctified. The towering main flagstaff, standing at an impressive 46 feet, weighs almost five tons. The ceremony began with Mahant Swami Maharaj doing pujan, tying a nada chadi, on the main flagstaff, and sanctifying it with sandalwood paste. To further bless and commemorate the occasion, Mahant Swami penned a heartfelt message on the flags: “Sadhu Keshavjivandas na Jay Swaminarayan. 13 September, 2023. Akshardham”. Signifying his eternal connection to the temple, he then imprinted his handprints using sandalwood paste on the main flag.
In addition, Mahant Swami Maharaj sanctified the final seven Kalash, which will grace Akshardham’s apex. The ceremony culminated with Mahant Swami bestowing blessings upon the attendees and circumambulating the flagstaff and the Kalash.
