In the mid 1980’s a group of like-minded individuals met at a social gathering. Through introductions it came to be known to them that they were all followers of Shree SwaminaryanVadtalGadi. That chance meeting was the seed of our current Mandir. As time passed and they continued to meet, that group of Haribhaktos threw around the idea of building the first VadtalGadiMandir in the DFW area. As with any great ambition, the process did not occur overnight. They, at first, started meeting at various homes once a month for sastang. Overtime, an official Chapter was formed and the once a month sastangincreased from being held at homes to being held at rented halls for certain festivals. During these times, the dedicated haribhaktos carried books, instruments, sitting sheets and cooking supplies house to house. These items were stored in the trunks, garages, and homes of these individuals. Through sheer determination, hard work, and the blessing of HariKrishnaMaharaj, they purchased a church in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1988. The church property had roughly 19,000 sq. feet and sat on 1.75 acres. After the initial renovation was complete, the MurtiPratisthaMahostav was held on July 4th, 1991.
As the years passed, the number of haribhaktos attending steadily increased. As a result, the mandir decided it needed another renovation, more like an addition. In 1999, a bigger kitchen and dining hall were added, an addition of approximately 5000 sq. feet.
In July 2016th the mandir exuberantly celebrated its 25thpatosav (anniversary).
What started as “once a month” sastang at devotes homes, has grown into weekly sastangshaba at the mandir.
As we continue in the future, it is important to note the contributions of the devoted haribhaktos, community as well as the various saints that resided in the mandir throughout its history. These saints served GhanshyamMaharaj and inspired hundreds of devotees on the path of SwaminaryanBhagvan through their sermons.
SwaminaryanMandir, Grand Prairie, Texas looks forward to many more years in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.