mandir in September 2000. Mandir construction and opening Construction commenced in 2002 with the celebration of the first carved stone-laying ceremony. The mandir was officially inaugurated on 25 July 2004 in the presence of Pramkuh Swami. The mandir is composed of 33,000 pieces of marble and limestone that have been hand-carved in India by 2,400 artisans. Shipped to Houston in 150 containers, the marble pieces were fitted together in tongue-and-groove fashion like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The entire structure, including the 4-foot foundation, does not contain a single piece of iron or steel. The mandir is 73 feet high, 125 feet long and 95 feet wide. The 11,500 square foot base is surrounded by a 25,620 square foot deck. The detail in the columns and walls include carvings of deities, dancers, musicians, elephants, horses, flowers and geometric designs. Prior to his trip to Houston to inaugurate the mandir, Pramukh Swami penned a letter for all devotees. Swamishri explained that Swaminarayan took birth to redeem innumerable jivas and grant them ultimate liberation. Further, the mandir and the guru play a central role in this mission. Pramukh Swami arrived for the eighth time to Houston on 20 July 2004. On 21 July, he sanctified the spires and flags which would be mounted at the top of the mandir. The brass and gold leafed spires symbolize nectar and the flags symbolize victory and attainment. On 24 July, a shobha yatra (colorful procession) of all the murtis took place along a seven-mile route through the streets of Houston. The procession itself was 1.3 miles long. The procession included a total of eight floats. On 25 July 2004, the mandir was officially inaugurated. The murtis were installed in the shrines, after which they were consecrated by Pramukh Swami. Community involvement International Women’s Day celebrations The mandir has been hosting an annual Women's Day conference since 2008. In 2012, the focus was on the ancient Hindu teachings of the four Puruṣārtha (goals of life). The theme was meant to resonate with community members who work to balance their family and career. Panelists and speakers shared relevant applications of the Puruṣārtha teachings. In 2013, the theme of the conference was “Timeless Traditions: Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future.” Guest speakers included Nandita Parvathaneni, wife of Honorable Consul General of India in Houston, Harish Parvathaneni, and Alpana Thakker, a prominent lawyer in the Houston community. Panelist discussions and