For hundreds of volunteers, August 30, 2023, marked a momentous occasion in the building of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The Kalash, or topmost part of the mandir’s pinnacle, was sanctified during the sacred Kalash Pujan. With joyous tears, the volunteers watched as their years of hard work and anticipation culminated in the pinnacle point of the mahamandir by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Senior swamis joined the auspicious ceremony to sanctify 18 kalashes for the spires of Akshardham. The kalash is the peak of the shikhar, or spire, which signifies blessings and the pursuit of spiritual immortality.…
Author: Staff Reporter
Centered on the theme of “Akshardham Na Balak Ame,” young children performed in a cultural program on September 2, 2023, at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ. The two-part program was part of the Festival of Inspirations, a three-month-long celebration of the timeless values that BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham will inspire for generations to come. Akshardham will stand as a testament to the preservation of ancient Hindu traditions and a bridge between these age-old Indian values in a modern world. The first part of the program was spearheaded by women and illustrated anecdotes of various ways in which young girls…
The festival of Janmashtami, marking the earthly arrival of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and, whose very existence is a fountain of inspiration, was celebrated in a program at the Festival of Inspirations in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on the evening of September 7, 2023. The Festival of Inspirations is a three-month-long festival celebrating the grand opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which stands as an inspiration of ancient Hindu values in a modernized world. Each story filled with playful innocence, profound wisdom, and divine deeds shined a beacon of light on the timeless lessons from Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s…
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,…
“Yours Forever, Sadhu Keshavjivandas”: these words have completed hundreds of thousands of letters written by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to people around the world. Inked in these letters are his compassion, love, and respect for all. On September 13, 2023, hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in his divine presence in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The celebrations centered around his humility and love, showcasing how Mahant Swami Maharaj touched the lives of millions across the globe through the letters he wrote. This year, the celebrations were integrated into the Festival of…
An inspirational program held in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on September 16, 2023, centered around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The World Is One Family, encouraged the audience to look beyond surface-level differences and understand what unites humanity. This message, which has been echoed through the ancient scriptures of Sanatan Dharma, urges us to seek out the divinity in others to create a world of harmony and compassion. Overcoming differences in background, culture, and beliefs – this sentiment of spiritual oneness links humans around the globe. Imbibing spiritual virtues such as this into one’s life is the embodiment of the sacred Sanatan…
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, youths gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, to explore the theme of “Mahima” as part of the Festival of Inspirations. This three-month celebration aims to perpetuate the timeless values championed by BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham for future generations. Yuvaks and yuvatis from North America presented a two-segment program that delved into understanding the glory of God, Guru, and devotees of God. The key message was that while money drives the world, in the spiritual community of satsang, “Mahima” serves as the fundamental currency. Furthermore, the more “Mahima” one possesses, the richer they…
by Akshay Kumar Gupta “Exploring Sanatan Dharma: Eternal Wisdom for Modern Seekers” is a comprehensive and insightful journey into the heart of the ancient spiritual tradition known as Sanatan Dharma, or Hinduism. This illuminating book delves into the profound teachings, practices, and philosophies that have guided generations of seekers on a path of self-discovery, ethical living, and spiritual fulfillment. From the timeless concept of dharma, which defines one’s righteous duty, to the transformative paths of karma, bhakti, jnana, and raja yoga, readers will uncover the multifaceted dimensions of Sanatan Dharma’s wisdom. The book artfully weaves together the threads of mythology,…
by Chintan Raval In the captivating exploration, “The Neuroscience of Hanuman Chalisa: Channels of Devotion in the Brain,” author Chintan Raval embarks on a unique journey that bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with modern scientific insights. Delve into the profound verses of the Hanuman Chalisa, one of the most revered hymns in Hinduism, and discover how its spiritual resonance aligns with the intricate neural pathways of the human brain. Unveiling the parallels between devotion and neurological responses, this book delves deep into the synergy between each verse of the Hanuman Chalisa and the corresponding mechanisms within the brain. Chintan’s meticulous narrative…
by Chintan Raval In the vast tapestry of ancient Hindu scriptures, the “Vishnu Sahasranama” stands as a luminous beacon, guiding seekers towards the depths of divine understanding. But what if these sacred verses, intoned for millennia, held secrets not just of the spirit but also of the universe, waiting to be unveiled? “The Powerful Vishnu Sahasranama: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration” takes readers on an unprecedented journey, marrying the ancient wisdom of the Sahasranama with the revelations of modern science. Author Chintan Raval, under the guidance of revered Ramanandi sages, embarks on a quest to decode the resonances between the…
