Strengthening bonds is a means to deeply know a person. At the two-part program, “Swami Malvathi – A Journey of Smrutis” on August 19, 2023, North American youth shared heartfelt reflections on how every gesture, blessing, and memory of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj forged their firm bond with their beloved guru. A relationship with a guru is among the most transformative relationships in life. A guru serves as a friend, a mentor, and most importantly, a guide through life’s ups and downs. Part 1 of the program began in the afternoon with a special set of perspectives from women.…
Author: Staff Reporter
On August 25, 2023, North American devotees reminisced and celebrated the cherished memories and teachings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Robbinsville, NJ in a special assembly titled ‘Guruji Nahi Bhulu Tamne.’ The assembly was part of the Festival of Inspirations, a three-month-long celebration commemorating the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey. The program took place in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who personally recalled memorable moments from the life of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine qualities of humility, selflessness, and unconditional love were illuminated through inspiring recollections that highlighted his…
On August 30, 2023, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ, marked its 9th anniversary. This special occasion, coinciding with the auspicious day of Rakshabandhan, was graced by the divine presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. The Pãtotsav is a traditional sacred ceremony celebrating the anniversaries of murti consecration (pran pratishtha) in mandirs. The term “Pãtotsav” is a combination of “paat” and “utsav,” where “utsav” means festival. “Paat” originates from “patti,” referring to a strip of garment tied on a murti’s head, from which the term “paat” evolved. The patotsav ceremony, which began at 6:30 am, celebrated the moment…
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.…
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…
