BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
DOWNEY, CA - Hymns, chants, and prayer bells welcomed devotees in a week-long celebration at the Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California temple here. The temple celebrated its 17th Patotsav (anniversary) on April 21, with the Pothi Yatra, which was attended by a couple of hundred devotees.
DOWNEY, CA - Hymns, chants, and prayer bells welcomed devotees in a week-long celebration at the Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California temple here. The temple celebrated its 17th Patotsav (anniversary) on April 21, with the Pothi Yatra, which was attended by a couple of hundred devotees.
 |  |  |
After following circumambulations around the temple, the holy book was ceremoniously placed inside the main hall in the presence of deities. A religious discourse by Shastri Swami Devprakashdas on the inspiring Sunder Kand Parayan expounded on the beginnings of the Ramayana story, its growth and evolvement, thus leading to its current day existence.
The ‘Gurus’ also instructed devotees on the guidelines and principles of the religion, giving an in-depth analysis of the results leading to happiness and individual growth in stature, confidence and dedication just like Hanumanji. This katha was performed from April 21 to 23. In an effort to educate the younger generations on their religion and ancient arts and heritage, the temple encouraged parents and families to participate in a cultural program, which saw a large turnout on April 28. On the delightful evening, devotees were entertained with several cultural dances, musical performances and play acts, which were thoroughly enjoyed by people of all ages. The event on April 29, began in the morning with a Hariyag Yagna, a ceremony for the prosperity of one and all, peace of mind and for love-and harmony in the world. This was followed by Maruti Yagna, a practice to eradicate all suffering among mankind, thus leading them to the right path. Finally, a Jal Yatra was performed by women, who brought water from several sacred rivers in India. This water was later used for the Maha Abhishek of the temple idols on April 30 after Ganga water was added to purify it before the ritual.
The temple saw the culmination of celebrations on April 30 with the main hall occupied completely witnessing the Maha Abhishek early in the morning. Priests washed the idols in the temple using several different holy ingredients. Participating in it was also Sri Naresh Prasad Pande, representing his elder brother Acharya Maharaj Rakeshprasad and his son Lalji Saurabhprasadji Maharaj. Lalji Maharaj especially came from India to grace this special occasion.
Soon after the curtains were drawn for the decoration of deities; meanwhile, fruits and delicacies were prepared by hundreds of worshippers for the Annakut Darshan . The hall went up in a cheer after the beautifully decorated idols were showcased; the colorful display of food also was spread across the far end of the hall. The event ended with Annakut Aarti and the serving of the Mahaprasad. The hard work of Devprakashdas Swami, Swami Chandraprakashdas, Swami Hariprakashdas, Parshad Ramdevbhagat and Parshas Sachhinbhagat was widely appreciated.
The ‘Gurus’ also instructed devotees on the guidelines and principles of the religion, giving an in-depth analysis of the results leading to happiness and individual growth in stature, confidence and dedication just like Hanumanji. This katha was performed from April 21 to 23. In an effort to educate the younger generations on their religion and ancient arts and heritage, the temple encouraged parents and families to participate in a cultural program, which saw a large turnout on April 28. On the delightful evening, devotees were entertained with several cultural dances, musical performances and play acts, which were thoroughly enjoyed by people of all ages. The event on April 29, began in the morning with a Hariyag Yagna, a ceremony for the prosperity of one and all, peace of mind and for love-and harmony in the world. This was followed by Maruti Yagna, a practice to eradicate all suffering among mankind, thus leading them to the right path. Finally, a Jal Yatra was performed by women, who brought water from several sacred rivers in India. This water was later used for the Maha Abhishek of the temple idols on April 30 after Ganga water was added to purify it before the ritual.
The temple saw the culmination of celebrations on April 30 with the main hall occupied completely witnessing the Maha Abhishek early in the morning. Priests washed the idols in the temple using several different holy ingredients. Participating in it was also Sri Naresh Prasad Pande, representing his elder brother Acharya Maharaj Rakeshprasad and his son Lalji Saurabhprasadji Maharaj. Lalji Maharaj especially came from India to grace this special occasion.
Soon after the curtains were drawn for the decoration of deities; meanwhile, fruits and delicacies were prepared by hundreds of worshippers for the Annakut Darshan . The hall went up in a cheer after the beautifully decorated idols were showcased; the colorful display of food also was spread across the far end of the hall. The event ended with Annakut Aarti and the serving of the Mahaprasad. The hard work of Devprakashdas Swami, Swami Chandraprakashdas, Swami Hariprakashdas, Parshad Ramdevbhagat and Parshas Sachhinbhagat was widely appreciated.
RSS Feed
