BY A STAFF REPORTER
NORWALK , CA – Members of the Lohana Community gathered in large numbers at the Sanatan Dharma Temple here on Nov 21 to celebrate the 216th birthday of Jalaram Bapa, known as Jalaram Jayanti. This is celebrated every year on the 7th day following Diwali. For the past 16 years, the Lohana Community...
NORWALK , CA – Members of the Lohana Community gathered in large numbers at the Sanatan Dharma Temple here on Nov 21 to celebrate the 216th birthday of Jalaram Bapa, known as Jalaram Jayanti. This is celebrated every year on the 7th day following Diwali. For the past 16 years, the Lohana Community...
 |  |
has been celebrating Jalaram Bapa’s birthday. For the past two years, celebrations have been held at the Sanatan Dharma Temple to welcome an increasing number of devotees.
Jalaram Bapa’s Sadavrat (feeding) traditions were honored in recognition of his services. On the day of Jalaram Jayanti, around 20 volunteers helped to prepare homemade food at the Mandir. Volunteers also decorated the Mandir with beautiful Jalaram Bapa statues. The food prepared included Jalaram Bapa’s favorite - khichdi, a mix of rice and lentils. Melodious bhajans were performed by Neetinbhai Kariya and other musicians. After the bhajans, devotees paid their respect and accepted mahaprasad to honor Jalaram Bapa. Jalaram Bapa was born in Virpur, Gujarat in 1799. At a very early age, he denounced material possessions and committed his life to helping others. In fact, by the age of 18, he started his first “Sadavrat,” a feeding center, where sadhus, saints, and the needy could come for food at any time. Jalaram Bapa did not discriminate on the basis of race, caste, creed or religion. As word of Jalaram Bapa’s presence spread, he also became known as a healer of diseases and problems, and eventually this reputation became a divine incarnation. To this day, he is cherished and celebrated for his selfless deeds.
Jalaram Bapa’s Sadavrat (feeding) traditions were honored in recognition of his services. On the day of Jalaram Jayanti, around 20 volunteers helped to prepare homemade food at the Mandir. Volunteers also decorated the Mandir with beautiful Jalaram Bapa statues. The food prepared included Jalaram Bapa’s favorite - khichdi, a mix of rice and lentils. Melodious bhajans were performed by Neetinbhai Kariya and other musicians. After the bhajans, devotees paid their respect and accepted mahaprasad to honor Jalaram Bapa. Jalaram Bapa was born in Virpur, Gujarat in 1799. At a very early age, he denounced material possessions and committed his life to helping others. In fact, by the age of 18, he started his first “Sadavrat,” a feeding center, where sadhus, saints, and the needy could come for food at any time. Jalaram Bapa did not discriminate on the basis of race, caste, creed or religion. As word of Jalaram Bapa’s presence spread, he also became known as a healer of diseases and problems, and eventually this reputation became a divine incarnation. To this day, he is cherished and celebrated for his selfless deeds.
RSS Feed
