BY A STAFF REPORTER
DOWNEY, CA-Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California temple here celebrated its 18th Patotsav Anniversary. The Anniversary celebration began in the evening on April 13 with the Pothi Yatra, with over a couple of hundred devotees following circumambulations around the temple with the holy book (pothi) which...
DOWNEY, CA-Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California temple here celebrated its 18th Patotsav Anniversary. The Anniversary celebration began in the evening on April 13 with the Pothi Yatra, with over a couple of hundred devotees following circumambulations around the temple with the holy book (pothi) which...
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was ceremoniously placed inside the temple in the presence of deities.
Shastri Swami Devprakashdasji gave discourses for three days from April 13 to 15, inspiring Krishna Charitra Katha, a series of discourses in which they expounded on the beginnings of the Shree Krishna story, its growth and how it has evolved to what it is today. They also instructed devotees on the guidelines and principles of the religion which if followed would result in happiness and help the individual grow in stature and develop confidence.
On April 21 the program began at 8 am with a Hari Yag 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 a Maruti Yagna session in honor of Hanumanji to pray for the end of suffering among mankind and for leading them in the right path. At the end of it a Jal Yatra was performed by ladies who had brought water collected from several sacred rivers in India which was to be used for the Maha Abhishek of the temple idols on April 15 after Ganga Jal was added to purify it before the ritual.
In an effort to educate the younger generations on their ancient heritage, the Mandir encouraged families to participate in a cultural program which was held on April 20 which turned out to be a delightful evening comprising dances, music and play acts, which was thoroughly enjoyed by both young and old.
On April 22, the culmination of the celebrations, the main hall of the temple filled up very soon as the Maha Abhishek began early in the morning. Priests washed the idols in the temple. Participating in it was also Shri Naresh Prasad Pande, representing his elder brother His Holiness 1008 Acharya Maharaj Rakeshprasadji along with residential saints.
Bhajans were performed and verses were chanted and finally the moment arrived everyone was waiting for. The curtains were drawn and the packed hall went up in cheer on witnessing the astonishingly beautiful Annakut Darshan of the splendidly attired idols and the tasteful and colorful display of food spread completely across the far end of the temple hall. The event ended with the serving of a Mahaprasad to the hundreds of devotees who had thoroughly enjoyed the more than weeklong festivities.
Shastri Swami Devprakashdasji gave discourses for three days from April 13 to 15, inspiring Krishna Charitra Katha, a series of discourses in which they expounded on the beginnings of the Shree Krishna story, its growth and how it has evolved to what it is today. They also instructed devotees on the guidelines and principles of the religion which if followed would result in happiness and help the individual grow in stature and develop confidence.
On April 21 the program began at 8 am with a Hari Yag 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 a Maruti Yagna session in honor of Hanumanji to pray for the end of suffering among mankind and for leading them in the right path. At the end of it a Jal Yatra was performed by ladies who had brought water collected from several sacred rivers in India which was to be used for the Maha Abhishek of the temple idols on April 15 after Ganga Jal was added to purify it before the ritual.
In an effort to educate the younger generations on their ancient heritage, the Mandir encouraged families to participate in a cultural program which was held on April 20 which turned out to be a delightful evening comprising dances, music and play acts, which was thoroughly enjoyed by both young and old.
On April 22, the culmination of the celebrations, the main hall of the temple filled up very soon as the Maha Abhishek began early in the morning. Priests washed the idols in the temple. Participating in it was also Shri Naresh Prasad Pande, representing his elder brother His Holiness 1008 Acharya Maharaj Rakeshprasadji along with residential saints.
Bhajans were performed and verses were chanted and finally the moment arrived everyone was waiting for. The curtains were drawn and the packed hall went up in cheer on witnessing the astonishingly beautiful Annakut Darshan of the splendidly attired idols and the tasteful and colorful display of food spread completely across the far end of the temple hall. The event ended with the serving of a Mahaprasad to the hundreds of devotees who had thoroughly enjoyed the more than weeklong festivities.
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