The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir of Augusta, Georgia celebrated its 5th Mandir Patotsav and Akshar Jayanti Samiayo with much excitement and celebration.
The Samiayo included Dhoon, Prathna, Kirtans, and Discourses. It started promptly at 4:00 PM and ended at 6:00 PM. Approximately 250 people attended the celebration. Mandir was decorated to suit the occasion. An Annakoot of food items was offered to Maharaj and Swami.
The samiayo began with Manglacharan, dhoon, and prathana. Several speeches were given interspersed with many uplifting kirtans. Suryakant Joshi of Columbia, SC. gave the Prasangic discourse on need for Mandir convincing the audience that even if both the parents are well educated, and talented, they still send their children to schools. WHY? It is a different environment and it gives a different perspective of education in life. In the same way Mandir is a place where spiritual needs are satisfied. One of the devotees also spoke on Aksharbrahm Gunatitanand Swami who was Aksharbhram himself. Shriji Maharaj recognized him as akshar brahm and brought with him to keep moksha marg to Akshardham on earth. He also narrated the supporting examples and his work on this earth. A dinner (prasad) was served after the program.