Toronto
The Toronto BAPS celebrated Shri Hari Jayanti and Ram Navmi Samaiyo on April 21, 2002. More than 1000 people partook in the festivities that included celebrating the lives of Purna Purushottam Narayan (Lord Swaminarayan) and Shri Maryada Purushottam (Lord Rama).
Shreeji Maharaj's serene idol adorned the 'dholiyo' in Dada Khachar's durbar. The intricately crafted and designed 'durbar'(palace) brought the audience back 225 years whilst Shreeji Maharaj's stay in Gadhada. The lighting and devotional music also added to the ambience of 'bhakti'.
The colorful medley of kirtans, dances and dramas, provided but a rare glimpse of the magnanimous and charismatic personality of Shreeji Maharaj and the exemplary devotion of His many devotees. It provided much food for thought as to the 'sadhans' a seeker must practice inorder to become Shreeji Maharaj's 'Mala na manka'.
In an address to the assembly, santos reiterated the concept of 'Mala na manka'. He tactfully provided an abstract comparison between the 'baans' (arrow in the bow & arrow) of Shreeji Maharaj and Lord Rama. Just as Shree Rama left Bharatji with his 'chakdhi' to aid in his reign over Ayodhya, Shreeji Maharaj has bestowed upon us not only his 'chakdhi' but the 'chakdhi na pehernaar' - Pragat Satpurush!!!! On this auspicious day, Pujya TilakRatna Swami called on the audience to make a personal commitment to lead a more pious and addiction free life.The Samaiyo concluded with the kirtan ' Dharma Gher Anand bhayo' and the 'Poojan' of Shreeji Maharaj and Shree Rama.
Special bake sale event organized by the Kishori/Balika/Shishu mandal demonstrated first hand to the visitors the lofty ideals and inspiration Swamishri provides His Youth.