August 16, 2006
Chicago, IL
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago celebrated the 2nd patotsav of the mandir on a grand scale with devotees and invited guests from the entire mid-west region on Wednesday, August 16, 2006. The occasion began early morning with prayers in front of the sacred idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan within the mandir. After sadhus performed the ritual 'Panchamrut' abhishek, an annakut was offered to the deities.
As the day progressed, celebrations were carried out in the front courtyard of the mandir where a Vishva Shanti Maha Yagna with 46 yagna kunds was organized. Devotees sat around yagna kunds and prayed for world peace, inner harmony, prosperity in life, and spiritual happiness as vedic mantras were chanted. The yagna was conducted by Pujya Shrutiprakash Swami in the presence of Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami (Pujya Kothari Swami). Thereafter, in a special evening assembly memorable moments and events from the mandir's opening in 2004 were re-visited.
Complimenting Wednesday's celebrations, another assembly was held on Sunday, August 20th. Several skits, dances, and video presentations demonstrated the role of mandirs in society. Dignitaries present included Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey and Consul general of India Shri Arun Kumar.