Devotees from around the world gathered today in Sarangpur to celebrate two special occasions: the 75th Diksha Din of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the initiation of 28 parshads into the sadhu-fold. More than 3,000 people were blessed by having Swamishri’s darshan on his 75th Diksha Din. It was 74 years ago on this date that Shanti Bhagat was initiated as Sadhu Narayanswarupdas at the Akshar Deri in Gondal.
For 28 youths, this day was especially memorable as they were honored by being able to share their diksha din with Swamishri’s diksha din. The ceremonies began at 8 AM with a mahapuja. Thereafter, senior sadhus of the fellowship, Pujya Ghanshyamcharan Swami, Pujya Viveksagar Swami, Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Pujya Doctor Swami), and Pujya Keshavjivandas Swami (Pujya Mahant Swami) blessed the assembly. After passing through these rites, the parshads prepared for the main ceremony of their initiation.
That afternoon, Swamishri graced the assembly marking his 75th Diksha Din to initiate these 28 youth into the sadhu-fold. Pujya Viveksagar Swami gave each initiate a new kanthi. Pujya Doctor Swami gave each initiate their new saffron uppercloth. Then Swamishri gave each new sadhu his diksha mantra and blessings while the new initiate’s name was announced to the assembly. Then the newly initiated sadhus continued to Pujya Mahant Swami and Pujya Ghanshyamcharan Swami to receive their paghs and auspicious sandalwood markings. Everyone present was overjoyed to witness Swamishri’s divine mood and the sacrifice and devotion he has inspired in these newly initiated sadhus.
Among the 28 new sadhus, 19 sadhus are Graduates, 6 hold Masters degrees in their fields of study, and 6 are their parent’s only sons. Also included in this group was the sanstha's first sadhu to come from New Zealand. These sadhus add to the honor and pride of the Sanstha’s 906 renunciates and its devotees.