BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wellingborough welcomed worshippers from around the country to join in prayers for world peace and harmony on Sunday 5 April 2015.
Housed within the Mandir is the ‘Akshar Deri’, a holy shrine where devotees offer prayers and prostrations and perform circumambulations for spiritual elevation. A custom established in 1984, with the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it has become an annual tradition for Hindus from around the country to join in 12 hours of continuous chanting for world peace and harmony.
Traditionally this auspicious occasion has been held on the first day of the New Year, though this year was different. In an effort to encourage visitors of all ages and from the furthest parts of the country, Easter weekend was chosen as a suitable alternative. Proving to be a resounding success, attendees took advantage of the long weekend to make the journey and offer their prayers.
Latika Chauhan travelled from Brighton with her family for the event. Sharing her thoughts on the day, she remarked, “It was a beautiful, unforgettable experience. This is the first time that I have visited with my family and I can truly say that it was well worth the three-hour journey. It was nice to see family and friends too, but to experience such peace and harmony in the Mandir was something else. We all prayed for those less fortunate than us and for the health and prosperity of all.”
The prayers continued uninterrupted from 7am to 7pm, when the day’s chanting and numerous months of preparations drew to a close.
Mahesh Patel, lead volunteer at the temple, shared, “This annual event is well known as a time for us to come together and pray for peace and well-being throughout the world. Special thanks go to everyone in the community for their kind support in making this event such a success.”