BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wellingborough hosted its annual prayers for world peace and harmony on Sunday 27 March 2016. Spring sunshine greeted visitors from around the country gathering to join in 12 hours of continuous chanting for a world at peace and in harmony. Amidst recent tragedies across the world, this year’s prayers were particularly poignant.
The prayers began in timely fashion at 7am, with visitors joining throughout the day to chant and worship around the ‘Akshar Deri’, a very special shrine housed within the Mandir.
Visitors were offered an inspirational experience as teams of volunteers guided them throughout the carefully planned event.
Shilpa Chhaya travelled from Birmingham 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 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 success of all.”
Pramukh Swami Maharaj had sent a personal message from India, adding that he too had prayed for the safety, prosperity and harmony of communities around the world.
The prayers continued uninterrupted through to 7pm, when the day’s chanting and months of preparations were drawn to an end.
Mahesh Patel, lead volunteer at the Mandir, shared: “This wonderful event allows people from across the country to come together and offer their prayers for peace and well-being throughout the world. Our prayers continue to be with those who have suffered losses during recent tragedies. A special thanks to everyone in the community for their support and dedication to make this event such a success.”