On Monday, 18 January 2016, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, a Hindu sannyasin monk and the spiritual head of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery (based in Hawaii) and the publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Adelaide, Australia. He was accompanied by Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami who is the leader of the Pillaiyar Kulam, the monastic team responsible for the administrative, IT and business activities. Hundreds of devotees and members from leading Indian communities were also present on this occasion.
The BAPS volunteers welcomed the guests, thereafter the Arti was performed. Both the guests were honoured with garlands followed by Satguru Bodhinatha’s inspiring speech on the history of his relationship with BAPS and the “Importance of a Guru in one’s life.”
Addressing the assembly, Satguru Bodinatha said, “Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami and I are honoured to have been invited to visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Adelaide, inaugurated in April of last year, and speak at this evening satsang.” He also quoted excerpts from the Vachanamrut, Shikshapatri and other Hindu scriptures to exemplify the role of a Guru in today’s society. He also spoke on the importance of following the general principles taught by a Guru.
The evening culminated with prayers at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj.