BAPS Mandirs across North America celebrated the 235th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a celebration also known as Swaminarayan Jayanti. According to the Hindu calendar, this day also celebrates the birth of Bhagwan Ram. This year’s program celebrated the occasion with the theme: “Shanti through Samjan.”- How to attain elevated levels of peace through spiritual understanding.
Children and youth dedicated weeks leading up to the celebrations to organize a heartfelt production. With classical devotional songs and dance, they illustrated stories of exemplary devotees from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s time to modern day. Skits reflecting on Bhagwan Ram’s spiritual attainment, which allowed him to remain at peace and unperturbed during his fourteen years of exile, were performed. Citing examples of paramhansas (sadhus) and householder devotees, the program highlighted how a spiritual aspirant can thrive in their day to day lives as well as spiritual journeys.
The underlying theme brought out the idea of gaining true, spiritual understanding through realizing one’s self as the Atma, knowing the glory of attaining Parabrahma, the all-doer, and leading a life in accordance with Parabrahma’s wishes and commands.
The Swaminarayan Jayanti program connected with the members of the audience to commemorate the birth and legacy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Ram. Today, the continuation of this journey is seen through His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who continues to inspire devotees to lead a life infused with spirituality and greater purpose. Through his guidance, devotees are able to navigate day-to-day lives while experiencing the profound peace that Hinduism’s ancient yogis strove to attain and teach.