On September 14, 2017, senior swamis, devotees and well-wishers celebrated the 84th birthday of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
Sadhus sang kirtans extolling the virtues of the ekantik sant as exemplified by Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj during the morning puja darshan. Following the morning puja, three youths were given diksha by Mahant Swami Maharaj. In honor of this occasion, Pujya Narayanmunidas Swami recounted Mahant Swami Maharaj’s first interactions with Yogiji Maharaj and the guidance that inspired him to take initiation as a sadhu. Mahant Swami Maharaj enthusiastically blessed the newly initiated youth and their families.
In the evening, the Janma Jayanti celebrations centered around the importance of recognizing and serving the Ekantik Sant. Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami spoke on the glory of Akshar, Youths organized a musical program that highlighted Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj’s selfless service guiding and counseling thousands of devotees across the world. Senior swamis spoke about their moving personal experiences while living and traveling with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
In his blessings, Mahant Swami Maharaj indicated his wish to meet with every single devotee and well-wisher on this day. Mahant Swami Maharaj stated, “Following ekantik dharma pleases Bhagwan immensely. The goal of this life is to become ekantik. One can only attain Akshardham by following the four pillars of ekantik dharma. Make this life a spiritually-centric one. That is all that there is left to do. The biggest achievement is when one can lead a spiritually-centric life and keep Bhagwan and his Sant at the forefront of all activities.”
To offer their devotion, Kishores and Yuvaks danced to the enthused beat of ‘Nehdo laagyo re.’ Fireworks accompanied this spirited performance in the sabha mandapam. Devotees and well-wishers left feeling inspired by their guru’s life of service and message of humility.