BAPS devotees across Australia and New Zealand participated in a Maha Abhishek ceremony from their homes to pray for world peace and relief from the coronavirus pandemic for all. Devotees were led through the prayer ceremony by Swamis over a livestream. Guidance for the Vedic prayers was narrated by the Swamis, enabling devotees to perform the rituals at their homes.
Families dressed in traditional Indian attire and gathered in their living rooms or before their ghar mandir (home shrine) to participate. Family members performed the abhishek rituals, the Vedic tradition of pouring water over a murti (sacred image) of God, to honor God and receive his blessings. Swamis also led the devotees in prayers for:
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the souls who have passed away due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
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the recovery of all who are or become infected,
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the good health and well-being of elderly and those at risk,
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the well-being of frontline and other workers who are serving the community in this crisis,
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the re-employment of those who have lost their jobs,
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financial stability for all businesses,
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minimal disruption to students’ education,
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the well-being of teachers and other staff providing distance-learning,
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the companies, researchers, and institutions trying to discover treatments and vaccines,
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and all others impacted or affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, Swamis also counselled the devotees to use this time at home constructively to strengthen family bonds to live in unity and harmony.