BAPS devotees across North America participated in a Vishwashanti Abhishek Pujanvidhi (Prayer for world peace) on April 18, 2020 from their homes. Devotees were led through this prayer by Swamis in their regional Shikharbadh Mandirs, over a livestream. Instructions for the Vedic prayer were narrated by these Swamis, while each devotee performed that action from their home. Devotees embraced the ancient Hindu tradition of praying for world peace, given the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Families dressed in traditional Indian attire and gathered in their living rooms or their Ghar Mandirs (shrine-at-home). Devotees performed abhishek, the Vedic tradition of bathing a murti (sacred image) of God, to honor God and receive His blessings for a quick and safe resolution to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a conclusion to the Pujanvidhi, Swamis also led the devotees in praying for:
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the souls who passed away due to the pandemic,
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the recovery of all those who are infected,
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the continued health and well-being of elderly and those at risk,
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the well-being of frontline workers who serve the community,
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the re-employment of those who have lost their jobs,
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financial stability for those with businesses,
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minimal disruption to students’ education,
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the well-being of teachers and academic staff who engage in ‘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 led devotees in praying that through working from home and spending time at home, families are able to grow together and live in unity and harmony.