On 21 July 2024, from 8.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m., thousands of devotees from throughout India and many other countries gathered in Bochasan to celebrate the auspicious Guru Purnima festival in the divine presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
The colourful main stage included the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and Guru Parampara. The assembly commenced with the Rig Vedic prayer of love, peace, and harmony – ‘Sangachhadwam Samvadadhwam…’.
Thereafter, kirtans extolling the glory of guru were sung: ‘Guru Parmeshwar re…’, ‘Guru malya gun vala…’, and ‘Gurudevna charanma karie karod vandan…’.
Then, the letter by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, dated 20 July 2012, declaring Mahant Swami as his spiritual successor and head of BAPS was read to commemorate the twelve years of this momentous revelation.
The celebration assembly was themed on Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami’s teachings from his ‘Swamini Vato’ about the virtues of the Gunatit Sant. In chapter 2, discourse 1, Gunatitanand Swami says before associating with a guru, check the following three aspects. First, check his behaviour; second, check the behaviour of his guru; and third, check the behaviour of his disciples.
The programme encompassed enlightening speeches by swamis and sadguru swamis of BAPS who graciously shared their personal experiences and virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Addressing the assembly on the theme of ‘Guruna Guruni Gatha’ (Story of Guru’s Guru), Anirdesh Swami exclaimed the glory of an ideal guru based on the Prasthantrayi, i.e. the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahmasutras. He shared inspiring incidents from the lives of gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
On the subject ‘Guruni Swayam Gatha’ (story of the current guru), Adarshjivan Swami shared inspiring incidents of humility, selflessness, seva, and many other virtues of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Thereafter, a captivating video about the divine life and works of Mahant Swami Maharaj was shown. Since he became a guru in 2016, at the age of 83, Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired and consecrated over 350 mandirs, including the iconic Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, and the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Swamiji has given the sadhu diksha to 300 youths and established over 13 research institutes worldwide. Mahant Swami Maharaj has guided countless devotees on the spiritual path and embodies the life motto of his guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, 'In the joy of others lies our own.'
Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami spoke on the life and work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and reiterated how Bhagwan Swaminarayan is manifest through the illustrious tradition of the gunatit gurus, and today through Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Pujya Anandswarup Swami narrated the inspiring events of virtuous disciples within the ‘Story of Guru's Disciples’. He described stories about how, despite life's adverse circumstances, many satsangi children, young men and women, are leading virtuous lives coupled with spiritual understanding. He mentioned how an ideal guru transforms people and creates an ethically and spiritually upright society.
Pujya Kothari Bhaktipriya Swami mentioned, “Yogiji Maharaj has said in the Yogi Gita that true guru pujan is having ‘nirdosh buddhi’ in the guru, i.e. believing the guru to be pure.”
Pujya Doctor Swami talked about the significance of the Guru Purnima festival. He mentioned that guru Ved Vyasji, after thoroughly reading all the scriptures of Sanatan Dharma, gave the essence, ‘Human life’s aim is to attain God.’
After the speeches, sadguru swamis and senior swamis garlanded and honoured Mahant Swami Maharaj. Thereafter, the mammoth gathering expressed reverence to Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and guru Mahant Swami Maharaj by performing the mantra-pushpanjali ritual.
Finally, Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly, “Obeying the guru and keeping nirdosh buddhi in him is true guru pujan. May all prosper and serve through body, mind and wealth. Let us understand the glory of each other and respect each other. This is true guru pujan.”
Thereafter, devotees took prasad and departed with joyous and divine memories of the occasion. In all, 5,000 volunteers served to ensure the efficient planning, preparation and execution of the celebration.
The celebration was webcast live webcast on baps.org.