This summer, 60 kishores and 60 kishoris (college-age youths) from across North America embarked on a transformative 36-day journey through India, themed Andar Akshardham. The purpose of the trip was to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of India, explore its renowned places of worship, appreciate the country's art, architecture, and spiritual traditions, receive the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and foster unity among their peers.
The trip commenced with a visit to the newly inaugurated BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE, often praised as a beacon of harmony and cultural tolerance. After this visit, the delegates continued their journey to India.
Upon arrival in India, the delegates visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, where they learned about the life and works of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through the intricate carvings of the temple's architecture and exhibitions portraying His life's accomplishments. From there, the journey continued to Ayodhya and Chhapaiya, where delegates visited the sacred locations marking the divine beginnings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life and explored the sites of His upbringing. They also had the unique opportunity to visit the new Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a beacon of faith and pride for Hindus worldwide.
Following this, the delegates traveled across South India to retrace some of Nilkanth Varni’s (Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his youth) extensive journey across India. Cities visited included Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, and more. Each site in South India, home to some of Hinduism’s oldest traditions, further enriched the delegates’ understanding of India’s vast cultural and spiritual history.
After completing their pilgrimage across South India, the delegates arrived in Sarangpur, Gujarat, where they attended a special one-week shibir (convention) titled “Brahmavidhya College.” This shibir featured enlightening discourses, carefully curated and delivered by learned Swamis. The delegates were then treated to a pilgrimage to notable mandirs across Gujarat, offering a deeper understanding of their history and significance. The trip culminated in the highly anticipated visit to Bochasan, where delegates received the memorable darshan of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
This trip was meticulously organized to enhance participants' understanding of satsang (spiritual fellowship) and strengthen their faith. The delegates experienced both the spiritual vibrancy and the progress of India. Upon their return, participants carried with them a deeper appreciation for satsang and a fortified spirit of service and devotion. The 2024 India trip for North American kishores and kishoris was not just a journey across India but a spiritual voyage that will remain etched in their memories.