A group of 50 kishores and 23 kishoris from the UK and Europe embarked on a spiritually enriching yatra (pilgrimage), titled ‘Asmita’, to India from 4 July to 8 August 2024. This Bharat Yatra (pilgrimage across holy sites in India) is a long-standing international initiative of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha that provides the youths with a unique opportunity to visit numerous mandirs and sacred Hindu sites, particularly those central to the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
The yatra began on 5 July at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, setting an inspiring tone for the journey ahead.
Following in the footsteps of Nilkanth Varni, the group travelled through North India, visiting the ancient cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, renowned for their revered temples and the sacred River Ganga. The pilgrims also had the privilege of visiting Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ramchandra Bhagwan, and Chhapaiya, the birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in Uttar Pradesh. These sacred sites deepened their connection to their roots, faith, and heritage.
The yatra continued westward with a flight from Ayodhya to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. On the morning of their arrival, the group journeyed to Bhadra, the birthplace of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. Here, they received their first darshan of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj during the yatra, filling the youths with immense spiritual energy.
A highlight of the yatra was a six-day shibir held in Sarangpur, titled ‘Brahmavidyani College’. This programme provided a focussed environment to engage in deep learning and reflection under the guidance of senior swamis. Topics such as prapti (knowledge of our spiritual attainment), nishtha (firm, resolute devotion and commitment to God), sadhana (spiritual practices), and jodan (deep personal and spiritual connection with the Satpurush) were explored through insightful discourses and practical workshops.
120 youths from North America joined the group from the UK and Europe, further enhancing the experience of this global yatra. The yatra was further enriched with nine memorable days in Bochasan in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, coinciding with the celebration of Guru Purnima.
During the Gujarat segment of the yatra, the group visited numerous mandirs consecrated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shastriji Maharaj, as well as sites of spiritual importance referenced in the Vachanamrut and the birthplaces of the Guru Parampara. These visits offered the kishores and kishoris a deeper understanding of the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of these sacred places.
Throughout the journey, the youths were blessed with interactions and guidance from sadguru swamis and learned swamis. These exchanges provided invaluable personal insights, enriching the spiritual growth of each participant.
Amidst the focus on spiritual learning, the youths also enjoyed light-hearted moments through recreational activities, strengthening their bonds with one another and creating lasting memories.
The Bharat Yatra proved to be a transformative journey for the young pilgrims, instilling pride in their satsang and deepening their understanding of Hinduism. The experience reinforced their spiritual values, strengthened their connection to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Mahant Swami Maharaj, and inspired them with greater faith and devotion.