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Pramukh Swami Maharaj in North America - A documentary, Canada

14 Aug 2021

Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Canada

Swami Karuna Aparampar, HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s endless compassion, is the title of the documentary depicting the legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s impact on Canada.

The first section of the documentary, Vicharya Anant Apar is dedicated to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s countless, timeless, and endless vicharan (travels).

Pramukh Swami Maharaj spread satsang, instilled values, and uplifted society, in the thirteen visits he made to Canada.

Sadguru Pujya Bhaktipriyadas Swami (Kothari Swami) recounts when Pramukh Swami Maharaj first blessed the nation of Canada in July 1974 by travelling tirelessly for 592 km over a span of 22 hours.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled far and wide to establish the messages of Hindu tradition and values to the newly settled Canadians from abroad.

Captain Minesh Patel recalls how Swamishri was continuously engaged in letter writing, telephone calls, and meeting His devotees during the flight from London, England to Toronto, Canada on July 17, 2000.

On September 22, 1977, one witnessed Swamishri’s saintliness shining. Narsinhbhai, with pure intentions, offered Swamishri lunch in a golden plate. However, Swamishri kindly refused and stayed in accordance with Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s commandments by eating in a wooden bowl.

Pujya Viveksagar Swami recalls that on June 13, 1988, after being introduced and honoured by the Speaker of the Parliament in the Canadian Parliament, Swamishri asked the Swami holding Shri Harikrishna Maharaj (the divine murti of God) to stand up first so that everyone could get the darshan and blessings of Harikrishna Maharaj.

Swamishri reveals what the purpose of our life should be. He states that we have come on to this Earth to attain Akshardham. Swamishri’s vicharan was exactly for this purpose, to give all the bliss of Akshardham.

The first theme, Vicharaya Anant Apar concluded with HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s words in regards to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s vicharan. He writes, “Pramukh Swaminu vicharan anekna kalyan mate hatu.” - Pramukh Swami’s spiritual travels were for the redemption of countless souls.

The second theme, Varasya Anaradhaar, reminisced on Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s pure, limitless, and overflowing love for everyone.

Prakashbhai recalls that in 2004 after the Yuvak mandal recited the Chosath Padi in front of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, He taught them the valuable lesson of understanding the purpose of why we are doing something; a lesson that Prakashbhai still holds dear till today.

George Papadopoulos (chief architect for the Toronto Mandir) remarks how Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s love transformed him from an individual that drank, smoked and hunted to, in his words, “A happy person,” free from all such addictions.

Vijaybhai Patel expresses how he has experienced limitless love. He recalls the time where Swamishri forgot about his rest and comforts and wrote blessings for Vijaybhai’s family while being in Sydney, Australia.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj met Bhagwanjibhai Mandaviya, a pioneering devotee of Canada satsang, in 1988. His visit gave Bhagwanjibhai the strength to find solace and peace as a cancer patient during his final days.

The second theme, Varasya Anaradhaar, concluded with HH Mahant Swami Maharaj words in regards to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s overflowing love - Pramukh Swami’s love was selfless in such a way that all experienced happiness and peace.

The third theme, Na Bhuliye Upkar describes the rigorous efforts that Pramukh Swami Maharaj put towards a borderless, priceless, and ageless gift; in the form of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, Canada.

The Mandir’s beauty and divinity are witnessed by all. It’s a monument of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s compassion.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless efforts culminated on July 22, 2007, during the murti pratishtha of the Toronto Mandir. It was on this day that a great legacy was forged.

Nileshbhai Mehta remembers that, in 1994, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had foreshadowed the location of the mandir - Swamishri told him to purchase a house near the future mandir site so that the mandir would be within walking distance.

Pujya Gnanpriyadas Swami recalls how Pramukh Swami Maharaj pushed onwards and upwards to create the mandir ever since He performed an impromptu pujan of the land after the construction of the Haveli in 2004.

Pujya Nityavivekdas Swami reflects how Pramukh Swami Maharaj mentored and guided all those involved during the construction phase of the Mandir.

Pujya Gunsagar Swami, Toronto mandir’s current head Swami, explains how the mandir is still inspiring and supporting many devotees and well-wishers every day.

Kalpeshbhai Patel reflects on how the mandir has transformed many like him from a person that could not be improved in any manner into a good father, husband, and human being.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a great visionary. He gave a goal of “Akhu Canada Rangvu chhe.” Due to this mandir, satsang has spread throughout Canada and new mandirs have been built and are still being built to continue Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s work of instilling values and connecting all to Bhagwan.

The third theme, Na Bhuliye Upkar, concluded with HH Mahant Swami Maharaj's words in regards to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s gift to Canada - The gift of the Toronto Mandir! This mandir is an invaluable gift, through which everyone will continue to be inspired and Maharaj-Swami’s glory will prevail.

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj explains that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s compassion and legacy has a great impact on people because He was the same inside and out, He possessed pure saintliness, and He kept God and Guru at the forefront of everything that He did.

Despite not having witnessed Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s endless efforts towards progressing satsang in Canada, the future generation realizes that they have not lost Him as He continues to support and guide them today through HH Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The documentary concludes with divine memories of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit to Canada in 2017 reminding the viewers that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s compassion is still being experienced through HH Mahant Swami Maharaj as he continues to hold our hands today in the same way.