July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 2) Tuesday, Amdavad; Rath Yatra Festival
Prior to Swamishri's morning puja devotees had gathered for the Rath Yatra celebration in the mandir precincts, Amdavad. When Swamishri arrived the utsav murti of Maharaj was arranged in a decorated small chariot and Shri Harikrishna Maharaj was placed in a small rath that was a replica of the chariot in Jagannathpuri. Children were colorfully dressed with dance sticks in their hands. Swamishri, after darshan and arti of Thakorji in the mandir, performed pujan of the utsav murti and Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and pulled the rope of the chariot and circumambulated the mandir. After performing five pradakshinas the Rath Yatra festival concluded and Swamishri performed his morning puja.
In the evening assembly, a rath y atra of Thakorji was carried out in the assembly hall. Swamishri then operated the remote control console and steered the rath of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj on stage. Thereafter a drama on Brahmanand Swami's life was brilliantly performed by the youths of Amdavad Yuvak Mandal.
2 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 3) Wednesday, Amdavad; Children's Day
In the evening satsang assembly an impressive program was presented by children of 7 to 8 years (shishus). They presented a seminar on the supreme glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami as Aksharbrahma, how Shastriji Maharaj established the knowledge of Akshar Purushottam and the Satpurush as the doorway to liberation. The satsangi children fluently recited references from Vachanamrut, Swamini Vato and Satsangijivan scriptures. The assembly of more than 12,000 devotees were amazed by the flawless presentation of children. Swamishri congratulated them for their excellent presentation.
5 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 6) Saturday, Amdavad; Kishore Day
In the evening satsang assembly, the kishores presented an impressive drama about the importance of mandirs in society, "Mandirma Prabhu Biraje Chhe."
6 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 7) Sunday, Amdavad; Kishore Day
During the evening assembly Swamishri inaugurated the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Neasden, London, web site - www.mandir.org
8 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 9) Monday, Amdavad
o Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of pujan and arti of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Radha Krishna Dev, Guru Parampara and deities for hari mandirs in USA - Minneapolis, West Chester, Perry and Savanah.
Swamishri also performed pujan and arti of canvas murtis of Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj and Guru Parampara for the sanskardham in Shahpur, Amdavad.
In the evening assembly a program of 'samuh padhramni' was arranged by the karyakars. Then the karyakars asked Swamishri to give guidance for their family and spiritual problems by posing two questions regarding superstitious beliefs that create a wedge in their alliance with satsang and the quarrels between mothers and daughters-in-law. Swamishri gave practical answers to their questions.
11 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 12) Friday, Amdavad, Traj, Vadadala, Bochasan
At 11.00 a.m. Swamishri visited the newly established sanskardham in Naroda, Amdavad, and performed pujan and arti.
At 5.00 p.m. Swamishri departed from Amdavad and arrived in Traj at 6.00 p.m. Swamishri performed arti and pujan of the murtis in the newly established hari mandir and blessed the devotees.
At 7.30 p.m. Swamishri arrived in Vadadala and performed arti and pujan of the deities at the newly built hari mandir.
At 8.15 p.m. Swamishri arrived in Bochasan.
13 July 2003 (V.S. 2059, Ashadh sud 15) Sunday, Bochasan; Guru Purnima
The Guru Punam assembly commenced with bhajans and speeches by sadhus. Pujya Viveksagar Swami, Pujya Doctor Swami and Pujya Mahant Swami discoursed about the glory of the guru tradition in India and the divinity of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The program was interlaced with bhajans and with colorful folk dances by kishores. When a light rainshower started Swamishri was requested to stop it because 35,000 devotees had assembled for the festival. Swamishri looked at the sky and the rain stopped immediately, but it poured heavily in the neighboring villages of Rudel, Dharmaj, Borsad, Dabhasi, etc.
Finally, Swamishri blessed the Guru Punam assembly, "... Generally people do not like talks related to God or satsang. We do not like going to satsang. Our senses and mind do not like satsang, it is only the jiva that likes it. One has to remove one's base instincts, worldly desires, ego and attachment for worldly things. Only when this dirt is removed can one experience peace and happiness within... I pray on this day of Guru Punam that may God remain foremost in our souls. May spiritual knowledge be consolidated in our lives. And may there be peace everywhere..."