30 May 2006 (V.S. 2062, Jeth sud 3) Tuesday, Navsari, Kosamba (Tithal)
After performing his morning puja in Navsari Swamishri performed the pratishtha rituals of the murtis of the BAPS hari mandirs in Bhinar and Mahudi.
At 10.20 am Swamishri departed from Navsari and arrived at Valsad at 11.00 am. After the welcome rituals Swamishri inaugurated the newly built residence for sadhus.
31 May 2006 (V.S. 2062, Jeth sud 4) Wednesday, Kosamba (Tithal); 57 Pramukh Varni Din & Opening of BAPS School, Pardi-Panera
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At 6.15 pm Swamishri arrived at Pardi-Panera for the opening of Swaminarayan Vidyamandir, a BAPS school. In the first phase the nursery school building was ready for the inauguration ceremony. Swamishri and Shri Dungarshibhai Gala (donor of the land), renowned educationist Shri K.R. Desai, Collector and other dignitaries participated in the opening ceremony. Swamishri and Dungarshibhai declared the school open by untying the nada-chhadi. Swamishri sanctified each and every classroom and blessed the students. A student dressed as a rishi asked Swamishri, “O Gurudev, give us knowledge so that we can progress in life.” Swamishri replied, “The school has been opened and children will be taught brilliantly. You have to learn two types of knowledge – one of this world (apara) and the other of the spiritual world (para). One gets apara knowledge in today’s schools and the school for para vidya is being opened today.
“Bhagwan Swaminarayan is God. And God has graced us with this life and parents. He has given us food to eat, water to drink and air (to breathe). He loves us very much. So to love God you should pray to him and serve your parents. Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava are the main principles of our culture. May you imbibe them in your life. After your daily bath pray to God, bow down to parents and study well.”
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Thereafter, Swamishri arrived at the giant gathering of 20,000 devotees. The rains stopped temporarily. Prior to Swamishri’s arrival Viveksagar Swami talked about Swamishri’s glory in celebration of Pramukh Varni Din and about the newly built school complex. Gnanvatsal Swami talked about the Sanstha’s socio-spiritual services and its contribution towards value-based education.
Various dignitaries on stage were honoured: Kiranbhai Patel MP, Dolatbhai Desai MLA, District Panchayat President Ganpatbhai, Lakshmanbhai Patel MLA, BJP District President Shri Nalinbhai Patel, Dungarshibhai Gala, Collector Dilipbhai Raval and other officials.
Shri Ramsinhbhai Desai, Director of Swaminarayan Vidyamandir, spoke about the school details. He said, “The 35-acre educational complex has been launched with the nursery school in its first phase. Thereafter, the school will have buildings for primary and secondary (Gujarati and English mediums) education. Other extra educational facilities will be provided like a resource centre, arts centre, handicraft, health, hostel, swimming pool, mandir, etc. There will be only 40 students per class so that personal development can be focussed upon.” After the addresses by dignitaries a traditional dance was performed by youths to celebrate Swamishri’s 56th Pramukh Varni Din.
Despite the rains 20,000 devotees remained seated in the assembly to listen to Swamishri’s blessings. Swamishri said, “You have all come heartily to celebrate the opening ceremony of the Vidyamandir. Even Varun dev (rain-god) has blessed us today. The school complex has been accomplished by the grace of God, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. Today, there is a need for education. We have schools made by the government and social organizations that benefit many. Here, we have a tribal area and decided to build a school so that children can study properly, serve their parents and please God. By acquiring apara vidya a person attains material happiness and in realizing para vidya he becomes happy in the life hereafter. In India these two streams of knowledge have been taught since the Vedic period. Both types of knowledge will be taught here.”
The celebration assembly concluded at 8.15 pm.
Opening Ceremony of Shri Swaminarayan Vidya Mandir
3 June 2006 (V.S. 2062, Jeth sud 7) Saturday, Kosamba (Tithal)
Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of pujan and arti for seven BAPS kutir and hari mandirs: Amba Talat – Nayakpada, Tejlav – Vad Faliya, Chasmandva, Saraiya – Kundal Faliya, Torvan – Donja, Khudvel, and Talavchora – Baroliya. The tribals living in these villages were transformed through the efforts of Swamishri and sadhus. Their wayward lives due to addictions and stealing took a drastic turn because of satsang.
4 June 2006 (V.S. 2062, Jeth sud 8) Sunday, Kosamba (Tithal)
Swamishri performed the murti-pratishtha rituals of pujan and arti for ten BAPS hari mandirs: Rohina – Beda Faliya, Vankacch, Raabdi, Nana Vaghchhipa, Ugta – Panva, Kharedi, Mankadban, Kurgam – Tumbi, Tadfaliya – Pardi, and Bhutsar.