3, Sunday, Jhadeshwar; Rath Yatra Festival
The day marked the decennial celebration of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Jhadeshwar, Rath Yatra festival and the occasion to honour the murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj in its centenary year in the BAPS Sanstha.
At 4.30 p.m. a festive rath yatra of Harikrishna Maharaj was taken out in the mandir precincts. It converged into an assembly. Pujya Viveksagar Swami narrated incidents of Swamishri’s devotion to Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. Thereafter the attendant sadhus, Narayancharan Swami recounted how Swamishri reveres and offers bhakti to Shri Harikrishna Maharaj. This was followed by a drama performed by youths on the same theme and a traditional dance by children. Swamishri then steered the remote controlled rath of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, evoking joy and bhakti in the hearts of all.
Then, to mark the decennial celebration of the BAPS mandir in Jhadeshwar, a video on Swamishri’s vicharan was shown. This was followed with narrations by youths and sadhus on how the mandir has inspired them. Thereafter, children and teenagers of Ankleshwar satsang mandal performed a traditional dance. Swamishri was then honoured with a large garland by sadhus.
In conclusion, Swamishri blessed the assembly, “Shastriji Maharaj has blessed the village of Bharuch. A mandir was later built in the village by the efforts of devotees. Then as our satsang flourished we started looking for more land. Motibhai resolved to give us this invaluable land here in Jhadeshwar. A mandir was built here through the cooperation of Lalji Sheth, Ganeshbhai and other devotees.”
At 11.45 p.m. Swamishri experienced a minor physical ailment. After treatment he felt well and slept soundly.