Jal Jhilani Festival
The precinct of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was decked for the celebration of Jal Jhilani. Devotees from Ahmedabad, other cities and states, and abroad had thronged to celebrate in the presence of Swamishri.
(Contd. on pg. )
(Contd. from pg. )
The festival stage had been set upon the mandir grounds with a large backdrop painting of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his paramhansas celebrating in the waters of river Sabarmati. In front of it was a large makeshift water body with the murti of Nilkanth Varni installed on a fountain along with the murti of Shri Ganapati on a lotus-shaped pedestal.
The Jal Jhilani celebration commenced after shangar arti of Thakorji in the mandir. The murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj was circumambulated in a decorative palanquin in the mandir pradakshina. Thereafter a mahapuja was performed by Dr Swami, Ishwarcharan Swami, Viveksagar Swami and other leading sadhus. Four artis were performed and Shri Harikrishna Maharaj was taken for a boat-ride after each arti in the makeshift pond. During the divine darshan of Thakorji sadhus sang festive bhajans. The festival celebration was also interspersed with speeches by Viveksagar Swami, Ishwarcharan Swami and Dr Swami.
At 9.25 a.m. Swamishri arrived in the mandir compound from his living quarters. As he proceeded for Thakorji’s darshan Swamishri blessed the devotees from far. After coming onto the festival stage Swamishri performed pujan of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and performed the fifth and final arti. With Swamishri’s presence the festive occasion was charged with joy and devotion. When Swamishri steered the remote-controlled boat in which Harikrishna Maharaj was installed everyone became ecstatic. Meanwhile, a group of sadhus sang bhajans related to the festive occasion. Thereafter senior sadhus honoured Swamishri with a variety of garlands. In conclusion, the murti of Ganapatiji was ritually immersed in the pond of water. With Swamishri’s departure devotees dispersed with devotion and inner joy.