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About 100 years ago, under the dignified
guidance of Sdg. Shree Balmukunddasji Swami, Shree Swaminarayan
temple was constructed in Bhuleshwar area (Mumbai) Satsang was
started which further conferred analogous motivation of Sdg.
Shashtriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami.
On persistent plea from Shree Devendrabhai Sheth and others
devotees, the saints approved to inhabit and foster ‘Satsang’ for
the reinvigoration of the community. The saints dwelled at Sector-14
of Vashi since 1994, V.S. 2050 Rathayatra – the birth anniversary
day of Shree Shastriji Maharaj progressing ‘Satsang’, thus
commencing the augmentation.
Various proceedings of incessant Dhoon, Mantra-lekhan, Mahapooja,
monthly assemblies, Satsang-Katha, festivals, celebrations, Shibir,
etc. were consequently organised. Pujya Narayanprasaddasji Swami,
Pujya Dharmavallabhdasji Swami visited often and supplemented
vivacity thus nourishing the Satsang.
On 1st April, 2001 Brahmnishtha Param Pujya Shree Jogi Swamiji laid
the foundation stone for Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Sanskar Kendra
at sector-29 – New Mumbai. Purani Shree Krishnaswarupdasji Swami,
other saints and devotees started to assist with health, wealth and
intellect. Consequently a new complex of 900 sq. meters was erected
which comprised of basement, prayer hall, saint residency & boarding
facility for students.
On the conclusion of civil work of this complex, a grand celebration
was held from 29 Nov to 05 Dec, 2004 i.e. Samvat 2061 Kartik Vad 3rd
to 8th. ‘Shrimad Bhagavat katha’ was recited. The host of the katha
were Shree Harendrabhai Veni and his family and the host for the
Mahotsav was Shree Chandrakantbhai Ravjibhai Patel who had
constructed the building without levying any labour charges. Co-host
for the same was Shree Yogeshbhai Harishbhai Shah.
Shree D.K.Shah was the host of ‘Chaturved Parayan’ which had started
on the dawn of 29th February. Learned students from Maharshi Mahesh
Yogi Ved Vigyan University – Allahabad chanted the Veda Richas.
‘Pothi Yatra’ had been flagged from the residence of Shree Devendra
Sheth on the first day at 03:30 pm. Purani Shree Madhavjivandasji
Swami narrated the ‘Katha’ followed by Purani Shree
Krishnapriyadasji Swami in the second session. On the 2nd day Sdg.
Purani Shree Devpradasdasji conveyed his speech to all present to
augment the occasion.
Mahila-manch assembly was held in the noon from 1:00 P.M to 03:30
P.M. which comprised of an enthralling performance by the Radhika
Mahila Mandal from Panvel. The Sankhya Yogies addressed the assembly
meanwhile.
During the festival daily there was incessant Dhoon from 09:00 to
12:00 noon.
On the 3rd days, 1st Dec, 04 Pujyapad Shree Jogi Swamiji blessed the
devotees who had been instrumental to the success of the aspiration.
Devotees participated in ‘Mahavishnu Yag’ performed Deh-Shuddhi on
the 4th day at 03:00 Sdg. Shashtri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami, who
had just arrived from London narrated the katha of Krishna-janmotsav
and devotees basked during “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo” song. In the
evening the students of Gurukul Surat presented Raas and the play of
‘Devotee Dhruv’. One and all present enjoyed the Kirtan-bhakti
performed by Shree Rajendra Pala.
On the 5th day of 3rd December, pious Agni for Mahavishnuyag was
ignited by the process of Arani-manthan in the breathtaking
yagna-shala having 33 kunds. Agni was installed in the Yajnashala
main Kund by Sdg. Mahant Swami and Sdg. Shree Shastri Swami. Both
the revered saints bestowed blessings to the hosts of Mahavishnu-yag.
Hosts started the yajan-vidhi as directed by learned Brahmins.
In the afternoon Purani Shree Hariswarupdasji Swami delivered an
overwhelming speech on 44th Vachanamrutam of Gadhada 1st chapter. At
evening Govardhan Leela and Annakut festival was celebrated. The
President of Maharashtra Congress as well as the speaker Shree
Arunbhai Gujarati and other dignitaries were honoured. At this time
a set of Bhagavat VCDs of Sdg. Shree Gyanswarupdasji, a set of 15
VCDs ‘Mahasagar na Moti’ of Sdg. Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami and
Vachanmrut VCDs of Purani Shree Hariswarupdasji were unveiled.
On the 6th day at 03:45pm Nagar-yatra the procession of Shree
Ghanashyam Maharaj was taken to the streets. 50 Saints from Gurukul
and allied branches were seated in the Chariots with Kutchhi and
other youths dancing in their traditional dresses. A band of girls
followed the procession with ‘Kalash’. As a part of Pratishtha-vidhi,
Shree Ghanashyam Maharaj spent the night at the residence of Shree
R.K. Patel in the bed of flowers, grains & water.
On the day of Pratishtha i.e. 05 the Dec, 04 early in the morning a
warm welcome was given to P.P.D.D. Maharajshree Rakeshprasadji
Maharaj, Vadtal.
After the ceremony of pratishtha, Maharajshree and saints performed
Abhishek of Ghanashyam Maharaj, Shree Laxminarayandev and Shree
Radhakrishnadev with Panchamrut, Kesar-jal, different fruits juices,
sacred water from holy rivers and oceans. Two big screens were
instilled for the devotees to view the divine Darshan live.
A marvellous & delicious Annakut was offered and P.P.D.D.
Maharajshree, Pujyapad Shree Jogi Swamiji, Pujya Shree Mahant Swami,
Pujya Shree Shastri Swami performed the first pratishtha arati. It
was indeed a memorable Darshan in the history of Gurukul. In his
speech, Pujya Madhavpriyadasji Swami explained the importance of
divine form of Shree Ghanashyam Maharaj. He also blessed & honoured
the instrumentals who had donated generously for the holy activities
to promote Satsang.
Pratishtha Arati was followed by an overcrowded assembly.
Maharajshree blessed all saints participated in the development of
this centre. Pujya Kothari Swami Shree Harijivandasji Swami, Pujya
Bhandari Swami Shree Hariprasaddasji Swami, Sdg. Purani Shree
Balkrishnadasji Swami and other saints performed the poojan of
Maharajshree. Devotees also had the poojan of Maharajshree.
In the end P.P.D.D. Maharajshree Rakeshprasaddasji Maharaj blessed
all devotees. After the aarti and poojan Maharajshree arrived at the
Yagna-shala and offered ‘Bidu’ (last aahuti in the Yagna).
Thus, all saints and devotees experienced one of the most memorable
Mahotsavs.
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There will be monthly assembly on the second Sunday of the month at
05:30 P.M at Vashi-New Mumbai. All the Gurukul family members are
cordially invited. There will be Kirtans, Satsang, Raas and
Sampraday-education. All devotees are requested to make utmost
utilization of the same.
First meeting would be organised on the 2nd of Jan. 2005, Sunday at
05:30 P.M under the auspices of of Pujyapad Shree Jogi Swamiji. |
