18-19 March, 2007

The occasion of eclipse is permitted as a pious event for spiritual activities like Bhajan-Bhakti and donation. Moreover the day of Amas which falls on Monday (Somavati Amas) is also well-known as more pious day. This year solar eclipse on the day of Somavati Amas brought into being a devout time. Saints of Gurukul combined the occasion with shrine Narmada and shaped out wonderful event of Satang Shibir and celebration of solar eclipse on the bank on holy river Narmada just near to the place where Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami had pledged for the recitation of ‘Swaminarayan’ mantra for 3.5 crore in number.                     

On 18 March a one day Satsang Shibir was organised at Gurukul Narmada. In the morning session Pujya Sadguru Puani Shree Dharmavallabhdasji Swami narrated the Katha on Nishkulanand Kavya. At noon time in the river Narmada saints and devotees performed the Abhishek of Thakoraji along with the recitation of Purush-Sukta and Janmangal Stotra. Abhishek was followed by the holy Snan in river Narmada.

                     
Satsang Shibir : Morning Session                              Satsang Shibir  :  Last Session

Afternoon session was started with Kirtan-bhakti and Pujya Dharmavallabhdasji Swami narrated the katha on Vachanamrut. In the last session of the day Pujya Ghanshyamjivandasji Swami, Pujya Narayanprasaddasji Swami, Pujua Krishnapriyadasji Swami and other saints delivered the occasional speech. Youths presented inspiring kits on topics of Sampaday. Devotees from Vadodara and Surat participated in this Satsang Shibir.

On the day of solar eclipse, March 19 saints and devotees in huge number gathered on the bank of river Narmada before 06:00 am. The eclipse time was exploited with Dhoon, Kirtan-Bhakti and occasional Katha. Time of early morning and of eclipse, Place of pious shrine Narmada and company of holy saints glorified the celebration as a divine occasion. In the end Pujya Shree Kothari Swami Shree Harijivandasji Swami blessed the devotees participated as Yajman. Pujya Bhaktivallabhdasji Swami also blessed the devotees.

                     
Bhajan-Bhakti during eclipse                                   Abhishek & Snan after ecipse

In the end all saints and devotees performed Abhishek of Thakorji and took the privilege to have eclipse bath in river Narmada.

On this auspicious occasion new services were started at Gurukul Narmada.

> Daily Vishnu-Yag

> Daily Abhishek of Nilkanth Varni at Yagna-shala with the water of Narmada fetched by Kavad.

> Vanvasi Hostel : It will be activated from next academic year ie June 2007. This service is mainly supported by Shree Niranjanbhai Trikambhai Patel on behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal, New York and Shree Ishwarbhai Shukla New York. It is noteworthy that they have supported the service of Sadavrat to poor Vanvasi people run by Gurukul Navasari.

> Sadavrat : It has the spiritual significance to perform the Pradakshina of river Narmada. It takes number of months to complete the Pradakshina which is over about 1300 kms. In length. To help the devotees performing this Pradakshina Sadavrat service is also started at Gurukul Narmada on this pious day.

Yagna-Shala

                     
Saints fetching water from Marmada                            Abhishek of Shree Nilkanth Varni

Inauguration of Vanvasi Hostel by holy hands of Pujya Shree Kothari Swami Shree Harijivandasji Swami

Under construction Nilkanth Dham - Main Temple