RIVERSIDE: An air of expectation filled Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Sunday, as devotees awaited Shri Mridul Goswami. A shout announced his arrival and everyone surged out of the building to be the first to reach the black Mercedes SUV. The women waited at the Mandir door while the men went out to the car to officially greet the visitor.

After brief introductions, the sponsors for the day's program, Rakesh Gupta, Sanjay Kumar, and Bachu Chandravadia were joined by Mandir officials Girdhari Purohit and Akshaya Sheth in putting white cloths upon their heads, prior to placing the venerated copy of the Shrimad Bhagavatam upon it.

The men accompanied Mridul Goswami clockwise around the temple, taking turns carrying the sacred text upon their heads. Vice-Chairman Akshaya Sheth made the introductions and Chairman Girdhari Purohit welcomed Shri Mridul Goswami to the Mandir and thanked him for coming.

The stories which Mridul Goswami told originated in Srimad Bhagavatam but he gave them a new twist with a modern flavor.At the conclusion of the program Akshaya Sheth told of Swamiji's selflessness. Recently his mother died and he left for India. But instead of giving in to sorrow, he thought lovingly of his devotees and returned here to offer this saptah. The first arati was offered before Mridul Goswami who quietly left after the second arati, which was offered before Lakshmi Narayan.

The audience of 450 remained for at least another hour to enjoy the delicious dinner provided by Mandir Festivals Chairperson Bachu Chandravadia. Everywhere I could hear positive comments about the saptah and how much it was enjoyed. Sishya for 9 years, Deepak Hira said it all, "Mridul Goswami changed my life." The week-long saptah will continue from September 23 to 29. During the week the hours will be 7 to 9:30 and on the last day, Saturday September 29, the hours will be 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.