SURESH BODIWALA
CHICAGO: Jal Jhilani Ekadashi was celebrated with great devotion on at the Swaminarayan Temple in Palatine, a northside suburb of Chicago with hundreds of devotees gathering at the temple in the presence of Mahant Shree Muktaprasad
On Bhadarvo (Bhadra) Sud 11, also known as Parivartini or Jal Jhilani Ekadashi, devotees observe nirjala, a fast with even no intake of water. On this day, devotees take a small idol of Lord Lalji, and a clay idol of Lord Ganesh to a river or lake. Here, devotees perform puja, aarti, and thal of both idols five times. After each puja, both idols are taken on a short boat ride. During this time, devotees sing bhajans describing the importance of sharnagaati, or surrendering oneself to the Lord and the Guru. After the puja, the idol of Ganesh is immersed into water.
There are a great number of Hindu religious festivals held throughout the world. The festivals typically celebrate events from Hindu mythology, often coinciding with seasonal changes. There are many festivals which are primarily celebrated by specific sects or in certain regions of the Indian subcontinent.
These events have historic significance and are rooted in various cultural and linguistic norms.
Saints and devotees at Swaminarayan Temple, Palatine, are dedicated to preserving the culture and traditions of the Hindu religion. In the temple, they celebrate various Hindu festivals pertaining to Gods Shri Rama, Shri Shyam, and Ghanshyam (Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan).
Enthusiastic and energetic young Mahant of Swaminarayan Temple Palatine, Shree Muktaprasad enlightened the devotees by explaining the importance of festivals and the temple.
To celebrate Ganpati Utsav this year, the idol of Lord Shree Ganesh was installed on the first day of celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, and aarti was performed by devotees in the morning as well as in the evening.
On the eve of Jal Zilani Ekadashi, the holy Lalji Swaroop of Bhagwan was put up on a boat that sails in water.
The upcoming event of Maa Jagat Janani Laxmiji – Navratri – will be celebrated where entire atmosphere will be full of devotion adding glamour by playing world famous Garbas and Raas by devotees.
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