CHICAGO: Devotees from across Chicagoland and neighboring states of Wisconsin and Indiana, celebrated the 214th Birthday of Jalaram Bapa at Shree Jalaram Mandir on Saturday 9 November in Hoffman Estate, a northwest suburb of Chicago, with lot of enthusiasm and fanfare.
The program was successful in no small measure because of the support from second generation youths – boys and girls. More than thousand people participated with full devotion starting with Puja from 9 am onwards. The program included Kalash Puja, Dhaja Puja, Maha Puja, Aarti, Mahaprasd and Sangeet Sandhya. The day started with Kalash Puja followed with Dhwaja Puja, Maha Puja and Annakut. Bapa is deemed to be incarnation of Vishnu and has millions of followers not only in Gujarat but across the world.
The Main Yajman for the Maha Puja were Shantanu/Tanuja Govilkar, Yajman for Dhwaja Puja were Bhupenbhai/Amyben Ray and Yajman for Kalash Puja were Rashmiben and Jitendrabhai Patel and Hasmukhbhai/Tarulataben Thakkar. Devotees in hundreds participated in Aarti and were served with Prasad. Bapa Birthday was celebrated with birthday song and the cake was cut by kids with Birthday Song.
Flag (Dhwaja) is being kept on temple with a view to letting people see it from a distance and recognize that there is a temple. Old flag was taken out and new flag was installed and at the top of the temple. Kalash was installed. Rounded pinnacle at the top of the temple (Kalash) is spreading its glittering rays around like a glittering Sun.
The evening program comprised music by Mayuri Patel who captivated over 700 devotees with her melodious singing of bhajans in praise of Bapa and other gods and goddesses. Bhajan Sandhya with Mayuri Patel entertained the audience with soulful music.
Shree Jalaram Mandir was inaugurated on the March 8, 2008. It was a dream of many devotees and followers of Jalaram Bapa to establish Jalaram Mandir. Pujya Jalaram Bapa was born in a village Virpur of Saurashtra, Gujarat State. Right from birth his sacrament were such that no sadhu would go without food or empty handed from the house of his mother Rajbai or father Pradhan Thakkar. Jalaram Bapa used to absorb himself in the service of the saints.
At the age of 18 years, he established Shri Bhojalram of Fatehpur as his Spiritual Guide (Guru) and with his blessings started Sadavrat (Daily distribution of food freely to the mendicants.) His wife Virbai also joined him in this activity. Bapa died on 23rd February, 1881, yet all the activities that he nourished are still continuing without break. There are innumerable incidents of miracles attached to his name, which itself is a sign of firm respect in him by his devotees and followers.
Yogesh Thakkar & Asian Media USA
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
