CHICAGO: It was a grand seven days spiritual affair for hundreds of Hindu devotees at Shree Jalaram Mandir Chicago in Hoffman Estates with a renowned Kathakar Guruji Bhupendra Pandya conducting Shrimad Bhagwat Katha beginning July 15 and culminating it with Guru Purnima Celebrations on July 21.
On the first day, Guruji Bhupendra Pandya arrived with Pothi-Bhagwat and participated in Shobha Yatra with a large number of devotees and Mandir officials. Guruji started his discourse explaining the importance of Pothi Yatra and also narrated the importance of Bhagwat. He continued his talk on Bhagwat narrating various Avtars (Lord Vishnu Incarnations) and their relevance for that time. The discourse was embellished with anecdotes and humor casting a lasting spell on all those attending the hours long narration.
Shree Pandya has his own unique and distinct style and those coming to listen to his discourse would want to come again. The atmosphere became divine. The narration on the birth of Shree Krishna had the attendees immersed as if it was a real life happening and celebrated it with great enthusiasm, with music and bhajans. Even Pujya Guruji got emotional which added more life to the celebrations. Devotees danced, sang bhajans, did Garba and took pride in swinging Balkrishna.
On Friday July 19, it was Nand Mahotsava and Giriraj Utsav which were celebrated with lot of religious fervor and enthusiasm. The atmosphere was very much like one being in Gokul.
On Saturday July 20, the first part of the program starting at 1 p.m. was allotted to youth. The main purpose was to get the youth to understand their religion and have their doubts cleared thru questions answer session. Guruji in his persuasive distinct style handled the job quite creditably. There was variety of questions put forward by youth as well as adults. Some were simple and some were very interesting as well as intellectual.
One question worth noting was, ‘Why are there many gods in Hinduism? This was answered by Guruji in most befitting manner pointing out that it was reflective of individual characteristics and qualities of multi faceted personality of ultimate reality.
In the second phase Katha was extended and it ended with ‘Rukmini Vivah’ marriage of Shree Krishna and Rukmini. It was ceremoniously arranged according to Vedic method. On Sunday there was closing ceremony and Guruji narrated crux of Bhagawat and all dispersed with a feeling that they understood Hinduism in real perspective and better.
During the entire Katha Guruji explained the true characteristics and value of Sanatan Dharma and cleared many prevailing misconceptions. Riddhi Joshi played the role as Krishna and Arpit Joshi, Rudra Joshi and Parth Joshi played roles of brothers to Rukmini.
With an increase in the Mandir activities that attract a larger attendance, the facility right now is proving relatively inadequate. Plans are afoot for expansion. An ardent appeal from Mandir Board Members and supported by Guruji was made. A spontaneous proposal of declaring donations in bricks @ 101$ was floated and met with instant favorable response.
Guruji also visited the newly modernized kitchen at the cost of nearly $ 160000 and hoped that with the support of devotees the Chicago temple may become a replica of Virpur Temple – the only temple in the world that does not accept donations in spite of multifarious activities.
A booklet ‘Harine Bhajta’ was distributed by Shri Ghanshyam Thakkar to all participants free of cost.
The entire proceedings were live telecast simultaneously at nook and corner of the temple with webcasting.
With Shree Guruji blessings and his divine guidance many institutions such as the Samakti Foundation, Samakti Mission USA, Samakti Mission UK and Samakti Seva Parivar are active in uplifting the lives of the handicapped, and underprivileged by offering medical, social, educational, and spiritual help.
Pujyashree Bhai has held many seminars, especially for youngsters every year across the globe. Participants not only of Indian origin but even the ones with their roots in the western soil are attending these events and are showing a keen interest in how they can apply ancient religious practices in contemporary times.
Guruji’s exposition of the divinity does not have any language-barrier, as he is fluent in languages like Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Sanskrit and English. He has rendered a total of more than 450 discourses on Bhagavat, Ramayan, Geeta, Upanishads and other subjects.
For the Katha, the Chief Hosts were Late Shri Ambalal Dahyabhai Thakkar family and Late Shri Dhulchanddas Karsandas Thakkar family.
The Pothi Yajmans were Satishbhai, Pratibhaben Jagi; Tejasbhai Bhatt; Priteshbhai, Manishaben Patel. Daily Yajmans were Piyushbhai, Geetaben, Sonibe Chaudhari, Nimeshbhai Patel. Krishna Janmotsav in charge were Ashokbhai, Hemaxiben Thakkar family.
For Rukmani Vivah, in charge for Lord Krishna Paksh were Babunath Tekriwala (Sponsor did not want their names to be published) and for Rukmani Paksh were Deepakbhai, Anjanaben Patel. For Rukmani Mosad Paksh: Surendrabhai, Padmaben Thakkar.
Yogesh Thakkar
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