Ruchit Shah
GANDHINAGAR: Hundreds of devotees and well-wishers present from all around the world and millions watching live, mesmerized by the spectacular opening ceremony of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Celebration was inaugurated on Wednesday, December14, 2022, in Ahmedabad, by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (B.A.P.S.).
The opening marked the public dedication of the month-long festival spread over 600 acres that includes inspiring attractions, insightful exhibitions and enlightening programs that are free to all visitors. Prime Minister Modi and Mahant Swami Maharaj commenced the auspicious inauguration ceremony amid the chanting of Vedic mantras and puja from the Sant Dwar, the majestic 380-foot-wide entrance gate honoring the great sages and saints of India.
The Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat, the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, and senior swamis of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also participated in the ceremony.
Upon entering the festival grounds, Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Prime Minister were greeted with a colorful welcome dance by hundreds of BAPS children and youths. The Prime Minister then offered his heartfelt tribute by placing flowers before the beautiful 30-foot sculpted image of Pramuk Swami Maharaj.
After the ceremonial opening, the Prime Minister was guided through the enchanting glow garden, where artistic renditions of moral stories and inspiring values reflected Pramukh Swami Maharaj’sefforts to illumine the lives of countless people globally. The prime Minister then observed the AzadiKa Amrit Mahotsav display, celebrating 75 years of India’s independence through a tribute to Indian heroes and inspirational figures.
From here, Prime Minister Modi reached the stunning 67-foot-tall replica of New Delhi’s
Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. They circumambulated the temple and sacred images consecrated within, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his spiritual successors, Bhagwan Shri Sita-Rama, Bhagwan Shri Radha-Krishna, and Bhagwan Shri Shiva-Parvati.
Modi then offered flowers and prayed at the holy feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the installed deities. The Prime Minister then arrived at the Bal Nagari, the children’s cultural wonderland, where he was greeted by the BAPS children who created and produced the shows and exhibits.
The Prime Minister viewed the three innovative musical shows in the Nagari. The ‘Sea of Suvarna’ is the story of “Swarna the Goldfish,” performed by 270 BAPS girls, emphasizing the importance of both hard work and prayers for success. The ‘Village of Buzo’ is theemotionaljourney of a tribalboy and the sacrifice of his parents, highlighting the value of respecting parents. Finally, the ‘Jungleof Sheru’ is about a young lion whose journey inspires the realization of our inner strength and true
identity.
Finally, theywere enthusiastically greeted by tens of thousands of devotees present while millions watched live around the world.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, shared a personal video message of tribute, offering his admiration and gratitude to His Pramukh Swami Maharaj for his countless contributions to the U.K. and the world.
Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel said, “As we have come together to celebrate the centenary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor Pramukh Swami Maharaj, all of us remember the manifold ways his life inspired us. He served all of humanity his entire life with a vision that transcended bodily distinctions. He inspired countless to transform their lives.
After the terrorist attack on Akshardham, his actions set an example for the world of peace and forgiveness that became renowned as ‘the Akshardham Response.’ He provided comfort to all in need, providing aid to the disaster-stricken. He personally inspired thousands to become addiction-free.
The colorful evening concluded with a maha-arti with tens of thousands of devotees as they paid tribute to their guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who personified his universal teaching, “In the joy of others lies our own.”
Ishwarcharandas Swami, international convener of BAPS, extended an invitation to everyone to visit ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar’ and enjoy the free inspiring presentations, exhibitions and attractions.
BAPS is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership,BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. ‘
Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus, are ideals toward which devotees aspire.
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