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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 02, 2024 | The Indian Eye 20

BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs

Celebrate the Historic Pran Pratishtha at

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
n honor of the historic Pran
Pratishtha ceremony at Shri Ram
IMandir in Ayodhya, a special pro-
gram was held at over 100 BAPS Swam-
inarayan Mandirs across North Amer-
ica on Saturday, January 20, 2024.

This auspicious event marked
the culmination of an extraor-
dinary journey spanning over
five centuries, a testament to
the sacrifices and unwavering
faith of numerous swamis,
mahants, acharyas, and de-
voted individuals.

Under the inspiring guidance
of His Holiness Mahant Swami Ma-
haraj, BAPS masterfully organized an
array of devotional programs at 1,500
mandirs and 21,000 Satsang assem-
blies globally, each event pulsating
with vibrant enthusiasm. The mandirs
were beautifully transformed into
stunning displays of devotion, each
one adorned with sparkling lights, tees and showering of flower petals. ville), Jai Gulati (School Board Mem- returned to Ayodhya, everyone ex-
glowing diyas, and intricate rangolis The event was also graced with pro- ber of Robbinsville), Sukhdev Bhalla perienced immense joy. A similar
that depicted Shri Ram and the new found and enlightening speeches by (Durga Mandir), Vijayji Muchhal boundless joy is being experienced by
mandir, creating a captivating and revered swamis and esteemed guests, (Geeta Pariwar USA), Ravi Pulipa- millions of devotees today.” His Holi-
spiritual ambiance. Heightening the who shared insights and reflections ti (Om Sri Sai Balaji Mandir), Arthi ness Mahant Swami Maharaj shared
excitement, a meticulously prepared, on the life and teachings of Shri Ram. Suryanarayanan (Sri Mahaperiyava these sentiments in a heartfelt letter
elaborate Annakut was a feast for “The Ramayan teaches us many Manimandapam), Krisna Linga (Shri on the inauguration of Shri Ram
the eyes. Delightful treats, including lessons, one of them being about Ram Chandra Mission/Heartfulness Mandir as a tribute to the sacrifices
cookies and mandir-shaped cakes, the words we use. Speak that which Institute), Dr. Arun Karpur (Shri and dedication of all those who have
each artfully inscribed with ‘Shri is true, that which is kind, and that Krishna Nidhi Foundation), and San- worked tirelessly to make this historic
Ram’, added a special touch to the which is good for others,” shared jay Gupta (Vishwa Hindu Parishad of day a reality.
festivities, captivating everyone with Pujya Yogananddas Swami in his America). Additionally, BAPS devotees
their intricate designs and thoughtful discourse on the special occasion in BAPS cherishes a long history with also celebrated by decorating homes
presentation. Robbinsville, NJ. He continued to the Shri Ram Mandir. Pramukh Swa- and mandirs with diyas and lamps,
The air was charged with devo- reflect on Bhagwan Shri Ram’s vir- mi Maharaj performed the pujan of mirroring Diwali traditions. They
tion as vibrant processions, brimming tues of humility, respect for societal the first Shri Ram Shila that would also virtually attended the inaugu-
with energy and fervor, were meticu- norms, forgiveness, and justice which be laid in the mandir›s foundation in ration ceremony webcast from Ayo-
lously organized, weaving through the deeply resonated with the attendees. 1989. In 2020, Mahant Swami Ma- dhya on January 22, 2024. BAPS
crowds and creating an atmosphere In attendance of this auspicious haraj performed a pujan for the shi- Swaminarayan Sanstha was invited
of divine celebration that was nothing event at Robbinsville, NJ were Swa- lanyas ceremony of the Shri Ram to the event and on his behalf senior
short of magical. In a heartwarming mi Debopriyanandji (Bharat Sevash- Mandir, where senior swamis from swamis from BAPS represented the
and grand welcome, Shri Ram was ram Sangha of North America), Con- BAPS joined other revered mahat- event. HH Mahant Swami Maharaj
reverently welcomed into the assem- sul A. K. Vijayakrishnan (Consulate mas and dignitaries from across India. joined the celebrations virtually from
bly in a beautifully decorated palkhi, General of India, New York), Amit “After 14 years of exile into the Gujarat, India.
amidst the joyful chants of the devo- Chopra (Town Council of Robbins- forests, when Bhagwan Shri Ram Continued on next page... >>

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