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SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 21, 2023 | The Indian Eye 16

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

Mandirs: The Pathway to

Ultimate Peace and Divine Unity

A Mandir Gives Ultimate Peace

n previous discussions, we delved
into how a mandir serves multiple
Ipurposes: it’s a catalyst for men-
tal stability, promotes mutual respect,
safeguards culture and tradition, and
reinforces our true identity. Now,
we explore another profound role of
mandirs - leading us to ultimate peace
and divine unity.
Even after centuries of endeav-
or in the materialistic realm in his
search for eternal happiness and
peace, man remains empty-handed.
He is nowhere near his goal. Yes,
man has progressed and become
more modern, but he has become
less civilized and less spiritual. He
is going in the wrong direction at
breakneck speed. In describing a
mandir, His Holiness Pramukh Swa-
mi Maharaj also explains: “A mandir
is a place of paramount peace… to
realize God.” BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston, TX Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Mandirs, through the messag-
es they teach, draw his attention to perity is necessary for his physical sacred images embody the divine integrity, and unity.
his plight and encourage him to re- survival. The shreyas path is the spir- presence. These murtis, enshrined in These revered spiritual lead-
vive his lost spirituality. For it is only itual path which, when sincerely fol- mandirs, aren’t merely stone or met- ers catalyzed the establishment of
spirituality that can rescue man from lowed, enables man to keep God as al, but God’s living forms, imbued mandirs, from the remote tribal ar-
his miserable predicament and bring the focus of his life and not be over- with divine energy by a God-realised eas of Gujarat to the bustling me-
peace to his life. Engaging in spiritu- awed by material temptations. Sadhu following Vedic traditions. tropolises of England and America.
al activities hosted by mandirs culti- Hindu scriptures distinctly de- The murtis, thus, become the focal Irrespective of location, mandirs
vates an intimate connection with the lineate two paths for man’s journey point for devotion and the manifes- emerged as indispensable societal or-
divine, halting the torment caused by through life. The first, the preyas tation of divine energy, facilitating gans, seamlessly integrating spiritual
materialistic pursuits. By dedicating path, emphasizes the honest pursuit a tangible experience of God’s pres- enlightenment with social harmony.
oneself to God, one can finally expe- of material prosperity. This path is ence for those who approach with When utilized in their true es-
rience the transcendental peace and vital for ensuring our physical surviv- purity of heart. sence, mandirs illuminate the path
bliss that comes from divine commu- al and wellbeing. It forms the basis of Thus, through the mandir, the to eternal happiness, offering respite
nion. Therefore, mandirs guide us to our day-to-day activities, facilitating murtis enshrined within and the vast from the ephemeral pleasures of the
spiritual awareness and escort us to basic needs, societal contribution, gamut of activities centred around material world. They serve as bridg-
the ultimate haven of peace and one- and personal growth. the mandir, one can serve society es, connecting the mundane to the
ness with God. The second, the shreyas path, and step closer to God. divine, guiding us through the tumul-
A MANDIR TAKES US TO GOD guides one along the spiritual route. Bhagwan Swaminarayan and tuous waters of worldly life to the
The highest attainment of hu- This path urges us to place God at His spiritual lineage of God-realised serene shores of spiritual fulfillment.
man life is to experience the divine the heart of our existence, helping us Sadhus, particularly Shastriji Ma- The mandir’s influence is beau-
bliss of God. In the vast cosmic play withstand the often-overpowering al- haraj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh tifully encapsulated in Pramukh
of existence, the convergence of hu- lure of materialistic temptations. Swami Maharaj, have revitalized the Swami Maharaj’s words, “A mandir
man consciousness with the ultimate A crucial beacon that guides one construction of mandirs with a vision stabilizes the mind... teaches mutu-
reality or God, is often considered along the shreyas path is the mandir. that transcends architectural marvel al respect... preserves and protects
the most profound accomplishment. These sanctuaries act as spiritual and spiritual hub alone. They envi- culture and tradition... strengthens
Hindu scriptures define two nerve centers, bringing man clos- sioned mandirs as crucibles of pos- belief in our true identity... gives ul-
paths that man must follow in life. er to God through various forms of itive transformation - shaping indi- timate peace... and takes us to God.”
The preyas path in which man en- worship, devotion, prayer, and med- viduals and societies alike, nurturing Amrutvijaydas Swami
deavours honestly for material pros- itation. The consecrated murtis, or them with values of selfless service, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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