Official News-letter from Shri Narnarayandevdesh Diocese Vol : 7 • No : 80 DECEMBER-2013

Founded By H.H. Maharaj 1008 Shri Tejendraprasadji Maharajshri, Shri Narnarayandev Diocese. Shri Museum Narayanpura, Ahmedabad-13. Phone : 27489597 • Fax : 27419597 C O N T E N T S H.H. Mota Maharajshri 01. EDITORIAL 04 Phone : 27499597 www.swaminarayanmuseum.com 02. APPOINTMENT DIARY OF 05 With the directions of Shri Narnarayandev H.H. ACHARYA MAHARAJSHRI Pithadhipati H.H. 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji 03. 06 Maharajshri Controlling Editors & Publishers 04 SHALINGRAM OF POOJA OF SHREE HARI 09 Shastri Harikrishnadasji MAHANT 05 PANCHAM BAL SATSANG SHIBIR, VISNAGAR 11 SHRI SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE Kalupur, Ahmedabad-1. 06 ATMA-SANTOSH (SELF-SATISFACTION) 14 Phone : 22132170, 22136818 Karbhari office : 22121515. Fax : 22176992. 07 WAVE OF PLEASURE 19 www.swaminarayan.info Editorial & Subscription Address 08. SHREE SWAMINARAYAN MUSEUM 21 Shri Swaminarayan Shri Swaminarayan Temple 09. SATSANG BALVATIKA 23 Kalupur, AHMEDABAD-1 () For a Change in Address : 10. -SUDHA 24 E-mail : [email protected] 11. NEWS 27 Life time Subscription : One Year : Rs. 50/- • Inland life time : Rs. 501/- • Overseas life time : Rs. 10,000/-India : • @ Rs. 5/-

DECEMBER-2013 • 03 From the beginning of new year Samvat 2070, the Winter season has started making us feel its arrival. This season is considered to be healthy for all. This is a season wherein even hard physical work does not affect the body in any way. With a view that noble qualities are inculcated in our next generation, they may remain free from any type of addiction and with their good physical health they shine out as bright students in their studies and also with a divine objective that knowledge of our Sampradaya is obtained by them right from the beginning, our future Acharya H.H. 108 Shri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj has been organizing Shibir of children and young devotees in Desh-Videsh and thereby He has been strengthening our next generation in all respect. Our H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj, when He was H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj, established Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal in all villages of our Sampradaya and I.S.S.O. Chapter in foreign countries and encouraged the youngsters to take interest in our Satsang activities, and now we are witnessing its ripe fruits like sweet and beautiful result. Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal of any village or temple is always found leading in rendering services in each and every Utsav and Mahotsav and we are proud of it. Recently three-day Shibir was organized in Visnagar under the auspices of our H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj wherein about 1500 students and children of villages of Dandhavya region participated. In this way, Shibir would be organized in all each and every area of our Sampradaya. Dhanur Maas will begin from 16th December and therefore all the devotees should take the divine benefit of Dhanur Maas Dhoon in our temples of nearby villages. Haribhaktas residing in Ahmedabad may avail the benefit of Dhoon in the pious presence of Shree Narnarayandev and the whole Dharmkul and devotees may also avail the benefit of rendering services as the host of Dhoon. Shree Narnarayandev Mahamahotsav will be celebrated in December-2014 from 24th December to 28th December 2014 in the pious presence of the whole Dharmkul, whose detailed information will be furnished to all the devotees in the issue of our Magazine.

Editor Mahant Swami Shastri Swami Harikrishnadas

DECEMBER-2013 • 04 Appointment Diary of H.H. Acharya Maharaj 1008 (Noveber- 2013) Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharajshri 2. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Kalupur and Kankaria temple and performed poojan-aarti of Shree Hanumanji Maharaj. 3. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad and performed Group Sharada Poojan. 4. Performed Shangaar Aarti and Annakut Aarti of Shree Narnarayandev on the pious day of New Year. 9. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Karol (Muli Desh) on the occasion of invocation of the idol images. 10. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Vavol on the occasion of Katha. 11. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Visatpur on the occasion of invocation of the idol images. 12. Graced Shree Swaminrayan temple, Nathdwara, on the occasion of Katha. 13. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Kantibhai Narandas Patel (Raam) Thaltej. 15. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Kotha, on the occasion of invocation of the idol images. 16. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Sitapur, on the occasion of Patotsav. 17. Graced the village on the occasion of Katha. In the evening Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Naranpura, on the occasion of Tulsi Vivah. 18. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Jodiya (Muli Desh, Halar region) on the occasion of invocation of the idol images. 20th November to 30th November. Pilgrimage to America for nourishment of Satsang. APPOINTMENT DIARY OF OUR FUTURE ACHARYA 108 SHRI VRAJENDRAPRASADJI MAHARAJ (Noveber- 2013) 4. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad to perform Annakut Aarti of new year. 15 to 17 Graced Visnagar Bal Satsang Shibir.

DECEMBER-2013 • 05 saying “IF God wills, I would fulfil Shikshapatri ’s desires.” on ’s utterance of these words all the three fingers The Epistle of Precepts of Yamunacharya straightened. One of the (based on Shatanand’s Shikshapatri wish was that somebody should write a Arthadipika) commentary upon the – based on the philosophy. By Pravin S. Varsani Ramanuja then fulfilled his three obligations and became famed as Ramanujacharya – the propagator of Text 100 Vishishtadvaita philosophy. They shall acknowledge the Bhashya Note that Swami received (commentaries) on Vyaas- and from the very same Ramanujacharya Shree Bhagwat Geeta by Shree in dream, after leaving Atmananda Swami’s Ramanujacharya, as My Vedantic due to disbelief in the ‘Advaita’ Philosophy. philosophy. The works of Ramanujacharya (Laxmanarya) – Shribhashya upon the Text-101 Vyaas Sutras (Shariika Sutra) and Those test in these scriptures which Geetabhashya are accepted here by Lord speak the greatness of divinity of Shree Swaminarayan as his Vedantic philosophy. , , Bhakti and Vairagya They are considered as his Adhyatmika shall be considered to be of greater value. as they glorify the greatness of Gods Texts propounding the divinity of Shree ‘Sakaar’ (with form) nature. For this reason Krishna-as above the three qualities, of they should be studied and heard. divine form/ body and text that are based O t h e r A c h a r y a s i n c l u d i n g upon Bhakti (devotion) are dear to Lord Shankaracharya have written Bhashyas Swaminarayan. Those tests speaking greatly upon these works. However Shatanand of Dharma (duty), Bhakti (devotion with points out that Ramanujacharya’s Bhashyas affection) and Vairagya (renunciation) are should always be considered as the superior. desired by the Lord. Ramanujacharya was born in 1017 in Text- 102 Perumbudur (South India). He is the founder The message of these scriptures is of the Vedantic Philosophy known as that the devotion of Lord Shree Krishna is Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-dualism). He inseparable from Dharma. displayed the signs of Laxman (’s Shatanand explains that Bhakti is the younger brother) and hence was named very cause of Mukti (salvation) and is a part of Laxmanarya and Ramanujacharya. Gnaan (knowledge). Also Dharma is the From a young age he began his studies support of Bhakti and therefore Bhakti should from his father and later under the guidance always be practised with the aid of Dharma. of Shri Yadavaprakasha (an Advaita In Shrimad Bhagwat, it is often explained that teacher). Through difference in views, Bhakti and Dharma are always together and Ramanuja was driven out of theAshram and thus inseparable. began study on his own. He then received Those that live in accordance with Diksha from Yamunacharya and was then Swadharma (personal duty) and who perform able to nurture his philosophy. Bhakti or devotion to God, develop peace of At the death bed of Yamunacharya, an mind and inevitably attain salvation. Such enigma was present. Yamunacharya’s three people achieve the greatest goal. fingers were curved shut and would not open. Lord Swaminarayan here points out a However, Ramanuja solved the enigma by DECEMBER-2013 • 06 veryimportant aspect of Bhakti. Although which is enforced by the is Dharma Bhakti is devotion and love for God, it is and that contradicting them is Adharma.’ however not the greatest path to God, if Manu explains the advantages of living in practised alone. Bhakti must be practised accordance with Dharma: ‘Those who obey with Dharma, as its base. Often we may the Dharma prescribed by Shruti and Smruti consider ourselves to be ‘Bhaktas’ content in achieve fame and after death attain heavenly our devotion to God. However, we may lack bliss.’ Mokshadharma explains, ‘Sadachar, the essential basis of duty in our lives and Smruti and the Vedas are the three properties care not for the laws governing what we can of Dharma.’ and cannot do. We must live a Dharmic Jivan Mitakshara gives the six types of as well as a Bhaktatmic Jivan. Dharma: ‘(i) – caste (ii) Ashram – Text – 103 stages i.e. householders etc., )iii) Varnashram – pertaining to both Varna and Dharma is the right conduct as Ashram, (iv) Guna – meritous acts, (v) Nimitta authenticated by Shruti and Smruti. – purposeful and (vi) Saadharna – ordinary or Bhakti is profound love for God coupled common.’ Shatanand gives examples of with knowledge of the majesty and these: Varnadharma – should magnificence of Lord Shree Krishna. always refrain from alcohol and other The next few Shlokas are very important intoxicants; Ashtramdharma – service to as they define the various entities and (fire) and begging for good (Bhiksha); categories which make up a Vedantic Varnashram Dharma – Brahmins accepting Philosophy to a certain degree. the punishment of Khakhara; Guna Dharma – Firstly he defines Dharma : Dharma Kings, endowed with various qualities should G n e y a h a S a d a c h a r a h a serve and protect the people (Praja Palana); Shrutismrutyupapaditaha – Dharma is Nimitta Dharma – is performance of explained as the duties or right conduct as Prayaschit to intone for sins; Sadharan explained by Shruti (Vedas) and Smruti Dharma – duty of (non-violence) etc. (Yagnavalkya’s Dharma ). B h a k t i i s n o w e x p l a i n e d : Manusmruti explains – Shrutistu Vedo Mahatmyagnanyugbhirisneho Bhaktischa Vigneyo Dharmashastram Tu Vai Smrutiha Madhave – love for God Shree Krishna ‘The Vedas are the Shruti and the (Madhava), together with supreme Dharmashastras the Smruti.’ knowledge is Bhakti. Supreme knowledge is Sadachar is explained as good conduct knowledge of the greatness of God as that is supported by the ideals of Loka explained by and Satpurusha (community) and Shastra (scriptures). Such (great/holy men). Shatanand here equates Sadachar is simply Dharma and worthy of Bhakti with chanting of God’s holy name; thus practice. Dharma has been explained as the explaining that such chanting bears great support of the whole universe. Jaymini Muni fruits. has explained it as quite simply, ‘Dharma is Bhakti is surrender to God. The action upon permission,’ (permission of explains, ‘Those who go to God for shelter elders, saints, Shastras etc. should be even once and say, “I am yours” are uplifted understood here). to a state of fearlessness (Nirbhaya), this is Madhavacharya has explained, ‘That Lord Hari’s custom.’ which is duty and encouraged is Dharma.’ Lakshmya Dhavaha Swami Smruti further explains ‘the acts glorified by Madhavaha Shrikrushnastusmin – Ma is those who have an understanding of the , Dhava is husband or Lord and thus Vedas are Dharma. Similarly those acts Madhava is the husband ofr Lord of Lakshmi slandered by such folk should be considered – Shri Krishna. Great love or affection for Shri as Adharma.’ Shrimad Bhagwat says, ‘That DECEMBER-2013 • 07 Krishna is therefore Bhakti. Shandilya Sutra example the earth is considered his feet and explains, ‘Bhakti is great love for God so service of all beings is propounded. Any (Ishwar). Only those who have such love for work done as an offering to God is Padaseva God derive (Salvation).’ Similarly – such as helping in temples in some way. Shri Vallabhacharya has explained, ‘Bhakti is (v) Archanam – this is ‘idol’ worship or intense love for God along with supreme more popularly known as ‘Pooja’. It is in a way knowledge. Through such Bhakti one can unique to as it accepts image achieve Mukti, but not by other means.’ worship- extolling God’s sakar (with form) Bhakti has two major types – nature. Sadhanroopa and Falaroopa. Falroopa (vi) V a n d a n a m - l i t e r a l l y m e a n s Bhakti is extensively explained by the Gopis ‘salutation’ and takes the form of full is Shrimad Bhagwat – ‘The Gopies seeing prostration before the image signifying Govinda were overwhelmed with joy. Such complete surrender at the feet of God. It Gopis, away from Krishna for even a fraction means honouring the presence of a deity, of a second, seemed like they had been apart person or thing. from him for a hundred Yugas.’ (1 Yuga is (vii) Dasyam – is serving God as his most equivalent to between 9,32,000 and obedient servant. 1,728,000 earth years.) ‘The Gopi’s mind (viii) Sakhyam- is love for God. would follow Krishna into the forest singing (ix) Atmanivedanam – complete His divine excellencies as she spent the day surrender of the self to God. in sorrow.’ ‘These Gopis, dedicated to me, The final three disciplines cultivate the are deluded to their body and this world.’ attitude of service and surrender to God. The second type of Bhakti is They are there to remove all sense of ego and Sadhanroopa. Sadhanroopa Bhakti is again worldly life. split up into nine types – more formally known Shatanand then explains the fact that it is as Navadha Bhakti: not what you give or do, but with what love Shravanam Kirtanam Vishnoha and devotion you give or do that is of Smaranam Padasevanam | importance. God is not after your money- he Archanam Vandanam Dasyam is after your mind, heart and dedication. An Sakhyamatmanivedanam || impoverished person is just as dear to God as These are further explained: a multi-millionaire, if both are equal in (i) Shravanam – Shravana or ‘hearing’ devotion. Indeed, he who is poor but devout, is essentially listening to the talks upon the is much more dear to God than somebody excellencies of God by holy men and so in the who maybe rich but less devout. true sense is possible only in holy company. Patram Pushpam Falam toyam Yo Mae (ii) Kirtanam – is singing aloud Bhaktya Prayachati | and chanting God’s name and compositions Tadaham Bhaktyupahrutamshnami on his deeds. It is often in the company of Prayatatmanaha || several other devotees. Music or dance may Gita explains, ‘A leaf, flower, fruits or accompany it. water is gladly accepted by me if offered with (iii) Vishnoha Smaranam – is the devotion and level mind.’ remembrance of . The earlier two Note: that Narada Muni the Acharya of disciplines are often done in company where Bhakti has written that Bhakti is the fifth and as Smaranam is performed alone. It is best ‘Purushartha’ or goal of life. Thus it is performed silently in meditation. beyond Dharma, , and even (iv) Padasevanam – literally means Moksha. Narada maintains that salvation is ‘Service of His feet.’ the feet or ‘Pada’ here possible only through Bhakti. are symbolic of other manifest thins. For DECEMBER-2013 • 08 SHALINGRAM OF POOJA OF SHREE HARI - Purushottamprakashdas (Jetalpurdham)

In order to keep the tradition of by Shree Hari. But from the worldly point of emancipation intact, Bhagwan Shree view, one is likely to think on these lines. Swaminarayan performed three Sankalp: There was no scope or any reason for 1) Shastra (scriptures) 2) Dev-Mandir any dissatisfaction to H.H. Shri Acharya (Deity-temple) and Bhagwati Diksha and 3) Raghuvirji Maharaj of Dakshin Vibhag. Sthapana of Acharya Pada for When one looks from divine and spiritual Prtistha (invocation of idol images). Among eyes of HLH. Shri Acharya 1008 Shri these Seat of Acharya was established on Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj of Uttar Vibhag, Kartak Sud Ekadashi Samvat 1882 at one would not think about partiality. But V a d t a l . O n t h e s e a t o f S h r e e from the worldly point of view, one would Narnarayandev Desh of Ahmedabad, have certainly thought about it. Ayodhyaprasadji, son of the elder son Shreeji Maharaj stayed for about four Rampratapbhai of Dharmdev was years on this earth after establishing the appointed and on Vadtal Southern Desh Two Seats of Acharya in Sampradaya. Laxminarayandev Gadi, younger son During that time, many times H.H. Shri Raghuvirji Maharaj was appointed and at Acharya Maharaj Ayodhya Prasadji that time all powers – worldly and divine- Maharaj thought about telling it to Maharaj were bestowed upon the seat of Acharya. but then such ideas and thoughts were Uttar Vibhag Shree Narnarayandev dropped keeping larger interest in mind. Desh and Dakshin Vibhag Shree Before returning to Akshardham, Laxminarayandev Desh were divided in Shreeji Maharaj graced Ahmedabad once two parts Northern Part and Southern Part and accepted Thaal prepared by Suvasini of the whole earth on the basis of Tropic of Bhabhi. At that time, Shri Ayodhyaprasadji Cancer. Maharaj was little desolate. Shreeji Vicharan of Shreeji Maharaj was more Maharaj asked the reason for the same. At in Sourther Vibhag and therefore village, this, Shri Ayodhya Prasadji Maharaj cities, number of devotees, rich kingdoms narrated the genuine difficulties about and rich natural resources such as rivers Shree Narnarayandev Desh of Uttar etc. came to Dakshin Vibhag. Considering Vibhag to Maharaj. And then prayed to the number of devotees and area, 70% Maharaj bless them so that there may be Satsang was included in Dakshin Vibhag fine balance in spirituality and worldly and only 30% Satsang was included in prosperity in Shree Narnarayandev Desh Uttar Vibhag, as it can be seen from the of Uttar Vibhag. situation, facts and figures of the relevant The omniscient Maharaj came to know time of this division and allocation. Nobody about the feelings of Ayodhyaprasadji can doubt that there could be any partiality Maharaj. With a view to offer the inner DECEMBER-2013 • 09 pleasure of Self, Maharaj called for Pooja. very much happy and bowed down at the After Aksharvaas of Dharmdev, lotus like feet of Shreeji Maharaj and said Ghanshyam Maharaj used to perform Nitya that now nothing remains to be obtained in Pooja, Nitya Snan Pooja Naivedya of life. Now I shall be performing pooja of this Shalingaram which was being worshiped Shalingaram and shall render services to from the last few generations in the family. Satsang for generations to come. Since Even during Van-vicharan, Ghanshyam then Acharya Maharaj of Narnarayandev Maharaj had kept this Shalingaram with Desh has been performing pooja of this Him, used to hold it around his neck and Shalingaram. Even when Acharya Maharaj used to perform Nitya Snaan and Pooja goes to foreign countries for nourishment of and Naivedya. Maharaj was taken away Sampradaya, this Shalingaram is always upto 12 miles by the flood of the river kept with and nothing is accepted without Sarayu caused by the demon; however, offering it to this Shalingaram. H.H. Shri Maharaj had preserved this Shalingaram Acharya Maharaj has been performing even during such the situation like struggle pooja of three forms of Shalingaram- one for life. which is worshipped by Shree Hari in After taking reins of Sampradaya, Pooja-peti, Shalingaram of pooja of Shreji Maharaj used to perform Nitya Pooja Rampratapji Maharaj and Shalingaram of of Shalingaram and thus Shalingaram pooja of Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj. Bhagwan was performed Nitya Pooja for 38 Even by performing divine Darshan of years by Shreeji Maharaj. This this Shalingaram, all sins are burnt into S h a l i n g a r a m w a s o f f e r e d t o ashes. When water of Abhishek is offered Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj and blessed that to anybody, all this worries and miseries though Uttar Vibhag appears very simple are removed. Many devotees have been from worldly point of view but I bestow the availing the benefit of water of Abhishek. tradition of rich spirituality and I shall Everyday devotees are found at the always be with you. residence of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj for With this unique achievement, the availing the benefit of this water of Prasadi desolation of Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj got of Abhishek. Only lucky devotees can get evaporated permanently and he became divine Darshan.

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DECEMBER-2013 • 10 PANCHAM BAL SATSANG SHIBIR, VISNAGAR (Organizer: Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal, Visnagar-Nikunj Bhavsar)

In the morning in the last week of received from various 55 villages. Due to October 2013, mobile ring rang and the festivals information and details were also voice said, “Speaking from Swaminarayan furnished through telephone and mobile. temple, Kalupur. H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj As a result thereof, at the time of Future Acharya Maharaj of Sampradaya commencement of Shibir, there were 1200 intends to talk with you.” It was the most participants from 65 villages. memorable and luckiest moment to listen to 15/11/2013 Friday (First Day) divine voice of H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj. On the first day, each participant Direction came that 5th Bal Satsang Shibir is student was given one kit containing tooth- being organized at Visnagar and its dates brush, tooth-paste, shampoo, soap, hair are 15, 16 and 17 November 2013. oil, t-shirt etc. there were arrangements of Immediately on the same day meeting mirror and comb in each place of residence of members of executive committee of of the participants. Details of programmes Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal, of all the three days were also placed in Visnagar, Shree Sahjanand Kishor Mandal each room. Beautiful arrangements for was convened and preparations started by and breakfast was also made. Pass were rendering services of mind, body and also issued to each participant for morning money. On the same day at night all tea-breakfast, prasad of noon, evening tea- youngsters got together and arrangements coffee and dinner. At 9.00 hours H.H. 108 were made for face-to-face meeting. After Shri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj graced the two days on 26 and 27 October 2013, 155 Shibir alongwith saints. villages were contacted personally and Divine Pancham Bal Satsang Shibir Kothari/ representative were explained the was inaugurated with lighting the lamp by purpose of divine Bal Shibir and were H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj. Thereafter, kirtan- requested to obtain the pleasure of the bhakti started. For the first day topics of whole Dharmkul. Seven teams were learning were ‘Pooja-vidhi’ and ‘Swarup formed for this purpose and all the Nishtha’. members of these seven teams started 1st Session Nikunjbhai Bhavsar (Shree contacting people at their own costs. Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal, Visnagar) Considering the festivals, explained the method and manner of arrangements for despatching envelopes performing pooja of the idol images in very with self addressed covers were also simple and lucid manner. Thereafter made. Banners were placed at different Sadguru Shastri Chaitanyaswaroopdasi places in the villages. Response started (Koteshwar) inspired the students and from 01/11/2013 and details of first 45 explained them about Swaroop-Nistha. At student-children of village Laloda was the end of the 1st Session all participants received. By 10/11/2013 details of more took their meals of noon and took rest at than 1000 participants of Shibir was their allotted place of residence. At 2.30 hours, the 2nd Session started. DECEMBER-2013 • 11 S a d g u r u S h a s t r i S w a m i graced by Shree Hari during His visit to Yagnaprakashdasji (Kankaria) explained Visnagar. Thereafter, grand rally of the beautiful on the subject Shikshapatri- participants alongwith the banners of their Vachanamrit. Thereafter questionnaire respective village and slogans based on session started wherein large number of Shikshapatri was organized. The questions received from the participants participants were also wearing the t-shirt were resolved and answered by H.H. Shri and cap furnished by the organizers of Lalji Maharaj and the saints. Satsang Shibir. H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj 108 At the end of the 2nd Session, H.H. Shri Shri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj also Lalji Maharaj stated that, the purpose of participated in the Shobha-. Padyatra Shibir is not only to obtain religious passed through the places like house of knowledge about Satsang but also that the Lalji Suba, Durlabhdas Chawk, house of participant should be humble gentleman Udaykunvarba, main market and Bhimnath with correct understanding cherishing temple and Pindariya lake. The shobha- ardent faith and affection towards saints yatra was welcomed and honoured with and Dharmkul. After the dinner, all the flowers and on main roads of the participants enjoyed show of International city of Visnagar. Arrangements of water, Magician from 9.00 to 11.45 hours. cold-drinks and tea etc. were made on the 16/11/2013 Saturday (2nd Day) route of Padyatra. The next day, all 1200 participants At Pindariya lake, all the participants were present in Sabha Mandap sharp at performed divine Darshan of Samadhi of 8.00 hours in the morning. Devotee Shri Sadguru Utmanand Swami. At the place Chintanbhai and devotee Shri Maheshbhai S a d g u r u S h a s t r i S w a m i guided the participants to perform Narayanvallbhdasji of Vadnagar temple and Manasi Pooja. After the breakfast, the explained the importance of the places of session of the 2nd day started at 9.30 hours Prasadi. H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj also with Kirtan-bhaki. blessed all the participants and asked them M a h a n t S w a m i S h r i to develop discipline, humility and Ghanshyamprakashdasji of Mansa temple regularity in their life as they are the real explained the subject ‘Real ’ with beauties of life. It was also explained to the examples. Thereafter devotee Shri participants that, life without discipline is Narayanbhai Chaudhary (Balva) explained like zero without any other digit. Panch-Vartanman. Sadguru Nana P.P. Thereafter, all the participants returned Swami (Idar) shared magic and game of to the place of Shibir. After the dinner, Mathematics with the participants. And beautiful Raas-Garba was organized at then it was lunch break. night on Saturday from 9.00 to 11.30 hours At 2.00 hours in the afternoon, all the in the pious presence of the saints. The representatives of the village remained local orchestra of Visnagar and members present alongwith the participants of their of Yuvak Mandal performed beautiful respective village. Arrangements were Rasotsav by of Nand saints. made for divine Darshan of the places of 17/11/2013 Sunday (3rd Day) Prasadi situated in Visnagar which were It was the day of Dev-Diwali and

DECEMBER-2013 • 12 Poonam. Under the auspices and divine rid of infirmities of mind and addictions and presence of H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj and the how to grab and use the opportunities saints all the participants of Shibir were which we receive in our life. At last H.H. Shri receiving the best knowledge and Lalji Maharaj 108 Shri Vrajendraprasadji Samskaras of our Sampradaya and it was a Maharaj blessed all the participants. The memorable experience for all of them. After s e r v i c e s r e n d e r e d b y S h r e e Manasi Pooja an Dhyan, breakfast was Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal, Visnagar served to all the participants. during the Shibir is very inspirational and Thereafter Sadguru Nana P.P. Swami praiseworthy for such future programmes. (Idar) explained the subjects Dharmkul and H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj also asked the -Parampara. Thereafter, Shree participants to imbibe the principles of Chintanbhai Kansara, the president of Shibir in their lives. Devotee Shri Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal, Mahendrabhai Jayantilal Bhavsar through Visnagar delivered inspirational speech Dhavalbhai and Sandipbhai rendered their about the house of Satsangi to which services as the co-hosts of this Shibir participants of various villages responded alongwith Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak to and the 1st Session was concluded. Mandal, Visnagar, as the chief host of the Devotee Shri Udayanbhai Maharaja Shibir. All the devotees who rendered their and the saints provided valuable guidance services directly or indirectly during the and details of various activities which can Shibir as well as for making all preparations be conducted for Bal Mandal during the of this Shibir were also honoured by H.H. intervening period of the 1st and 2nd Session. Shri Lalji Maharaj. In this Pancham Bal In the meeting with the organizers of such Satsang Shibir more than 500 children Bal Mandal, H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj Future received Pooja-peti, 115 children received Acharya Maharaj stated that, all such Guru- and more than 300 students activities may be organized and done with a adopted Kanthi. With the directions and view to obtain pleasure of Bhagwan. of H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj 108 The concluding session of the last day Shri Vrajendraprasadji Maharaj the whole began with Kirtan-Bhakti followed by the Sabha of the Shibir was conducted by questionnaire with the participants. devotee Shri Chintanbhai Kansara and Devotee Shri Udayanbhai Maharaj under the guidance of devotee Shri explained to all the participants how to get Udayanbhai Maharaja.

Sadguru Swami Bhaktiprakashdasji S a d g u r u S w a m i Guru Sadguru Mahant Shastri Swami A n i r u d d h a c h a r a n d a s j i Harikrishnadasji (Mahant of Ahmedabad Sadguru Kothari Swami temple) has been appointed as poojari of Krishnasevadasji (Muli) has Shree Rangmahol Ghanshyam Maharaj been appointed as new Mahant of Shree Swaminarayan temple, of Shree Swaminarayan Ahmedabad. temple, New Delhi.

DECEMBER-2013 • 13 ATMA-SANTOSH (SELF-SATISFACTION) - Mahadevbhai Dhoriyani (Rajkot) “su øk{u íku {¤u - íkuLkwt Lkk{ Mkw¾, satisfaction in life always feel happiness in su {¤u íku øk{u - yuLkwt Lkk{ Mktíkku»k.” life. No wealth or temptation of this world Self-satisfaction is the divine wealth can touch such persons. The person and real happiness of human life lies in self- without money is not poor but the person satisfaction. A person who develops self- who is dissatisfied and illiterate is poor. satisfaction always remains happy in his “sçk ykðu Mktíkku»kÄLk, Mkçk ÄLk Äqrh Mk{kLk.” life. Otherwise there is no end to desires Once a Sadhu found one rupee coin. and wishes of human beings in this life until Being a Sadhu he did not require that coin death. however he kept with him with an idea that Self-satisfaction does not come from he would give it to any poor man. But for any comforts or wealth but it is in fact many days he did not come across any permanent state of inner mind. Getting rid person. . Once a king was going with his of the feelings and emotions increase army to attack an enemy kingdom. The happiness and running after these feelings Sadhu immediately threw the coin towards and emotions brings destruction. There is the king. The king got angry and asked the no end to human wishes and desires. The Sadhu why he threw the coin towards him. worry of price rise is not for the rich and The Sadhu replied that he was in search of wealthy persons but for the common and a poor man and as now he found the poor middle class persons. All people of this man he gave the coin. The king told that he world consider the physical comforts as was the king of the kingdom then in which happiness in life. The wealth provides the respect he would be poor man. Then means for happiness but not happiness. sadhu told him that though he had a big There are many rich person who are kingdom and so much wealth and yet he unhappy because they do not have self- was going to attack the enemy to get more satisfaction. They know how to earn money and more. Now what more evidence is and they also know how to earn more and required to prove that the king is poor. Self- more money. But they do not know how to satisfaction is the real wealth in life and the remain happy in life. Self-satisfaction and person who is dissatisfied and illiterate is happiness of self is the real prize of hard poor. work. The best way of life is self- The person who cannot give one s a t i s f a c t i o n , s i m p l i c i t y a n d hundred percent always remains straightforwardness. Happiness does not suspicious and doubtful. Only that person bring peace. But peace and satisfaction is satisfied who gives one hundred percent b r i n g h a p p i n e s s . T h e g r e a t e s t in his life. There is no satisfaction when achievement of spiritual life is peace and there is no perfection. self-satisfaction. Self-satisfaction is the first step to Self-satisfaction is the real gem of life. reach towards God and it is the rich The person who has developed self- treasure of life. This is the unique key of life DECEMBER-2013 • 14

and obtaining of it would open up all the power. There are various types of powers. locks of life. The best thing in life is to Self-satisfaction is also one of such inculcate self-satisfaction. powers. Self-satisfaction is the king of The great devotee Vastupal tells mental kingdom. One can bring revolution Bhagwan that he would be happy even if he in life through self-satisfaction and self- is born as a little bird because as a bird he confidence. The clouds of failure disappear would listen to Gun-Gaan of Bhagwan and and the sun of success shines. From the would also perform divine Darshan of the duality of happiness and unhappiness, idol image of Bhagwan and thereby his person chooses the path of happiness and birth as a bird would also be meaningful. brings flowers of happiness on the plant of This is the real example of self- self-satisfaction. In the words of George satisfaction!!! McDonald, “When we get the things we The root of success of human kind is require, it is our wealth and when we do self-satisfaction and self-confidence. Self- without such things, it is our power.” In confidence is directly connected with will short, self-satisfaction is the best and perennial pleasure in life.

OLD WOMAN WHO IS A THIEF - Shastri Harijivan Swami Wave of Pleasure (Mahant, Himatnagar temple)

There is one story of Prasadi which At the place, this old woman saw a hole was narrated by Shree Hari in Sabha of in big storage and she thought of taking Vadtal. There was an old woman. She had away something from the hole. She pushed a bad habit of stealing. Whenever she her hand inside the hold and took out one would go to attend any social function, she string. She started taking out the string from would take away things of others. Once she the hole and it continued on and on. She got had gone to the place of one of her tired and was now confused lest somebody relatives, who had died. From there she would come to know about it. After some had brought some utensils. This was her time another woman asked the old woman habit of stealing anything from any place in to stand up by cutting the string. The old any occasion. She would not return home woman cut the string with her teeth and felt empty handed. Once one leading person of at ease. With this example, Maharaj and all a village passed away. All men and women devotees and saints of Sabha laughed. got together. This old woman also went The inspiration of this example is very there. Madhavdas Swami writes about this wonderful. There is no end to worldly affairs incident in his book: in our life. But sometimes we should put “çkesu ËLk fký fhðk økE, them aside and perform Bhakti of çkuXe fkuhu Mkkýk ÃkkMku sE, Bhagwan. íku fkuXe{ktne Ãkªz÷w Mkkýu, hkuíkeòÞ Lku ¾ku¤k{kt íkkýu.”

DECEMBER-2013 • 19 Tejendraprasadji y{khku ytøkík yr¼«kÞ

ykÃkýu Mkki, rLks {trËh{kt Mkt«ËkÞLke ÃkhtÃkhk yLku ÄkhkÄkuhý «{kýu «ríkrcík {qŠíkyku{kt Mkðkoðíkkhe MkðkuoÃkrh ©e nrh MðÞt y¾tz rçkhks{kLk hnu Au íku{ ÿZ Ãkýu òýeyu yLku {kLkeyu Aeyu. yk «fkhLke {qŠíkyku{kt ©e nrh nt{uþk «økx «íÞûk Au. yksLke ÃkrhÂMÚkrík{kt ½ýe søÞkyu ykÃkýk {trËhku{kt XkfkuhSLke MkL{w¾ yðLkðk htøkkuLke ÷kExku ( su Mkk{kLÞ heíku ÷øLk suðk «Mktøkku{kt fu zktMk Ãkkxeoyku{kt þku¼u) Íçkfkhk {khíke òuðk {¤u Au. ykðe ÷kExku Mkk{u ykÃkýu Ãký çku ½ze W¼k hneyu íkku yLkw¼ð ÚkkÞ fu íkuLke yMkh ykÃkýe ykt¾ku yLku {Lk WÃkh fuðe ÚkkÞ Au. XkfkuhSLke {qŠíkLkk ËþoLk fhíkkts {Lk{kt rËÔÞ þktríkLkku yLkw¼ð Ëhuf EåAu. XkfkuhS ykøk¤ Võík {qŠíkLkk ËþoLk (Lkçk¤e ykt¾kuðk¤kLku Ãký) Mkkhe heíku ÚkkÞ íkuðe s MkkiBÞ hkuþLke nkuðe òuEyu. {qŠík ykøk¤ ðÄw Ãkkðh ðk¤e ÷kExku ðkíkkðhý{kt Ãký økh{eLkwt «{ký ðÄkhu Au. su {qŠík{kt rçkhks{kLk ©e nrhLku Ãký õÞkhuÞ Lk Y[u. ði»ýð Mkuðk herík «{kýu ykÃkýu XkfkuhSLku ÷kz ÷zkðeyu Aeyu Ãký fkøk¤Lkk fu Ã÷kMxefLkk Vq÷ku, f÷økeyku, íkkuhý ðøkuhu Ãký y{khe ÿrüyu {~fheYÃk Au. òu þõÞ nkuÞ íkku Mkk[k Vq÷Lkku WÃkÞkuøk fhðku Lkrníkh XkfkuhS Vq÷ ðøkh Ãký hkS hnuþu.

Shree Swaminarayan Bagh Memnagar, Ahmedabad - 380052 (INDIA) Tel: 079 27478070 Cell : 98250 08448 Email : [email protected] Shree Swaminarayan Museum (9-00 to 11-00am) Naranpura, Ahmedabad - 380063 Tel: 079 2749 9597 Fax : 079 2741 9597 DECEMBER-2013 • 20 Shree Swaminarayan Museum Mktðík 1878 Lkk ðh¾u Vkøký MkwË 3 ËLku yk Ëun ©e y{ËkðkË {Äu ©e LkhLkkhkÞýËuðLke Mkuðk{kt ÷e. ¾k[h QLkz yu¼÷ huðkþe økk{ økZzkLkk sík økk{ Mkw¾Ãkh íkk÷wfu fheykýk {w÷økhe íkkçkkLkk ¾k[h ykuZk ËuþkLkk íkÚkk ËuþkLkk íkÚkk QLkz ËuþkLkk íkÚkk hkýk ËuþkLkk íkÚkk {kuS ËuþkLkkyu y{khk ½hu ½hýu ÷¾e ykÃku÷ Au íku økk{Lkkt ¾ík íkÚkk òíku ÷uýk YÃkiÞk íkÚkk Ähíke Mkktíke 4 Lke íkÚkk ðkze fkuþ 2 Lke íkÚkk ¼køk [kuÚkku ySVkLkku ¾hkòík fkZíkkt ¾uíkhðkze ðøkuhu ySVku yu s heíku y{u ðiðx fheLku ¾kíkk íku Ãkh{kýu ©e LkhLkkhkýËuðLke MkuðkLkk ¾h[{kt Äh{kËk ©e fhþLkkhÞý ykÃkw Au Lku SÞkt MkwÄe YÃkiÞk ÷uýk nkuyu íkeyk MkwÄe ðiðx fhe QÃks Mkhðu ©e y{ËkðkË ÷kðe {trËhLkk ¾h[{kt ðkðhu Lku òhu {w÷ økk{uíke økk{ {wfkðe YÃkiyk ykÃku íku Ãký MkËhLkk ©e fhþLkkhÞý Au Lku y{Lku yu økk{Lkwt ÷¾ík fhe ykÃku÷ Au íku Ãký ©e LkhLkkhkyýLku {tËh ykÃkwt Au yk ÷¾ík y{ku y{khe yf÷nwtþeykhe hkShòðtíkÚke ÷¾e ykÃkwt íku þne Au. yºk {íkw ¾k[h QLkz yu¼÷ yíkh þk¾ ©e økZzkðk÷kLkwt {íkw QÃkh r÷¾w 1.©e søkËeþLke þk¾ íku þne Au 1.¾k[h ¼qhk zkuþk økk{ Lkkøkzfkðk÷kLke þk¾ 1.¾k[h Mkku{÷k økkuËzLkk økk{ çkkuxkËðk÷kLke þk¾ 1.¾k[h ðþíkk siníkk økk{ fkheykýeðk÷kLke þk¾ 1.[wzkMk{k ÃkwòS çkwxkS økk{ Äku÷uhkðk¤kLke þk¾ 1.ËMíkkðes fwhS hk{S økk{ økZzkðk÷kLke þk¾

This is letter of Prasadi of Shreeji Maharaj with signature of Mahamukta and with signatures of other leading devotees as witnesses. This letter of Prasadi is kept for divine Darshan in Hall No.9 of Shree Swaminaraayan Museum.

DECEMBER-2013 • 21 List of devotees who rendered their services under Shree Swaminarayan Museum Maintenance Bhet Yojna November-2013 Rs.1,06,000/- Haribhaktas Rs.50,100/- Pritesh Parmar- having affection of Canada. Akshar Nivasi Rs.25,000/- H.H. Shri Mota Sadguru Swami Maharaj through Trikamcharandasji Vinodbhai- (Shree Swaminarayan Ahmedabad. temple, Kalupur) Guru Rs.21,000/- Arvindbhai Gosaliya- Akshar Nivasi Swami Ahmedabad. Naranprasaddasji) Rs.11,000/- Dhirajbhai K. Patel- through Purani Swami Ahmedabad. Dharmjivandasji.

Instruction:- On every pious day of Punam, H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj shall perform aarti in the morning at 11.30 hours in Shree Swaminarayan Museum.

List of Host devotees who availed the benefit of Abhishek of Shree Narnarayandev in Shree Swaminarayan Museum November-2013 05/11/2013 (Morning) Dr. Harikrishnabhai Gokalbhai Patel-Sapawada. (Evening) Ghanshyambhai and Hitendrabhai Naranbhai Patel family through Champaben- Satellite. 07/11/2013 Manguben Prahladbhai Patel through Ghanshyam and Arpit- Jivrajpark. 09/11/2013 Kantilal Chunilal Thakkar throughDhavalbhai, Ahmedabad. 10/11/2013 (Morning) Shree Narnarayandev Mahila Mandal through Sankhya Ranjanba and Naniba – Viratnagar (Noon) Shree Narnarayandev Mahila Mandal through Sankhya Yogi Manjuba and Bharatiba- Kalupur Haveli (Evening) Semitronics family through Jagdishbhai J. Shah- Ambawadi 13/11/2013 Akshar Nivasi Sankhya Yogi Prembai through Sankhya Yogi Sundarba- Sukhpar.

Museum Mobile : 98795 49597 Devotee Shri Parshottambhai (Dasbhai, Bapunagar) : Mobile No. 99250 42686 www.swaminarayanmuseum.org/com email:[email protected]

DECEMBER-2013 • 22 INCOMPLETE WITHOUT RECOGNIZING - Shastri Haripriyadasji (Gandhinagar) Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan performed Van-vicharan for seven years. During the last days of the Van-vicharan, Shree Hari graced the village Budhej. There was no invitation from anybody. Shreeji Maharaj had gone to the village Budhej on His own. With feeble body, just like a skeleton, Nilkanthvarni came to village at the age of 19 SATSANG BALVATIKA years. It was matter of worry for Varniraj, as he Compiler Shastri Harikesavdasji (Gandhinagar) had nothing to offer in Thaal to Shalingaram Bhagwan carried by Him. It was the time of Bhagwan and drank some water and went noon. Varniraj inquired with the persons to the away. Other women who had also come there persons sitting at the outskirts of the village to bring drinking water from the well, were and then went to the residence of Khodabhai surprised to witness that Varniraj simply Darbar. At the house old mother was present stretched his hand and brought out the bowl and Khodabhai had gone out. Since so many full of water. At this all ladies started talking people, Sadhu, Bavas used to visit their house about that young Sadhu. The old woman also with an expectation to get something, the old heard about the incident. When she inquired mother also believed Varniraj to be one of with curiosity, she found that, the young such persons. She took a bowl, filled it up with Sadhu had also been to her house. grain and offered it to Varniraj. The grain was So what is to be learnt from this incident is old, rotten and dusty. that we have to be very alert in our life. If we Varniraj looked at the old woman. But she are not alert and we do not remain alert, we was careless. Varniraj told her that he wanted will not come to know at what time Bhagwan some ready meals, as Thaal is to be offered to will come to us and then go away. We have to Shalingaram Bhagwan. But the old woman did grab the opportunity by remaining awakened. not pay attention to it. Varniraj asked for some • flour so that he could make Bati from the flour BHAGWAN ALWAYS PROTECTS and offer it to Shalingaram. But even that was - Sadhu Shrirangdas (Gandhinagar) not heard by the old woman. Everybody knows that Bhagwan Shree But this old woman did not know that Swaminarayan got constructed nine great today Bhagwan had come to her place and temples. Among these, the first temple of the that too for offering something and not to take world is Shree Swaminarayan temple, anything. When Bhagwan decides to give Kalupur, Ahmedabad. And the last temple is something, then it is certainly given. Bhagwan temple of Shree Gopinathji in Gadhpur. There does not think about the nature and behaviour were so many miracles when the construction of such person. work of these temples was going on. Even Therefore, Varniraj chewed some grains great difficulties were being faced by the and the remaining were spilled over the floor in saints and devotees and Haribhaktas. Let us the verandah. Immediately, the birds came know about one such incident and how there and started relishing the grains. Laxmiji Shreeji Maharaj helped. is power of Bhagwan. Laxmiji renders her The work of construction of temple of ardent services to Bhagwan and therefore Shree Gopinathji was going on in Gadhpur. there is wealth in the house of the devotee who One big stone was being lifted with the help of is blessed by Bhagwan. the ropes. The workers were pulling the rope Here Varniraj had come to offer to lift the stone. In the middle of it, the rope everything to the devotee but old woman could started getting loose and all were frightened. not understand it. So Varniraj went to the well Now either the rope would be broken or the of the village, offered water to Shalingaram Con. from page 22...... DECEMBER-2013 • 23 FROM THE BLESSINGS OF H.H. SHRI GADIWALA ‘WE ARE PASSENGERS OF TWO DAYS’ - Compiled by Kotak Varsha Natvarlal- Ghodasar

Why have we come to this earth? Just BHAKTI-SUDHA to eat and enjoy life? Is it the only thing or purpose of this human body which is given which result into break or gap in social by Bhagwan to us? ‘No’. Then all the living relations. And this leaves a man alone in beings are the creation of Bhagwan and his life and he faces many difficulties. therefore all of us should live in co- When his mind is also exhausted and operation with one another. Nature of all of tired, he is not able to perform Bhakti. us different from one another and therefore Now what is the solution of all this. if we learn to live with helping nature, we The solution is to keep everything in due will get real peace. Demerits of others are proportion with fine balance. We should seen by all immediately and apparently lead a life wherein we should be helping which creates prejudice towards such others. We should make efforts to remove persons. all type of selfishness in our relations. We How do we behave when we visit any s h o u l d b e v e r y h u m b l e a n d of our relatives for two days as guests? We straightforward. And should look at life respect others and live with all discipline positively. This will resolve most of the and good manners. In the same way we problems. And more importantly, we have to think that we are on this earth for should remain stable in all conditions and two days; in fact we are like passengers. To circumstances in our life. During happy as lead a life with discipline is real Bhakti. We well as hard times. should always be ready to help others and There was one king. He was religious sense of benevolence should be and he used to respect and honour the developed and cherished in our mind. We saints. Being pleased with his ardent should be happiness in the happiness of services, one saint offered him a small box others, and we should share the worries containing two chits whereupon it was and difficulties of others. Upto 40 years, a written ‘No.1 for happy times’ ‘No.2 for man keeps on adding to his life. During the unhappy times’. The saint told the king first 25 years, he acquires knowledge that, he should open Chit No.2 during his through information and learning. Then he unhappy times and read it and should try earns money through service or business. to live his life accordingly and that he Then he gets married and wife and children should open Chit No.1 during his happy are added to his life. From 40 to 50 years times and read it and should try to live his there is multiplication of whatever is earned life accordingly. and obtained. And between 50 and 60 After some time, the enemy attacked years, there is subtraction. It begins with the kingdom of the king and in the battle, distribution of ancestral property and the king was defeated. He became very wealth. Children start living separately and unhappy. At that time he reminded of the independently the moment they get small box given by the saint to him. The married. This is also a kind of subtraction. king opened the Chit No.2 and found And after 60 years there is division. With something written on it. It was written, old age approaching, relations are not “This time will also go away.” at this the maintained due to health related problems DECEMBER-2013 • 24 king felt good and at ease. After some time, devotees so that this pious Nishkam the king wins the battle and regains his is not broken by anybody knowingly or kingdom. Now he is happy. He again unknowingly. Shree Hari was very strict in reminds himself of the small box given by strict observance of this Nishkam Vrata. the saint. Now the king opens the Chit No.1 During his time Valbai and Harbai, two and finds something written on it. It was ladies were removed from Sampradaya written, “This time will also go away.” Now and thereby observance of Nishkam Vrata the king tried to understand the message was insisted upon. Shree Hari has also behind this one line. He understood the given directions for observance of implications and learnt the lesson of life. Brahmcharya Vrata. Sadhu Purushas and • Tyagi ladies devotees are prohibited to OBSERVANCE OF NISHKAM VRATA enter each other’s premises. - Sankhya Yogi Kokilaba Shree Hari has also given the (Surendranagar) directions in the pious ‘ Patri’ in this Adi Shankaracharya has stated that, regard. Even has ‘Character is the best and the most stated that, “With Character, one gets precious ornament in this world.’ Character sharp mind and intellect but one does not is the real wealth of a human being. Life get Character with sharp mind and without character is like an -stick intellect.” A little bit of fault and a spot in without any fragrance. The person with character ruins the whole life and credit of loose character are like feeble plant, which any person. The man also looses its fame gets swayed away against the heavy wind. and trust of the people. With Character, one Any Sampradaya-sect of the world would also develops his personality. In order to exist and survive on the basis of its strong progress on the path of Dharma-Gyan, base of Character otherwise it would be Vairagya and Bhakti, one must observe relegated to an incident in the history. Nishkam Vrata and there is no any Observance of Nishkam Vrat is absolutely alternative to it. necessary for any person, family, In this present time, there is television organization or Sampradaya. in every house and certain types of Nishkam means to get rid of all desires programmes mislead the people, and wishes. To abandon feeble feelings especially youngsters. Now it is a critical and attractions. Compared to other time when Western culture is attacking our Sampradayas and sects, Bhagwan Shree culture. People get swayed away by the Swaminarayan has more insisted upon advertisements and programmes being scrupulous observance of Nishkam Vrata telecast in television and many of them also and has also ensured its strict try to copy them in their life and therefore implementation. Accordingly, all the we find many undesirable events being arrangements have been made in our reported by the newspapers and news Sampradaya, Sabha of ladies devotees are channels. It is in such a situation and organized and conducted separately. scenario that, observance of Nishkam Bhagwan also gave directions and got Vrata has become absolutely necessary. constructed separate temples for ladies Because if this is not ensured at the devotees. In the temples with domes, earliest, it would be too late and the new there are separate arrangements for divine generation would be after obtaining Artha Darshan of the idol images. Even during and Kaam only, and they would by away utsav and Mahotsav, there are separate from Dharma and Moksha which are the sitting arrangements for the ladies first and final destinations of human life. DECEMBER-2013 • 25 Therefore, it is absolutely necessary understood that this devotee had for all of us to follow the directions of developed excessive affection towards Bhagwan Shree Swaminaryan and to Haveli. Therefore, he asked the devotee to observe this Nishkam Vrata, as it is stay with him for some time and thereafter prescribed in our scriptures likes the pious all the saints would come to his Haveli and ‘Shiksha Patri’ and Vachanamrit’. huge Samaiyo would be performed and • Shreeji Maharaj would also be invited. The SANTANKI SOBAT devotee Sadashivbhai could not stay and - Patel Labhuben Manubhai (Kundal, stayed there for some days with the saints. Tal. Kadi) During his stay, Sadguru Shree “Mkk[k MktíkÚke MkrhøkÞkt, fIf SðkuLkk fks, Gopalanand Swami started teaching of Sankhya Yoga. The devotee was very yuðkt MktíkLku Mkuððk, yðMkh ykrðÞku Au yks. much happy in the pious company of the òu {LkkÞ íkku {Lku {kLkòu, Au yrík yÚkoLke ðkík, saints. rLk»fw¤kLktË Lk¬e fnu, Mkw¾ ÚkðkLke yu MkkûkkíkT.” After some days a letter came from Khambhat which Sadguru Shree With company of a real saint, all our Gopalanand Swami read and kept with weaknesses such as anger etc. are him. The next day Sadguru Shree removed. In Khambhat one devotee Shri Gopalanand Swami asked the devotee Sadashivbhai was residing. He was an whether he would be unhappy if he ardent devotee of Bhagwan Shree happens to hear that his Haveli is burnt to Swaminarayan and there were all ashes. The devotee Shri Sadashivbhai told blessings of Shree Hari upon the devotee. Shree Gopalanand Swami that, since he He was rich and happy and was well-known had understood the importance and reality for his wealth. With due care and all hard about the worldly things and wealth through work and efforts, the devotee had got Sankhya Yoga he would not be unhappy prepared one beautiful Haveli for himself. with such news. Immediately, Swamiji The work of construction of Haveli handed over the letter to him received from continued for many months and the Khambhat. The devotee read the letter devotee himself was monitoring its and was undisturbed by it. He said to Shree construction work at every stage. He had Gopalanand Swami that, if he would not spent much money. When Haveli was have stayed there with the saints and if he ready, he went to Sadguru Shree would not have learnt the lessons of Gopalanand Swami and invited all the Sankhya Yoga, his life would have been saints to grace his new Haveli. perhaps the most unhappy person in his Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swami life. Con. on page 19 stone would drop from the above and people they take risk and did something which was would be crushed under it. It was not possible reckless and risky. Then Maharaj showed them either to pull the rope not to loose it. His wet clothes and informed them that he had At that time asked all to make great efforts to place the stone at its the workers to pull the rope and to have faith in place. Then Maharaj asked all of them not to Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. With great take such risks again. efforts and courage of all, the stone was placed Devotees! Bhagwan is omniscient and at its appropriate place. When Maharaj heard omnipresent and also omnipotent. Just as great about the incident, called all the saints and devotee Prahalad was protected by Bhagwan, devotees and workers and asked them why did He would also protect all of us. Because Bhagwan always protects.. DECEMBER-2013 • 26 Grand Celebration of Utsav of Dipotsavi in News And Notes Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad In the pious presence of Shri Narnarayandev From Shri and the whole Dharmkul, Utsav of Dipotsavi were celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. Narnarayandev Desh Kali Chaudas: On the pious day of Kali Govindbhai Vadilal Kachhia and trustees had Chaudas, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj performed performed poojan-aarti and obtained the blessings of Poojan-aarti of Shree Kastbhanjandev in the H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj. At last H.H. Shri Acharya evening at 5.30 hours in our Shree Swaminarayan Maharaj had blessed all the devotees. temple, Ahmedabad. Poojari Parshad Babu Bhagat (Kothari, Balasinor) and Mahadev Bhagat had offered beautiful Annakut. rd Diwali:On the pious day of Deepawali, Group 3 Varshik Patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan Sharda Poojan (Chopda Poojan) was performed by temple, Mubarakpur H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj in the historical Sabha With the blessings of Shree Narnarayandev and with the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Mandap of our Shree Swaminarayan temple, rd Ahmedabad in the evening from 6.00 to 8.00 hours Acharya 1008 Shri KoshalendraprasadjiMaharaj, 3 whose benefit was availed by many devotees even Varshik Patotsav and Shakotsav of Shree in this age of Computers so that ethics and honesty Swaminarayan temple, Mubarakpur were celebrated in business leading to prosperity and happiness in with great fervour and enthusiasm on 21/11/2013. business and life are maintained. Our Future Achayra 108 Shri Vrajendraprasadji New Year : Early in the morning at 5.00 hours Maharaj performed Annakut aarti and divine on the pious new year Kartak Sud-1 Vikram Samvat Shakotsav whose benefit was availed by many 2070, Mangala aarti of Shree Narnarayandev was devotees and Haribhaktas. The whole arrangement performed by H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj. At 6.30 hours was made by Sadguru Mahant Swami Shangaar Aarti was performed by H.H. Shri Acharya Devprakashdasjia and Sadguru Shastri Nana P.P. Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj. In the sabha Swami (Mahant of Naranghat). Akshari Nivasi organized on the occasion, Gor Shri Kamleshbhai Bakorbhai Trikambhai Patel family and Akshar had read over the Vartaro (predictions) of the whole Nivasi Aadarbhai Motibhai Patel family had rendered new Year. At 12.00 hours in the noon Chhapan the services as the hosts of this divine occasion. Annakut aarti was performed by 6th, 7th and 8th Form (Shastri Swami Chaitanyaswaroopdasji) of Shree Hari whose benefit was availed by Shree Swaminarayan temple, Vasna (Anjali thousands of devotees and Haribhaktas. Cross Road) Ahmedabad Under the guidance of Sadguru Mahant Shastri H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj 1008 Shri Swami Harikrishnadasji and Kothari Parshad Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj graced our Shree D i g a m b a r B h a g a t , B r a h m c h a r i S w a m i Swaminarayan temple, Vasna, on 06/11/2013 while Rajeshwaranandji, J.K. Swami, Yogi Swami, Bhakti, gracing the house of the devotee Shri Rajeshkumar Swami, Natu Swami, Ram Swami and Parshad Lalitkumar Thakkar on the occasion of marriage Mandal had rendered their various types of beautiful ceremony of Shri Mehul (son of the devotee services. Saints had also rendered beautiful Rajeshkumar). H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj services for distribution of Prasad of Annakut. performed aarti of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj and (Shastri Swami Narayanmunidas) Shree Narnarayandev in inner temple. Khat Muhurt of Shree Swaminarayan temple Satsangbhusan Swami and Haribhaktas performed (ladies) at Balasinor aarti and swagat of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj with garlands. At last H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj blessed I n B a l a s i n o r S a d g u r u S h r e e all the devotees. Devotee Shri Arvindbhai Thakkar Mahanubhavanand Swami had got constructed one delivered the vote of thanks. From the temple H.H. temple for our Haribhaktas. Our temple (ladies) Shri Acharya Maharaj graced the house of the adjoining this temple was in dilapidated condition. devotee Shri Rajubhai. (Arvindbhai Thakkar) Hence for construction of the new temple at the place, ritual of Khat Muhurt was performed on Shree Swaminarayan temple, Modasa 08/11/2013 by H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj. With the Grand Tulsi Vivah was celebrated by the directions of H.H Shri Acharya Maharaj, Sadguru devotees and Haribhaktas on 13/11/2013 inour Mahant Shastri Swami Atmaprakashdasji and Shree Swaminaryan temple, Modasa. Shastri P.P. Swami (Jetalpur) the work of the temple (K.B.) has started. New House-temple in Thaltej Area The host of the ritual of Khat Muhurt, devotee With a view that many devotees and Shri Dhirajlal Chunilal Kachhia, co-host devotee Shri Haribhaktas residing in Thaltej area of Ahmedabad DECEMBER-2013 • 27 may get the benefit of divine Darshan, with the occasion. (Shastri Swami Abhishekprasaddas, directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 Vadnagar) Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj and with the Tulsi Vivah in Shree Swaminarayan temple, guidance and inspiration of Sadguru Shastri P.P. Naranpura Swami (Mahant of Naranghat), at the residence of With the blessings of Bhagwan Shree devotee Shri Kantibhai Naranbhai Patel (ram) Swaminarayan and with the directions and blessings situated at 2, Shangrilla Bungalows, Hebatpur Cross of H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Road, near Shell Petrol Pump, 100 ft. road, Thaltej, Maharaj and with the inspiration of Dada Guru of Ahmedabad, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj performed Mahant Swami of the temple and also with the aarti of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan in the house inspiration of Shastri Swami Madhavprasaddasji and and opened the house-temple for divine Darshan of Mahant Shastri Swami Hariom Swami, grand Tulsi the devotees. On this occasion, Katha-Varta, Kirtan- Vivah was celebrated on the pious day of Kartak Sud- Bhakti etc. were performed by the saints and 15 Dev-Diwali. Haribhaktas. Thereafter, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj The devotee Shri Ghanshyambhai Shakrabhai blessed the whole Sabha. Arrangement of Prasad Patel (Uvarsadwala) had rendered the services as was also made. (Dhanvantbhai Patel) the host of the bridegroom and grand Varghodo of Shrimad Satsangijivan Parayan at village Vavol Bhagwan at 3.00 hours in the noon which reached at With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri the temple amongst Dhoon--Kirtan. The Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj devotee Shri Jitenbhai Vrajlal Vaghasiya family had and with the pleasure of H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and rendered the services as the host of the bride. And H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj and with the inspiration and devotee Shri Bholabhai Joitaram Patel (Itadarawala) g u i d a n c e o f M a h a n t S h a s t r i S w a m i had rendered the services as the host of the maternal Narayavallabhdasji of Vadnagar temple and with the uncle of bride. blessings of Sankhya Yogi Surajba and Sankhya At 6.30 hours in the evening H.H. Shri Mota Yogi Zaverba, ‘Shrimad Satsangijivan Panchanh Maharaj graced the occasion and all saints and Parayan’ was organized from 06/11/2013 to Haribhaktas performed grand Samaiyu. Amongst the 10/11/2013 by Mahila Mandal, Vavol. Saint Shastri saints, Sadguru Swami Jagatprakashdasji Swami Swami Yagnaprakashdasji Guru Mahant Shastri and Vivek Swami (Nathdwara) had delivered their Swami Guruprasaddasji was the spokesperson of inspirational speeches. At last H.H. Shri Mota the Parayan. On this occasion grand Pothiyatra was Maharaj blessed all the devotees. Devotees Shri also organized. On the first day Mahant Shastri G h a n s h y a m b h a i a n d N a t u b h a u ( F u v a ) Swami Narayavallabhdasji of Vadnagar temple and (Karjisanwala) had rendered their beautiful services Mahant Swami Guruprasaddasji of Kankaria temple on this occasion. The Sabha was conducted by and Kothari Shastri Swami Vishwaprakashdasji of Swami Premswaroopdas. Mukund Swami, Dev Vadnagar temple had delivered their inspirational Swami and Muktaswaroop Swami had rendered their speeches and had initiated the Katha. beautiful services. (Vishal Bhagat, Naranpura) H.H Shri Mota Gadiwala graced this occasion Satsang Sabha in Sola-Chandlodiya on 08/11/2013. and on 09/11/2013 H.H. Shri With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Laxmiswaroop Gadiwala graced the occasion and Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj blessed the ladies devotes of Mahila Mandal of and the whole Dharmkul, grand Annakut Darshan Sankhya Yogi Surajba and Sankhya Yogi Zaverba and Satsang Sabha were organized on the pious day On 10/11/2013, grand Shobha Yatra of H.H. of Dev-Diwali by Shree Narnarayandev Shri Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal (Sola-Chandlodia Maharaj was organized, and large number of area) at Ganesh Park Complex Vibhag-1, near Gokul devotees and Haribhaktas availed the benefit of Dairy, R.C. Technical road, Sola. The Sabha was divine Darshan. Thereafter, H.H. Shri Acharya graced by H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and had Maharaj performed the concluding ritual of Katha. performed Annakut Aarti. Mahant Shastri P.P. All Haribhaktas of Vavol village performed poojan- Swami of Naranghat temple, Chaitanya Swami, aarti and obtained the blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya Madhav Swami had narrated beautiful Katha-Varta Maharaj on this occasion. Mahant Sadguru Shastri on this occasion. Swami Harirkrishnadasji of Ahmedabad temple and On every Sunday and every Agiyaras, Satsang Shastri Swami Vishwaprakashdasji and Shastgri Sabha and Katha-Varta are performed at the Swami Ghanshyamprakashdasji had delivered their abovementioned address whose benefit may be inspiration speeches. The Sabha was conducted by availed by the devotees. Contact : Ramesh Patel: Vishwaprakashdasji (Vadnagar). The young 9586422601. devotees of Shree Narnaryandev Yuvak Mandal had rendered their beautiful services on this divine DECEMBER-2013 • 28 MULI DESH this way, Shree Narnarayandev performed miracle in Invocation of idol images in Shree Canada. (Rashesh D. Bhagat) Swaminarayan temple, Karol (Tal. Limbdi) Shree Swaminarayan temple, Chicago With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj ritual of invocation of the idol images in Shree and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and H.H. Shri Lalji Swaminarayan temple, Karol was performed with Maharaj and with the inspiration of J.P. Swami, great fervour and enthusiasm. When H.H. Shri Shastri Swami Vishwaviharidasji and Pooojari Acharya Maharaj arrived on the occasion, grand Shantiprakashdasji, all the utsavs are being Shobhayatra was organized. Thereafter ritual of the celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in the invocation of the idol image of Thakorji in inner temple. temple and concluding ritual of Yagna were During the Dipotsavi festivals, poojan-archan of performed. Thereafter, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj Shree Hanumanji Maharaj and Shree Maruti Yagna graced the sabha wherein the host devotees were performed on the pious day of Kali Chaudas. performed poojan-archan and obtained the Devotee Shri Hiteshbhai and Binduben Patel had blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj. Saints of rendered the services as the hosts of this divine Ahmedabad and Muli temple delivered their occasion. In the evening Path of Sundar Kand were inspirational speeches. youngsters of the also performed with devotee Nendas Naranbhai area took vow in front of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj Patel (Nanudada) family as hosts. to abandon all types of addictions. At last H.H Shri Beautiful and divine Shangar of New Year were Acharya Maharaj blessed the sabha. The whole offered to deities by the Poojari and many devotees arrangement was made by Mahant Sadhu had availed the benefit of divine Darshan. In the Bhaktvatsaldas of Limbdi. Devotee Narendrabhai afternoon from 12.00 to 4.00 Chhapanbhog Annakut Soni and other Haribhaktas rendered their beautiful was offered to the deities and the devotees had services on this occasion. thronged together to perform divine Darshan. The (Sadhu Vandanprakasdas) devotee Shri Hiteshbhai and Bindiyaben Patadiya Katha Parayan at Morbi family had rendered the services as the hosts of the With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Annakut. In the Sabha organized on the occasion Acharya Maharaj and H.H. Shri Gadiwala, Shrimad Poojari Shanti Swami blessed all the devotees for Satsangijivan Panchanh Parayan was organized at the new year. The devotee and President Shri Morbi from08/11/2013 to 12/11/2013 wherein Jagdishbhai had read over the blessings o the whole devotee Shri Nitaben Bachubhai family had Dharmkul. rendered the services as the host of the Parayan. On 16th November 2013, beautiful Tulsi Vivah Sadhu Dharmjivandas Guru Swami Bhaktiharijdasji w a s o r g a n i z e d . W h e r e i n d e v o t e e S h r i was the spokesperson of the Katha on this occasion Aakankshaben and Shri Vivekbhai Brahmbhatt and Mahila Satsang Sabha was organized by Mahila the devotee Shri Rupaben and Shri Lavbhai Desai Mandal wherein Sankhya Yogi Kokilaba disciple of rendered the services as the host of the bridegroom. Sankhya Yogi Kamlaba (Surendranagar) had Whereas the devotee Shri Nisaben and Shri explained the importance of Nistha, Agya, Shree Mitulbhai Rao and Smt. Shitalben and Shri Narnarayandev and Dharmkul. Many ladies Hemalbhai Rao rendered the services as the host of devotees had availed the benefit of this Katha. the bride. With the blessings of the whole Dharmkul, (Hinaben Vitthalapara) satsang is getting nourished and strengthened in this OVERSEAS SATSANG NEWS area. (Vasant Trivedi) Miracle of Shree Narnarayandev in Canada Dipotsavi Utsav in Shree Swaminarayan temple, Devotee Shri Dineshbhai Bhagat of Atlanta (Georgia) Ahmedabad is ardent devotee of Shree With the blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 Narnarayandev. Recently he visited his son Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, H.H. Shri Mota Rashesh’s residence in Canada. Both father and son Maharaj and H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj, Dipotsavi Utsav went for interview to obtain Visa of America. In the was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in office, devotee Rasheshbhai went to the library to our Shree Swaminarayan temple, Atlanta. pass the time and suddenly his jacket was found On the pious day of Kali Chaudas, Mahant missing. He informed the incident to his father and Swami Satyaswaroopdas had narrated beautiful Dineshbhai Bhagat suggested him to keep Badha of Sundar Kand and also performed poojan-archan- Shree Narnarayandev because Shree aarti of Shree Hanumanji. On the pious day of Narnarayandev is very merciful and benevolent Dipawali beautiful Vagha were offered to Thakorji. towards all devotees and Haribhaktas. With the Thereafter Sharada Poojan, Chopda-poojan etc. of the deity, the thief was caught by the were performed. On the pious day of New Year, police and jacket was returned to Rasheshbhai. In throne of Shree Narnarayandev was decorated with DECEMBER-2013 • 29 beautiful lights by Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak on cell phone and similarly H.H. Shri Mota Gadiwala Mandal. Sweets of 161 types were prepared and also blessed all the ladies devotees on cell phone. offered to Shree Narnarayandev on the pious day of Bhajan-Kirtan etc. were also performed in the temple New Year. Devotee Shri Daksheshbhai Patel read on this divine occasion. (Kiran Bhavsar) over the letter of blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya Shree Swaminarayan temple, Hyustan, America Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj. All the With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri devotees had availed the benefit of divine Darshan Acharya Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, grand with their families. With the blessings of H.H. Shri Annakut was offered to Thakorji in our Shree Acharya Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, Swaminarayan temple, Hyustan. activity of Satsang is going on very well. From 14/11/2013 to 16/11/2013, grand Tulsi (President Daksheshbhai Patel) Vivah was also organized wherein Raas-Garba, Shree Swaminarayan temple, Leicester (U.K.) Satsak Samarambh, Mameru and Varghodo etc. With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri were organized. Services of the young devotees was Acharya Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, on the very inspirational on this occasion. With the pious day of Kali Chaudas on 02/11/2013, poojan- blessings of Dharmkul, activity of Satsang is going on aarti of Shree Hanumanji Maharaj was performed in well. (Rameshbhai Patel) our Shree Swaminarayan temple, Leicester. I.S.S.O. Piyoria Chapter Devotee Shri Harishbhai Govindbhai Patel was With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri rendered the services as the host of this divine Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, occasion. On 03/11/2013, many devotees availed Satsang Sabha is organized on every Sunday in the benefit of Chopda Poojan on the pious day of I.S.S.O. Peeoria Chapter. In Satsang Sabha Diwali. On 04/11/2013, many devotees performed organized on 13th October 2013, 41st Janmotsav of the divine Darshan of Thakorji from 6.00 hours in the H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj was also celebrated with morning till 7.30 hours in the evening on New Year great fervour and enthusiasm. On the same day Day. From 12.00 to 4.00 hours grand Annakut was I.S.S.O. Establishment Day was also celebrated. offered to Thakorji. Devotee Shri Mavjibhai Tank Here, Satsang Sabha is organized regularly on every rendered the services as the chief host of grand Sunday in the evening from 6.00 to 8.00 hours whose Annakut. In the Sabha, letter of blessings of H.H. Shri benefit is being availed by the youngsters and other Acharya Maharaj and Mahant Swami was read over. H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj blessed all the Haribhaktas devotees and Haribhaktas. (Ramesh T. Patel) AKSHARVAAS Ahmedabad – Devotee Shri Kantilalbhai Joitarambhai Patel (Ghanshyam Construction Co.) (Vihar) (ardent devotee of Shree Narnararyandev and Dharmkul) passed away to Akshardham on 31-10-2013 while chanting the name of Shree Hari. Due to physical weakness the devotee used to come to temple for divine Darshan of Dhaja (flag) of the temple even upto the last day. Aksharvaas of the devotee has created great loss to Satsang of Shree Narnarayandev Desh. Unava (Balva)- Devotee Shri Lalitaben Jasubhai Patel passed away to Divine Abode of God on 17/10/2013 while chanting the name of Shreeji Maharaj. Dediyasan (Tal. Viramgam) - Devotee Subhadraben (wife of devotee Shri Bhikhabhai Danubhai Mori) passed away to Akshardham on 08/10/2013 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Vavol (Dist. Gandhinagar) - Devotee Shri Ishwarbhai Vitthalbhai passed away to Akshardham on 03/11/2013 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Veda Govindpura - Devotee Somaji Thakor (father of the devotee Shri Laxmanji Thakor) passed away to Akshardham on 04/11/2013 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Sankapur (Tal. Vijapur) - Devotee Sankuben Tribhovandas Patel (mother of devotee Shri Rameshbhai Patel (secretary of our Hyustan temple) and devotee Shri Bhagwanbhai) passed away to Akshardham on 31/10/2013 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Even upto the last days, the devotee used to prepare and offer Thakorji in our Sankapura temple and used to inspire all ladies devotees for temple in house of Mahamuukta Vajuba in Vijapur. Aksharvaas of the devotee has created great loss to Satsang of ladies devotees. Havana (America) : Devotee Rameshchandra Parikh (father of devotee Harishbhai) (age 84 years) passed away to Akshardham on 06/11/2013.

Editor, Printer and Publisher : Mahant Shastri Swami Harikrishnadasji for Shree Swaminarayan Temple Kalupur, Ahmedabad. Printed at Shree Swaminarayan Printing press, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur, Ahmedabad () Pin-380 001 and Published at and for Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur, Ahmedabad (GUJARAT) Pin-380 001. DECEMBER-2013 • 30