Vol : 5 No : 55 November-2011

01. EDITORIAL 02

02. APPOINTMENT DIARY OF 03 H.H. MAHARAJSHRI

03. SHIKSHAPATR 04

04. PRANAYAM 06

05. DARSHAN OF KADLA OF SUVASINIBHABHI 07

06. NUTAN VARSHABHINANDAN 08

07. SHREE MUSEUM 09

08. CELEBRATION OF 39TH PRAKATYOTSAV OF 15 H.H. SHRI ACHARYA MAHARAJ IN MULIDHAM

09. WAVE OF PLEASURE 16

10. SATSANG BALVATIKA 17

11. -SUDHA 19

12. NEWS 21 Jay Shree Swaminarayan to all the readers of ‘Shree Swaminarayan’ monthly magazine on the pious occasion of New Year. Every year and New Year come in our life. We exchange ardent love, affection, enthusiasm, inner joy, faith with one another. We forget previous bitter experiences and incidents and refresh our selves. If we talk about the spiritual life, we should just think how did we live the previous life? How much worship and Bhakti were performed by us? How many directions of the pious ‘Shiksha Patri’ were scrupulously obeyed by us? We should just see to what extent our faith in Dev and Acharya got increased during the year. We should also verify whether we took out 1/10th or 1/20 th part of our earning for offering to Dev and Acharya. Thus, we should make self-assessment of our own life. Only we become older, we realize that, much of our childhood and youth were simply wasted in frivolous things. Therefore, it is the time for the youth to awake and to prepare themselves to achieve the goal of their life. We should make our life so beautiful that, it becomes a source of inspiration for others. Our Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal is completing 25 years in the year 2013. So let us prepare ourselves to celebrate Shree Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav in the pious company of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharj and H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj.

NOVEMBER-2011 • 02 (October-2011) 3. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Ramnikbhai Bhikhabhai Sardhara, Bapunagar on the occasion of Mahapooja. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Vinodbhai Vishnubhai Patel, Mansa, on the occasion of inauguration of Milk Dairy. 4. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Sureshbhai Vitthalbhai patel, Sector- 12, Gandhinagar. Graced the house of the devotee Kantibhai Patel, Gandhinagar. 5. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Kantibhai Davalbhai patel, Kankaria. Graced Mulidham at night. 6. Celebrated 39t h Prakatyotsav in the pious company of Shri Radhakrishnadev Harikrishna Maharaj, Mulidham and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj and thousands of saints and Haribhaktas. 6 to 24 Pilgrimage to Australia and New Zealand. 25. Graced Jiragdh (Halar Muli Desh) on the occasion of Patotsav of Rokadia Hanumanji Maharaj. At night performed poojan-aarti of Shree Hanumanji Maharaj in Ahmedabad temple. 26. Performed Group Sharda Poojan in Vedic tradition in the pious company of Shree Narnarayandev in Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad. 27. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad to perform Mangal, Shangaar and Annakut Aarti of Shree Narnarayandev on the pious new year day and granted happiness of divine Darshan to the Haribhaktas. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Vasantbhai Tribhovandas Tank, Paldi. 28. Graced the house of the devotee Shri Ishwarbhai Gangarambhai Patel, Thaltej, on the occasion of Mahapooja. 31. Graced Shree Swaminarayan temple, Kankaria on the occasion of Patotsav of Shree Balswaroop Kastbhanjandev.

For 24 hour live Darshan of Shree Narnarayandev www.swaminarayan.info www.swaminarayan.in Aarti Darshan (Indian Standard time) _ Mangala Aarti : 5.30 hours Shangaar Aarti : 8.05 hours Rajbhog Aarti : 10.10 hours Sandhya Aarti : 18.15 hours Sayan Aarti : 20.30 hours

NOVEMBER-2011 • 03 approach a Sadhu for a detailed Vidhi . They will be able to show you in detail exactly how Pooja is to be performed. Pooja can be as detailed as you want to make it. Many reject performing Pooja because they feel it takes up too much time. This however, is inappropriate as to start with one may perform two or three Japa Malas and a few Shlokas . Text 54 This can be done in about five to ten Then they shall, with due respect, bow minutes and so will not be in any way time down before the images of Shree consuming. What I’m trying to get at is that and recite the eight we should do something everyday, syllabled holy Mantra of Shree Krishna however little. The benefits are there and it according to their capacity and then is our duty to take out a little time in the day attend to there daily routines. for worship of God. God continues to give After Maansi Pooja one should perform endlessly to us- should we not repay this Bahya Poojan of their Ishtadev – Shree huge debt that we owe? Radha-Krishna’a idol given to them by their Although Pooja Vidhi is different for Guru/Acharya. Poojan inclusive of different people (i.e. Brahmins should Shastang Namaskar is to be performed, perform a fire-sacrifice during Pooja ), there where eight parts of the body are is somewhat a common format which can surrendered to the Lord: be followed by most and is as follows: Paadbhyam Karabhyam Firstly there is a need for cleanliness and Janubhyamuraa Shirsa Dasha | purity before performing Pooja : Devam Maanasa Vaachasa Cheti Bhutva DEvam Yajeta – those performing Praramoashtanga Iritaha || Deva Pooja should themselves become ‘Surrender of one’s legs (Paadbhyam), Deva-like and so bathing is required for hands (Karabhyam), knees (Janubhyam), purity of the external body and Achaman for chest (Murasa), head (Shirasa), sight purity of the inner body as already (Dasha), mind (Manasa) and speech described. Tilak-Chandlo should then be (Vachasa) is called Shastang Namaskar.’ marked. One should perform Poojan depending After which the mind is to be purified by upon the type of one is worshipping, concentrating it upon the Lord. Only after as taught by . One should then the body and mind are pure, can we begin perform Shree Krishna Ashtakshar Mantra to perform Pooja. Note that those who Japa (eight- syllabled) or alternatively perform Pooja must observe the Sharana Mantra Japa. Panchrataman of refraining from alcohol, Only after this, should you go about meat, thieving, adultery and refraining from your daily routines of going to work etc. those food and drink which are Pooja Vidhi is different for different types of unacceptable (one should not offer such people and therefore one is advised to foods and drinks to others also). Only then

NOVEMBER-2011 • 04 can the Pooja derive the desired fruits. conclude the Pooja : Before Pooja we should chant the Svasthanam Gacha Devesha ‘Avachana Mantra’ in order to invoke the Pujamadaya Mamakim | Lord: Istakama Prasadiyartham Ootishta Ootishta Hey Punaragamanaiya Cha || Swaminarayana Prabho | Atmesha Parameshwar Visarjayami Dharmasuno Dayasindho Svesham Hrudi Me | Shreyaha Param Kuru || Swaminarayana Prabho Sada Vastu Agacha Bhagwan Deva Svasthanaat Hrudi Me || Parameshwara | ‘O Lord! After accepting my Pooja may Aham Poojam Karishyami Sada Tvam thee return to thy place of residence. Sanmukho Bhava || Continue to bless me by daily coming to ‘O Lord! O Swaminarayan! O Prabhu ! receive my Pooja. O Swaminarayan! May Awake my Lord. O son of ! O river you reside always within my heart.’ of compassion! Bestow thy favour upon This is simply a rough guideline to how me, your humble servant who has come to Pooja should be performed. One should thee for thy shelter. O Parameshvara! O bear in mind though that it is not what you Bhagwan! O Deva! Who resides within my do or how long your Pooja lasts, but with heart and soul as well as within what devotion you perform Pooja with, Akshardhaam, I ask you to come from such which is of importance. abode and to reside within these before me so that I may perform Pooja of thee.’ Then one should offer flowers, fruits Services for all Domestic Tickets and tickets of Newzeals of etc. to the Lord. H.H. Shri Acharya Maharj and the After which one should perform Mantra saint for their pilgrimage to Japa – both Diksha Mantra and the Australia-Newzealand for this year Ishtanaama Mantra of ‘Swaminarayana’ as have been rendered by : we rotate the Mala, should be performed. • Devotee Shri Preshbhai Finally we should then read a number of Manjibhai Hirani Shlokas from the Shikshapatri and chant • Devotee Smt. Kalpaben Janmangaladi Stotras (108 names of God Priteshbhai Hirani etc.). • Devotee Shri Virlav Then the Pooja should be concluded Priteshbhai Hirani by chanting the following Mantras with • Devitee Shri Vikush hands together: Priteshbhai Hirani All the members of this devotee Aparaadha Sahastrari family availed the benefit of Kriyanteharanisham Maya | rendering services to Dharmkul and Daasoahamiti Mam Matva Kshamasva the saints. It is an humble prayer to Parameshvara || Shree Narnarayandev that, This is the ‘Kshama-Yachna Mantra’ Bhagwan may bless and empower which is asking for forgiveness of mistakes the devotee family for continuous committed in the performance of the Pooja . rendering of such services. Then the ‘Visarjan Mantra’ is chanted to NOVEMBER-2011 • 05 - Sadhu Purushottamprakashda PPRANAYAMRANAYAM (Jetalpurdham)

In answer to the question asked by sides. Uddhavji in connection with ritual of He Uddhav! One should Pranayam, as narrated in Adhyay-14 of concentrate his mind and attention Ekadash-Skanda of Shrimad Bhagwat upon each organ one by one. Should Puran, Bhagwan Shree Krishna has stated concentrate upon my smiling face. in Shloka-32, “First of all, one should Once concentration is achieved, the purify his respiratory system through intellect knows no difference between Purak, Kumbhak and Rechak methods Dravya, Gyan and Kriya. Gradually of Pranayam while sitting on Asana of Asta-siddhis are under the control of reasonable height (neither too high nor such a Sadhak. However, he would not too low). By continuous and regular ask for any siddhi and would always study of Pranayam one gets control remain in the state of Samadhi in My over his inner self, mind and intellect.” Form.’ There are two types of Pranayam: In Vachanamrit-13 of Gadhda Middle Sagarbh and Agarbh. In Sagarbh Chapter, Shreeji Maharaj has narrated the Pranayam, one should chant perform method of performing Dhyan. Similarly in Kumbhak, Purak and Rechak while Vachnamrit-20 and 23 of Gadhda First chanting Omkar. In Agarbh Pranayam, one Chapter , other methods of worship are also performs Kumbhak, Purak and Rechak described in detail. without Omkar. One should chant Omkar Vasudevanandvarni has stated in 37th while inhaling and exhaling. By performing Adhyay of Satsangibhushan Ansh-2 that, Pranayam with Omkar ten days in a day for Shreeji Maharaj was describing the one month, our breathing comes under our method of performing Bhajan to Bhaktas in control and our inner self gets purified and Jetalpur. Thus, Pranayam is eternal. our body becomes healthy. However, the methods described by After the study of one month, one Bhagwan Shree Krishna and Shreeji should start thinking: Heart is like a lotus. Maharaj are easier. There is a tender bud in the centre In Pranayam rhythm of time is very surrounded by eight petals. Inside the bud much important. If one performs Pranayam is the Form of Parmatma. One should in hurry then in stead of purification his concentrate this Form of Parmatma. Nadi gets entangled. One should not ‘He Uddhav! My body is very tender. perform Pranayam while sleeping. One There is serenity on my beautiful face. should not sit without any Asana . If there Smiling face, beautiful clothes would be any break, then the earlier days decorated with various types of should not be counted. The best place to precious and beautiful ornaments. perform Pranayam is an open place under There are blessings pouring from all the the sun where there is fresh air.

NOVEMBER-2011 • 06 la of S han of Kad uvasinibh Dars abhi - Sadhu Purushottamprakashdas (Jetalpurdham) During His own time, Bhagwan Shree been made from K o t h a r o f Swaminarayan invoked and installed the Radhakrishnadev of Mulidham. idol images of Shree Narnarayandev etc. If Suvasinibhabhi would see a cloud in deities by constructing temples at the sky, she would say: “ò hu ðkˤe {q¤e{kt Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Muli, Jetalpur, Vadtal, sELku ðhMksu.” Dholka, Dholera, and Gadhda places. Similarly Sadguru Brahmanand Suvasinibhabhi cherished ardent love Swami, companion of Shreeji Maharaj, got and affection towards Ghanshyam constructed three temples at Vadtal, Maharaj, even more than Bhaktimata. Junagadh and Muli. Similarly she cherished ardent devotion towards Mulidham. So one can After Shreeji Maharaj, the rest of the understand, how dear this place would be work of three domes of the temple at Muli for Ghanshyam Maharaj. was completed by while staying at Muli. Suvasinibhabhi had Before about than 180 years this ardent devotion and faith towards incident of Kadla had taken place. Mulidham and most of her time as also her However, these Kadla were preserved in last time was spent by her in Mulidham treasure of Muli temple. On 06/10/2011 only. pious day of Vijaya-Dashmi , saints and Haribhaktas had the benefit of divine Once Aadi Acharya Shri Darshan of these Kadla . While giving Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj graced consent for celebration of 39th Prakatyotsav Mulidham alongwith Suvasinibhabhi and in Mulidham, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj son on the occasion of Samaiya of Vasant had asked Mahant Swami Panchmi. Since work of the temple was yet Narayanprasaddas that all the saints and incomplete, Aadi Acharya Maharaj Haribhaktas may be granted Darshan of instructed the saints to expedite the work. these divine Kadla and accordingly on the Brahmanand Swami immediately sent a pious day of Vijayadashmi on 06/10/2011, reply that since there was no money in these Kadla of Suvasinibhabhi were placed Kothar of the temple for payment of the for Darshan on the stage. H.H. Shri salary of the masons and other labourers Acharya Maharaj, H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, and therefore the labourers had left. H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj and all the saints Listening to this, Suvasinibhabhi offered and Haribhaktas performed divine Darshan her gold ornaments including Kadla and of these Kadla of Suvasinibhabhi. Those asked Brahmanand Swami to make who participated in this Prakatyotsav, they payment of salary of the labourers. availed this rare benefit of divine Darshan Brahmanand Swami uttered the words of Kadla . that since now Laxmiji is pleased there All of us should always remember that would not be any lack of money in Kothar of Dharmkul has lion’s share in temples of temple of Mulidham. Salary of the Sampradaya . Due to Tyag and Vairagya of labourers was paid from silver coins and Dharmkul, Satsang has developed and Kadla of Suvasinibhabhi were preserved in spread like anything. One should always Kothar of Radhakrishnadev. Since then look at the past. Only the real people lead Kothar of Radhakrishnadev is considered their life while keeping the history in front of to be the richest Kothar in our Sampradaya their eyes. and payments for other temples have also NOVEMBER-2011 • 07 N utan V - Sadhu Ghanshyamprakashdas, arshabhinandan Jamiyatpura (Mahant Swami, Mansa) A tree may fall down, but the land We need to undertake introspection whereupon the tree was standing is not and should find out honestly what is the useless. One needs to cultivate the land truth. We should always remain honest and and one can grow the crops thereon. A tree true to ourselves. We should change the may shed all its pale yellow leaves but direction of our life from the worldly life again in the spring season, new lush green towards the spiritual and religious life. If we leaves come again. During the old age, a succeed in doing this, there would not man may get weakened physically and remain any difference between Tyagi or after some time he may pass away. He Gruhi. All of us need to be spiritually from again takes birth as a young baby. within. And for that there is need of Saint After taking crops from the farm or the Samagam and blessings of Guru. Whether field, one needs to clean the whole field and there is any profit or loss in our spiritual life then only new seeds can be sown. Our life is a matter of concern for all of us. Sadguru is also like the field. Our life is like a boat Shree Gunatitanand Swami has stated sailing on the ocean from the sunrise till that, we should always look back at our sunset. Days and nights pass by and there past deeds and should learn a lesson from comes an end of the year. By celebrating it. various festivals like Holi-Dhuleti, So let us light the lamps of spirituality in Ramnavmi and Janmastmi, by offering our life during the pious days of Deepawali. Pitru-Tarpan during the pious Shraadha Let us celebrate the morning of the new days of Bhadarva Maas, by performing year with blessings of Shree Hari and Saint poojan-archan of the goddess Amba during Samagam and become an ardent devotee the pious festival of Navratri and by of Shree Hari. Poet Kalapi has stated: celebrating the destruction of the demon “{éÞw Au íkku {kýku, Ravana by Bhagwan Shree , we SðLk f[ðkxu þeË ðnku ?” reach at the end of the year and celebrate • the festival of Deepawali . We take stock of “yksLke ½ze hu ÄLÞ yksLke ½ze the Accounts of the previous year and perform poojan-archan of Accounts Books {U LkehÏÞk MknòLktË ÄLÞ yksLke Äze.” of the New New Year. While transforming We should keep on watching this worldly affairs into spirituality, ourselves. We should try to see Shree Hari Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan has stated in our inner self. Where there is Almighty in Vachnamrit 38 of Gadhda First Chapter Lord, Laxmiji would follow, Name and that we should also keep the Accounts Fame would follow. So awake and jump to Books of Satsang in our life and of achieve the goals of the spiritual life and spirituality in our Satsang. Whether we celebrate the New Year with new goals and cherish more love and affection towards achievements. worldly life or towards Almighty Bhagwan? Nutan Varshabhinandan…………….

NOVEMBER-2011 • 08 SHREE SWAMINARAYAN MUSEUM Every devotee who pays visit to our pious Shree Swaminarayan Museum feels eternal peace and tranquillity. This is not something new as many devotees who come, they share the same experience with others. One can see divinity and tranquillity on the faces of the devotees. By performing Abhishek of Shree Narnarayandev, many devotees get their desires and wishes fulfilled. And this evident from the Visitors’ Book kept at the entrance of the Museum. So all of us should hail H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, who granted such a divine gift to Sampradaya. Not only this such great divine persons lead the society through their own action. Everyday H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj performs divine Darshan of Shree Narnarayandev and offers Bhet of Rs.20/- (Entry Fee of Museum). List of devotees who rendered their services under Shree Swaminarayan Museum Maintenance Bhet Yojna

• Rs.51,000/- Sankhyayogi Shantaba Soni • Rs.5,000/- Nagindas Jamnadas Doshi- (Haveli-Kalupur) through devotee Maninagar (He was cured of Cancer Shri Sonalben M. Parmar by performing Maanta of Museum) • Rs.51,000/- Diyaben Prakashbhjai Vekaria, • Rs.5,000/- Ravibhai Naranbhai Patel-Modasa Baldiya- London. • Rs.5,000/- Yashvantbhai Patel • Rs.19,000/- One Haribhakta- Kalol • Rs.5,000/- K.B.Prajapati • Rs.10,000/- Panchratna Jewellers, Ahmedabad • Rs.5,000/- Akshar Nivasi Dushyantbhai • Rs.10,000/- Poonambhai Maganbhai Patel- Vadibhai Thakkar- Ahmedabad Kalol through devotee Mansi • Rs.10,000/- Ghanshyam Engineering Big Silver Dish for performing Abhishek of Shree • Rs.7,100/- Kaushal Corporation Narnarayandev • Rs.5,001/- Labhuben Parshottamdas Patel Akshar Nivasi Natvarlal Maneklal Bhavsar, (Dasbhai- Harshad Colony, Mrudulaben Natvarlal Bhavsar, thorugh devotees Bapunagar) Shri Nareshbhai Bhavsar, REkshaben Bhavsar, • Rs.5,000/- Jagdishbhai K. Darji- Bopal Savan Nareshbhai Bhavsar, Rupal Savan Bhavsar List of Host devotees who availed the benefit of Abhishek of Shree Narnarayandev in Shree Swaminarayan Museum 02/10/2011 devotees- Lavarpur through Kalupur) through devotee Sonalben devotee Parshottamdas K. patel, Palaj Parmar. and Mineshbhai J. Patel 12/10/2011 Mahila Mandal o f S h r e e 04/10/2011 Devotee Shri Manjibhai Shivjibhai Swaminarayan temple, Harshad- Hirani and Vanitaben Manjibhai Hirani, Bapunagar through Poojari Naranpar, Kachchh, (at present Raltiyatma Hyustan, America) 16/10/2011 Satsangi Mahila Mandal, Shree 11/10/2011 With the inspiration of H.H. Shri Swaminarayan temple, Naranpura Laxmiswaroop Gadiwala Sankhyayogi 28/10/2011 Rameshbhai Ambalal Patel, Unava devotee Shantaban Soni (Haveli- (at present Sabarmati)

Note :- Shri Swaminarayan Mahamantra Writing-book would be available free of cost at Shree Swaminarayan Museum. For booking of Mahapooja/Mahabhishek contact : Museum Mobile : 98795 49597 Devotee Shri Parshottambhai (Dasbhai, Bapunagar) : Mobile No. 99250 42686 www.swaminarayanmuseum.org/com email:[email protected] NOVEMBER-2011 • 09 Opinions of visiting Devotees and Haribhaktas I availed the divine benefit of Darshan of Thank you so much for being with us Shree Swaminarayan for the visit of this wonderful museum. It Museum on 15t h was really so interesting and also moving October 2011 in the to see and feel all these memories of Lord pious company of H.H. Swaminarayan. Shri Mota Maharaj, who explained the importance and history of Things of Prasadi in Impressive collection, nice faculties great detail. I felt as if I was moving in and very helpful guides. Akshardham itself!!! Moreover, presence of Shri P.P. Swami and Sadguru Shastri Tremendous efforts of H.H. Shri Mota Nirgunswami added divinity in the atmosphere. Maharaj behind the great and divine Museum Till date, no such divine benefit has come in my are unique. Muljibhai Chaudhary (Balva- life. Today I understood what is the divine America) happiness of Akshardham. Every devotee and Haribhakta must come to perform divine As I don’t reside in Ahmedabad, it was Darshan of this Museum. (Prof. Hitendrabhai very difficult for me to visit this Museum, Patel) though I come to Ahmedabad very often, due to busy schedule of life, I could never Bigger is hear of H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj visit this divine place. But this time due to and Dharmkul than the Museum, who have laid my Mother’s saying I made my mind to visit open the divine treasure which ensures it. Moksha of all the souls of this earth. There is no bound to the mercy of Dharmkul. Things of Prasadi of Shreeji Maharaj, which are beyond Just stepping into the Museum, I could anybody’s imagination, are available for divine feel divine and eternal peace in my mind. Darshan of the whole sampradaya and all the Being into different halls (Dham) I could feel devotees and Haribhaktas. so blessed that I got a chance to visit this. I could feel peace in my mind, I was Many times, the great saints state that, completely relived from my stress and alongwith Bhagwan, Muktas incarnate in worries. I would like to say that all the inanimate objects and render their ardent satsangi and Swayamsevak here are very services to Bhagwan. And therefore all these co-operative. Things of Prasadi are divine. (Asutosh and Maya Barot, Atlanta, America) It is my pleasure and the blessings of Lord Narayandev that I belong to very What a wonderful experience to take in religious family and got a chance to visit a great insight into our Sampradaya. Than this place which relieved one of all the you for displaying al of the different stress & worries. varieties of our Lords used Possessions. We would never would have experienced I step out of this Museum with eternal him if this museum was not here. Also than peace and new way to my life that just you for making us feel welcome throughout believe and have faith, way to your worries our time at the museum. Cannot wait to will be shown by one and only Lord come back again when the main hall is Swaminarayan. (Krupa Prafulkumar completed. Than you once again for the Chauhan- Dubai) wonderful experience. (S.B.)

NOVEMBER-2011 • 10

CCelebrationelebration ooff 3399tthh PPrakatyotsavrakatyotsav ooff HH.H..H. SShrihri AcharyaAcharya MMaharajaharaj iinn MMulidhamulidham - Sadhu Atmprakashdas (Kothari- Mulidham)

39th Prakatyotsav of H.H. Shri Acharya Dhoon was performed. On completion of 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Mahavishnu Yaag, Halari Haribhaktas of Shree Narnarayandev Diocese was performed Raas and sword-play in celebrated with great fervour and Sabha- Mandap and pleased H.H. Shri enthusiasm in Mulidham. In the pious Acharya Maharaj. company of Shree Radhakrishnadev Mahant Swami of Muli, Kalupur, Harikrishna Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Jetalpur etc. saints performed poojan- Maharaj and H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj and aarti with Shodasopchar. in the presence of more than five hundred H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj performed saints and more than five thousands poojan of Kadla of Prasadi of devotees and Haribhaktas, Prakatyotsav Suvasinibhabhi. Thereafter the chief of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj was hosts of Janmotsav devotees Shri celebrated under the guidance of Mahant Haribhai, Tulsibhai, Jivrajbhai of Shreeji Shastri Swami Narayanprasaddasji on Ceremic, Morbi performed poojan. the pious day of Vijayadashmi on Brahmins of Jetalpur Sanskrit Pathshala 06/10/2011. On the occasion of performed Swasti Vachan and sanctified Janmotsav, 39 hour long Akhand Dhoon the whole atmosphere. The devotee Shri of Shree Swaminarayan Mahamantra Prafulbhai Gadhvi conducted the whole was organized. Besides three day Hari- Sabha. Yaag and Group Mahapooja and re- MkðkuoÃkrh ¼økðkLkLkwt fkÞo MkðkuoÃkrhs Au. invocation of the idol images of Shree MkðkuoÃkrhyu çkLkkðu÷ Ä{oðtþ yk[kÞoÃkË MkðkuoÃkrh Au. Hanumanji and Ganpatiji were also Ä{oðtþLku MkðkuoÃkrh Lk {kLku íkuuLku yLku MkðkuoÃkrh performed. ¼økðkLkLku fkuE ÷uðk Ëuðk LkÚke. Enthusiastic Haribhaktas of Muli- Work of Almighty Lord is supreme. Desh had come to the place of Seat of Dharmvanchi Acharya Prakatytosav one day in advance. H.H. established by the Lord is supreme. Shri Acharya Maharaj graced the place in With such noble feelings in their the evening on the previous day. In the hearts, all the saints and devotees early morning on Vijayadashmi, celebrated Janmotsav. H.H. Shri Acharya Mahabhishek of Shree Radhakrishnadev Maharaj also expressed the feelings that Harikrishna Maharaj was performed. devout saints are real and Vairagi saints. Thereafter concluding ritual of Akhand

NOVEMBER-2011 • 15 HOW SWEET BALLS BECAME BIGGER? - Shastri Harijivan Swami (Mahant, Himatnagar temple) Village Vahelal of Prasadi is situated WWAVEAVE OOFF PPLEASURELEASURE on Ahmedabad-Dehgam road. Shreeji Maharaj graced this village for three days and made preparations for onward Maharaj asked the reason for it, the host journey. Meanwhile the leading Haribhakta devotee said, “Maharaj we are the people of the village devotee Shri Jesingbhai of a village. So our food items are thick like came and said to Maharaj, “You cannot go our clothes and our tongue. In the cities like this. More than 18 Patidar families food items are very thin like the clothes and have become devotees recently. There tongue of the urban people.” has been new Satsang in these 18 families “swyku çkku÷e y{kheÞ òze, and I have promised them that Shreeji Maharaj would grace their residence and òzwt ¼kusLk s{eyu Ëkze, accept the meals. They are very much òze Ãkk½ze ÄkuríkÞwt òzwt, pleased with this. And therefore you will íku{ òzk y{khk yu ÷kzw.” have to stop here.” Maharaj smiled at this fun and Maharaj said, “Jesingbhai, ask all the accepted the big size sweet ball. Likewise, eighteen devotees to prepare the meals Maharaj accepted big size sweets in the today itself. We shall grace their houses houses of all the eighteen devotees of and shall also accept their meals.” Vahelal village of the great devotee Jesingbhai conveyed the message in all Jesingbhai. the eighteen houses. The ladies devotees of the families were very much happy. They prepared beautiful meals and were OUR FUTURE FESTIVALS waiting for Maharaj to grace their house. Kartak Sud-12 : Monday 07/11/2011 First of all Shree Hari graced the family Patotsav of Shree Rangmahol Ghanshyam of one Patel. The meals full of dish were Maharaj (Ahmedabad), Patotsav of offered to Maharaj. Maharaj told Vadtaldham. Jesingbhai, “We have changed the rule of Kartak Sud-14 : Wednesday taking meals. We would accept only the 09/11/2011 P a t o t s a v o f S h r e e sweet ball in the meals, as we have to Swaminarayan temple, Siddhpur. grace the houses of eighteen devotees.” Accordingly, Maharaj accepted only one Kartak Vad-2 : Saturday 12/11/2011 sweet in the meals and went to grace the Patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan temple, house of another devotee. Meanwhile, Surendranagar. message was spread in the houses of the Magsar Sud-5 : Tuesday 29/11/2011 rest of the devotees that, Maharaj would Patotsav of Shree Swaminarayan temple, accept only one piece of sweet in the Gandhinagar Sector-2. meals. Magsar Sud-7 : Wednesday In the house of the next devotee Maharaj was offered a big size sweet ball in 30/11/2011 P a t o t s a v o f S h r e e the meals. When Maharaj was surprised at Swaminarayan temple, Himatnagar. the huge size of the sweet ball. When

NOVEMBER-2011 • 16 REAL EARNING - Shastri Haripriyadasji (Gandhinagar) People like festivals. During the time of festivals, people enjoy their life very much. Amongst all the festivals, the festival of Diwali is considered to be the they do not perform Samagam of the best one. People relish and enjoy the saints and resultantly there is no progress festival of Diwali like anything. Many in their spiritual life. Thus, earnings in programmes are organized during this spiritual life remains as it is. Whereas, festival and all the people actively some people participate in Utsav and participate in these programmes. Samaiya but they do not learn anything. When we talk about our Utsav and They neither perform any Satsang or Samaiya and ask our Gopalanand Saint Samagam . On the contrary, they Swami, “Swamiji, what should we do in spoil their mind and heart while involving Utsav and Samaiya?” then Gopalanand themselves in the worldly affairs. As a Swami replies, “One should perform result, they lose their earning. So in Satsang during such Utsav and Samaiya and Utsav we should perform Samaiya and should increase his Satsang and Saint Samagam and income. However, some people keep thereby we should increase earning in their earning as it is whereas some our spiritual life. people decrease their income.” Day by day there has been constant In our Sampradaya, the word price rise in all the commodities due to ‘Samaiyo’ is used to describe festival or inflation or financial crisis. And therefore Utsav. This word is used and it is popular salaried persons keep on going on strike only in our Sampradaya, nowhere else it from their work with a demand to increase is used. When we study the above words their salary. And on most of the occasions of Sadguru in this their salary is increased. Now do we context then we find that Swamiji has told make similar efforts to increase our salary about earning. Now the word ‘earning’ is in our spiritual life?!? All of us should think used in connection with money, finance, in this direction and should make honest economic and financial matters. Then self-assessment and then should make why Swamiji used this word in connection conscious efforts so as to increase our with our Samaiya and utsav? Here on income of our spiritual life by actively careful study we find that, Swamiji wants participating in all the religious festivals, to talk about earning in our spiritual life. utsavs and Samaiya of our Sampradaya . Some of the devotees participate in So let us take vow in the beginning of this Samaiya , they perform Satsang and new year that, at the end of this new year, Samagam of the saints and thereby they we shall increase our income of our increase their earnings. Some of the spiritual life by performing saint devotees participate in such Utsav and samagam and rendering our devout Samaiya but they do not learn anything, services of mind, body and money during

NOVEMBER-2011 • 17 all utsav and Samaiya of our Sampradaya. Stotra and reading of the scriptures. • Everyday Amrutaben used to offer BHAGWAN ACCEPTS THE MEALS various types of Thaal to Thakorji and then OFFERED WITH AFFECTION both husband and wife would accept the - Sadhu Shrirangdas (Gandhinagar) Prasadi of Thaal. Amrutaben was an It is our tradition that, on the new year expert in the art of cooking. Once she day, people go to the houses of their prepared Jalebi and offered the sweet to relatives to wish them. People prepare and Thakorji. Both husband and wife eat sweets, purchase and wear new performed Thaal to Thakorji : clothes, renovate and decorate their “ykðòu Akuøk÷k Äkhe, {khu ½uh, ykðòu Akuøk÷k houses and they enjoy the festival Äkhe, together. ÷kzwt s÷uçkeLku Mkuð Mkwðk¤e, During this Kaliyug we hear the people nwt íkku ¼kðu fhe ÷kðw Awt ¼khe, {khu ½uh.” complaining that, they do not get time. But When husband and wife opened their this thing is not new. This was so even eyes, they found that some Jalebis were before two hundred years. But if we have missing from the dish of Thakorji. They ardent faith if we cherish ardent devotion were surprised at this. In fact Bhagwan towards Almighty Bhagwan, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan took some Jalebis certainly resides in our house. There is one and gave it to another devotee residing in such incident of ardent faith and devotion. the city. Devotee and his wife shared this Ramchandra Vaidya was residing in Jalebis with sixteen or seventeen other Vadodara. He was an Ayurvedic doctor by devotees and they all accepted Jalebi of profession. He was not a common doctor Prasadi . The next day Ramchandrabhai as he had deeply studied the books on heard about this. These devotees narrated Ayurveda. He had good relations with the whole incident. The devotee said that, officers and other people of the elite class Shreeji Maharaj had granted him divine of the society. Ramchandra Vaidya Darshan and offered Jalebi as Prasadi became an ardent devotee of our which were distributed amongst other Sampradaya. But he could not get devotees. Now Ramchandrabhai was sufficient time to perform Bhajan-Bhakti sure that, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and Saint-Samagam. One day he was is present in his house in the form of idol greatly perturbed. He thought that though image and accepts Thaal being offered by he had become an ardent devotee yet he them regularly. could not worship Almighty Lord. One night So dear devotees! From this new year, Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan granted all of you should perform Nitya-Niyam, him divine Darshan and consoled him. aarti, Stotra, Prarthna, Satsang, Katha- Since then, despite hectic schedule, Varta, Thaal, Dhoon etc. like devotee Ramchandra Vaidya used to perform Ramchandrabhai Vaidya and his wife then Nitya-Niyam regularly. His wife Amrutaben Shreeji Maharaj would certainly reside in was also an ardent devotee and she used your house. to perform aarti of Thakorji regularly. Both husband and wife used to perform aarti,

NOVEMBER-2011 • 18 FROM THE BLESSINGS OF H.H. SHRI GADIWALA PURIFICATION OF MIND IS MUST TO OBTAIN PRABHU - Compiled by Kotak Varsha Natvarlal, Ghodasar) complete control. Almighty Bhagwan pardons Amongst our inner enemies, our mind is the animals and birds, who commit sins but the strongest one. We have to suffer the woes unknowingly and out of ignorance. However, of the hell only due to our mind. It is our mind human beings are gifted with the mind and which separates soul from Paramatma. That thinking power and therefore, if any human means it is mind which is the greatest hurdle in being does not keep control over his mind and getting Moksha (emancipation) in life. commits sins, Shreeji Maharaj does not pardon Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to keep such human beings. Such people have to constant vigilance through our knowledge. It is suffer the result of their evil and wrong deeds. very difficult to stabilize our mind. All the evil The purpose of human life is to raise thoughts easily enter into our mind and then himself above Nature and to attain perfection in they disturb us. Therefore, we must make all the life. But many people think that happiness of efforts to keep all five senses under our control body and mind are the real happiness. In fact and to stabilize our mind. there are three types of happiness. (1) Parmanand Swami was Verabhai before Happiness of body : obtaining Diksha. He was Kshatriya by caste. healthy body is the real The family of Verabhai was trapped in such a happiness of human body. (2) Happiness of disease that about more than twenty two Mind : When mind is pure then one gets persons of the family died. Verabhai was an happiness of mind. If mind is purified and ardent devotee of Shreeji Maharaj and purged of the feelings like anger, greed etc. therefore he survived from the mysterious then he is able to recognize Almighty Bhagwan disease. Immediately Verabhai came to and he gets eligibility to perform divine Maharaj and bowed down and ardent Darshan of Maharaj. (3) Happiness of Soul : requested to grant him Diksha. Maharaj When one gets divine Darshan of Paramatma, granted him Diksha and he became then he gets happiness of soul. Parmanand Swami. However, he could not There are three types of Darshan. (1) control his anger and got himself involved in Sadharan Darshan : When one gets Darshan one battle of Khokhra, Mahemdabad. Though of Bhagwan in dream, it is called Sadharan he could not injury anybody, he lost one ear in Darshan. (2) Madhyam Darshan : When one the battle. Shreeji Maharaj told him that, being performs Darshan of idol images in the temple, Sadhu he could not get himself involved in any it is called Madhyam Darshan. (3) Uttam worldly affairs. Then Maharaj offered him white Darshan : When one performs Darshan of dress instead of saffron dress and kept him Paramatma in his soul, it is called Uttam under Him. Darshan. There are many deities. However, This is an incident wherein Parmanand there is only one Purushottam Narayan. Just Swami could not control his mind. Therefore, as fire is hidden in every wood, similarly we should try to keep our mind under our Paramatma is there in every soul. This control. Shreeji Maharaj has said, I become Paramatma residing in every soul creates joy, happier with those devotees who keep their enthusiasm and courage to perform every mind under their control. Therefore one should noble deed and creates fear, doubt and live a pious life by keeping their mind under unhappiness to perform every wrong deed. NOVEMBER-2011 • 19 Those souls which remain in contact with short temper. He used to be angry on very Paramatma, they understand such signals. frivolous things. He was an ardent devotee and Therefore one should try to listen to their inner used to perform Pooja-Path and to attend voice and should strive to keep their mind and Satsang Sabha. However, there was no change heart purify. in his temperament. One day his old aged • mother asked him to pay more attention in VACHANAMRIT- GREAT SCRIPTURE business as he had attained the age of WHICH SOLVES ALL ETERNAL marriage. This Kalyan became very angry and QUESTIONS pushed his mother who struck her head with the - Sankhya Yogi Gitaba & Anandiba- wall and died. All the people of the whole village Viramgam became very angry with Kalyan and rebuked Before about 189 years, Bhagwan Shree him for the sin committed by him. The villagers Swaminarayan uttered the divine words of took vow not to see the face of this Kalyan. They Vachanamrit. Knowledge and wisdom drove him out of the village. contained in wisdom is eternal and universal in Kalyan left the village and went to the nature. And therefore it is useful to all human forest. In the forest he used to rob the strangers. beings of this world, irrespective of their caste, During those time, Bhagwan Shree creed, religion, language, nationality and region Swaminarayan organized Samaiya in Vadtal. as well as geographical location. The message Two saints passed through the forest to perform of Vachanamrit has universal appeal. A person Darshan of Samaiya of Vadtal. One of the saints may be a king or pauper, learned or illiterate, became sick and could not walk any further. So everybody is in need of the divine words of this he took rest under the tree. Meanwhile the scripture, just as everybody needs air to robber Kalyan came there. He saw the saints breathe. Each and every page of this scripture and noble thoughts came in his mind. He asked is replete with the spiritual knowledge. It is the where they were going. The saints told him that result of the strenuous efforts of the saints. they wanted to perform Darshan of Samaiya of Root of all the miseries and unhappiness is Vadtal being organized by Bhagwan Shree laziness. Laziness is also the cause of poverty. Swaminarayan; but due to sickness one of them Initially laziness enters as rest, comfort etc. and could not walk. Kalyan offered his services and then it also brings all miseries and unbearable placed the saint on his shoulders and brought punishments. him upto the place of Samaiya in Vadtal. There Vachanamrit cannot be understood on our Shreeji Maharaj was sitting in the Sabha. own. We need to perform Saint Samagam or Shreeji Maharaj saw that one man brought one Samagam of Tyagi to understand this great saint placing upon his shoulders. Maharaj was scripture. One needs to perform Saint very much pleased with Kalyan and blessed Samagam to dispel ignorance from his life. him. Immediately Kalyan attained the state of Bhagwan has brought the saints with Him from Samadhi and all his sins were burnt. Divine light Akshardham. enlightened Kalyan and he became an ardent Character is the base of life. And character devotee and at last got the place in is built by these Sadhus and Saints. The word Akshardham. Thus, rendering services to the ‘Sadhu’ is well defined in our scripture. Sadhu is saints is the best service. one who grants happiness to others. He never Essence of 11th Vachanamrit of Sarangpur takes away happiness from others. Sadhu is Chapter is also the same that one should attain one who unites the people. Therefore, Saint Moksha even by making conscious efforts and Samagam is essential. to send own children in the Sabha of the saints. There was one Kalyan Bhakta. He was

NOVEMBER-2011 • 20 Celebration of Sharadotsav in Ahmedabad News And Notes temple On the pious day of Aaso Sud-15 Sharad MkíMktøkFrom Mk{k[kh Shri Punam, Sharadotsav was celebrated with great Narnarayandev Desh fervour and enthusiasm in the pious company of Shree Narnarayandev in temple premises of Shree Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad. H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and H.H. Shri Lalji Shreeji Maharaj was granting divine Darshan Maharaj performed Chhapanbhog Aarti of in white Vagha amidst stainless steel vessels. At Thakorji. Thousands of devotees availed the 9.30 hours at night H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj benefit of divine Darshan. On this occasion, with graced the temple and Shree Narnarayandev the inspiration of Mahant Sadguru Shastri Swami Auchhav Mandal was performing Kirtan of Harikrishnadasji and under the guidance of Sahradotsav. H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj blessed all Parshad Digambar Bhagat, Brahmchari Swami the devotees and performed concluding aarti. Rajeshwaranandji, J.P. Swami, Sadguru Swami The whole arrangement was made by Kothari Haricharandasji (Kalol), Bhandari Swami Digambar Bhagat with the inspiration of Shri Suryaprakashdasji, Purani Dharmjivandasji, J.K. Mahant Swami. At last all the devotees and Swami, Natu Swami etc. saints and Haribhaktas Haribhaktas were offered Prasad of Dudh- rendered their beautiful services. (Muni Swami) Pauva. (Muni Swami) Parayan in Chhpaiyadham Celebration of Dipotsavi Festival in With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Ahmedabad temple Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj In the pious company of Shree Narnaryandev and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and H.H. Shri and with the blessings of H.H. Shri Acharya Laxmiswaroop Gadidala and with the inspiration Maharaj Dipotsavi festival was celebrated with of Sankhya Yogi devotees Kamlaba, Kokilaba and great fervour and enthusiasm in our Shree Ushaba, Shrimad Satsangibhushan Parayan was Swaminarayan temple, Ahmedabad. organized in Chhapaiyadham. Devotee Shri Kali Chaudas : H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj Babubhai Mohanbhai Adalaja rendered the performed poojan-archan of Shree Hanumanji services as the host of Parayan. Sadguru Shasri Maharaj- Kuldevta of Dharmkul- whose benefit Swami Shreejiprakashdasji (Mahant of was availed by thousands of devotees and Naranpura temple) was the spokesperson of Haribhaktas. Parayan. About 400 Haribhaktas of various Group Sharda Poojan Chopda Poojan : On villages of Surendranagar, Ratanpar of Zalavad the pious day of Diwali on Wednesday area arrived in Chhapaiyadham by train. 26/10/2011 Sharda Poojan was performed at During the course of Katha, Vivah of Shree 6.30 p.m. by H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj. Rampratapbhai, Annakut, Abhishek, Mahapooja Thousands of businessmen devotees and etc. occasions were celebrated. H.H. Shri younger Haribhaktas performed poojan of their Accounts sister (younger sister of H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj) Books and sanctified by H.H. Shri Acharya had also arrived at Chhapaiyadham and availed Maharj. Camera Team of Doordarshan made the benefit of Kathamrut. Saints from Jetalpur and arrangements for live coverage of this divine Ayodhya temples had also arrived on this occasion. occasion. Mahant Brahmchari Swami New Year : Annakutotsav : On Kartak Sud-1 Vasudevanandji had made beautiful New Year early in the morning at 5.00 hours H.H. arrangements for stay and meals for all the saints Shri Mota Maharaj performed Mangala Aarti of and devotees. Sangh of Haribhaktas had Shree Narnarayandev. At 6.30 hours Shangar rendered the services of twenty lacs rupees for Aarti was performed by H.H. Shri Acharya new construction of birth-place. Maharaj and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and granted The whole arrangement was made by Kothari happiness of divine Darshan in Bethak to all the Swami Krishnavallabhdas of Surendranagar devotees and Haribhaktas. Sabha Mandap as temple, devotees Shri Pankajbhai, Shri Jitenbhai well as temple premises were overcrowded with and Shri Shailendrasinh Zala. While accepting the the devotees on this pious occasion. At 12.00 invitation of Shri Krishnavallabh Swami, Member hours in the noon, H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj, of Parliament Shri Somabhai Gandabhai Patel of

NOVEMBER-2011 • 21 Surendranagar Seat had also arrived on this beautiful decorations of Sharadotsav. On the occasion. Thus, grand Utsav was celebrated in pious days of Diwali-New Year grand Annakut Chhapaiyadham. (Shailendrasinh Zala) was offered to Thakorji and many devotees Shree Swaminarayan temple, Mansa availed the benefit of divine Darshan. (Mahant On 03/10/2011 H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 Shri Swami Narayanvallabhdasji) Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj graced the Shree Swaminarayan temple, Balasinor inauguration function of Shreeji Dairy of the With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri devotee Shri Vinodbhai Patel and then graced Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Shree Swaminarayan temple, Mansa. Poojari and with the inspiration of Shastri Swami Swami Chandraprakashdas performed Swagat- Vishwaswaroopdasji, Sharadotsav of Sharad- Poojan of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj. H.H. Shri Purnima was celebrated on Aaso Sud-15. Achrya Maharaj performed Darshan of Thakorji Devotees of Lasundra, Kapadvanj, Demai, and observed the renovation work of Sabha Lunavada, Kothamba, Santrampur villages Mandap and inner temple and blessed the host of availed the benefit of this divine occasion. Shastri renovation work devotee Shri Babubhai Soni. All Swami Hariswaroopdasji decorated Chandani of the festivals and Utsavs are celebrated with great Thakorji. On this occasion Shastri Swami fervour and enthusiasm wherein the devotees Anandjivandasji and Vishnu Swami performed Shri Keshakaka, President Shri Natvarbhai, Shri first aarti of Thakorji. Devotees Govindbhai Ishwarbhai Patel render their beautiful services. Vadilal, Pravinbhai Vadilal, Daksheshbhai Sharad-Punam Utsav was also celebrated with Jayantilal and Nandlal Muljibhai rendered the great fervour. With the inspiration of Mahant services as the hosts of aarti. At last on completion Shastri Swami Ghanshyamprakashdasji, various of prize distribution to the winners all the devotees types of religious programmes are organized were offered Prasad of Dudh-Pauva. Devotee beautifully. (Bhavin Patel) Shri Mayurbhai Amrutbhai Kachhia rendered the Annakutotsav in Idar temple and Sabha in services as the host of prize-distribution. villages (Rakesh N. Kachhia) With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Renovation work of Mansa temple Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, With the directions of Aadi Acharya Shri grant Annakutotsav was celebrated in front of Ayodhyaprasadji Maharaj, Sadguru Thakorji on Kartak Sud-1. thousands of devotees Mahanubhavanand Swami had constructed a and Haribhaktas of Idar Desh availed the benefit beautiful temple and idol images of Shree of divine Darshan. Mahant Shastri Swami Radhakrishnadev and Harikrishna Maharaj were Harijivandasji, Shastri Swami invoked by Shree Hari in this temple. Shree Hari Vasudevcharandasji, Shastri Vishwavallabhdasji, graced this village for 13 times. With the directions Shreeji Swami and Satyasankap Swami (Kothari) of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj and with the etc. saints performed Satsang Sabha in Fichod, inspiration of Mahant Shastri Swami Ratanpur, Thuravaas, Sachodar, Maniyor, Aroda Ghanshyamprakashdasji, renovation work of the and Sabalvad villages wherein importance of temple is going on. (Gavaiya Chandraprakashdas Bhagwan, Dharmkul Parampara were explained. 02763-270219) Various types of festivals are also organized and Offering of a farm to Shree Radhakrishnadev celebrated in Idar temple.( K o t h a r i S w a m i of Muli temple by Haribhakta of Balol (Bhal) Satyasankapdas) Balol is a village of Bhal region of Mulidesh. It is Shree Swaminarayan temple, Vadnagar also a birth place of Sadguru Devanand Swami. With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri The whole village is an ardent devotee of Shree Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Narnarayandev Gadi and Shree and under the guidance of Mahant Shastri Swami Radhakrishnadev of Muli temple and the whole Narayanvallabhdasji, Sharadotsav of Sharad- Dharmkul. Purnima was celebrated at night from 8.00 to The devotee Shri Jesangbhai son of the 11.00 hours on Aaso Sud-15. On this occasion the devotee Shri Danabha Mavjibha Parmar had saints and devotees performed Auchhav and noble aim of offering the farm to Shree Kirtan. Devotee Shri Kiritbhai Babulal Bhavsar Radhakrishnadev of Muli temple in the memory of performed Sharadotsav aarti of Shree Hari. his father. The farm admeasuring 4 acre (worth Kothari Shastri Vishwaprakashdasji made value of Rs.30 lacs) is offered to Shri

NOVEMBER-2011 • 22 Radhakrishnadev be executing the Deed pious Shravan Maas in villages of Muli Desh. H.H. document. Really great are such devout Shri Mota Maharaj performed concluding ritual of devotees. H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj, H.H. Shri Akhand Dhoon on the pious day of Shravani Mota Maharja and H.H. Shri Lalji Maharaj are very Amaas in Shree Swaminarayan temple, pleased and have blessed the devotee. Surendranagar. Saints from Muli, Dhrangadhra, Satsang Sabha in Kaiyal village Ahmedabad, Morbi and Halvad had arrived on this With the directions of H.H. Shri Acharya 1008 occasion. H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj asked all the Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, beautiful devotees to always remain faithful to Gadi and the Satsang Sabha was organized in Kaiyal village by deities and blessed them. Sadguru Jishnu Swami, Sadguru Shastri Swami Akhileshwardasji Saint Nilkanthcharan Swami, Divyaprakash Swami, Mandal of Ahmedabad temple. Devotees of the Narayan Bhagat their saint Mandal and disciples village Shri Chandubhai Patel, Shri had made all the arrangements. Shree Mahendrabhai and Shri Kanubhai Patel were Narnarayandev Yuvak Mandal had rendered actively involved in the Satsang Sabha. With the inspirational services under the guidance of blessings and directions of H.H. Shri Gadiwala, Kothari Swami of Surendranagar temple. ladies devotees of the village have established (Shailendrasinh Zala) Shri Bhakti Mahila Mandal in the village. Shastri Shree Swaminarayan temple, Dhrangadhra Swami Akhileshwardasji and Shastri With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Sukhnandandas narrated Kathamrut. Now Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Satsang Sabha would be conducted every month and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, about more than 250 regularly. (Shastri Sarveswardas) ladies devotees celebrated 39th Prakatyotsav of Shree Swaminarayan temple, Jadeshwarpark H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj on pious day of Aaso Mahadevnagar Sud-10 Vijaya Dashmi at 9.30 p.m. in Shree With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Swaminarayan temple, Dhrangadhra. After Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, celebrating Janmotav in Mulidham, Sankhyayogi H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and the whole Dharmkul, Kanchanba, Hiraba and Bhagwatiba celebrated Jaljilani Ekadashi Nagar Yatra was performed on Prakatyotsav. Sankhya Yogi Kanchanba narrated the pious day of Bhadarva Sud-11. At night Katha-Varta about Dharmkul on this occasion. Rasotsav was performed between 9.00 to 10.00 (Representative : Anilbhai Dudhrejiya) hours at the houses of many devotees. About OVERSEAS SATSANG NEWS more than 1088 Haribhaktas availed the benefit of Washington D.C. (I.S.S.O. Chapter, America) this Rasotsav. Kothari of the temple and With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Haribhaktas rendered inspirational services on Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj this occasion. Saints used to narrate Katha every and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, Satsang activities night. (Natvarbhai Patel) are going on very well here. Prabha Hanumanji temple, Jamiyatpura On Saturday 18th August 2011, Satsang Sabha With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri was organized in the evening from 5.00 to 9.30 Acharya Maharaj, beautiful Satsang Sabha was hours in Ilkris Church wherein Bhajan-Kirtan and organized on Saturday 17/10/2011 in Shree reading of Vachnamrit were performed. Shastri Prabha Hanumanji temple, Jamiyatpura. Shastri Swami Nirgundasji narrated Kathamrut from 6.30 Swami Ghanshyamprakahdasji was the to 7.30 from Colonia temple through Internet Live spokesperson on this occasion. Many new people Video. Shri Krishnajanmastmi and Jaljilni Utsav became abandoned addiction and became ardent were celebrated with great fervour and devotees of Dharmkul. About more than 1850 enthusiasm. devotees performed divine Darshan of Shree On Saturday 17th November 2011, Satsang Hanumanji Maharaj and availed the benefit of Sabha was organized in the evening from 5.00 to Prasad. (Swapnil Nisarg) 10.30 hours wherein Bhajan-Kirtan of Thakorji MULI DESH were performed. Agnya Patra (Letter of directions) Akhand Dhoon in Surendranagar temple of H.H. Shri Acharya Maharaj was read over in the With the directions of H.H. Shri Acharya Sabha. From 8.30 to 10.30 hours Ras-Garba of Maharaj, 12 hour Akhand Dhoon was organized Nand saints were performed by the ladies by Sadguru Swami Jishnucharandasji during the devotees. (Kanubhai Patel)

NOVEMBER-2011 • 23 Tridinatmak Shrimad Bhagwat Katha in of Thakorji at 10.00 hours in the morning. Kirtan, Shree Swaminarayan temple, Colonia Bhajan and Dhoon were also performed on this With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri occasion. Mahant Swami blessed all the devotees Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj and Haribhaktas who rendered their services. and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, Tridinatmak Shrimad Devotees Shri Prahladbhai, Shri Bhaktibhai, Shri Bhagwat Katha of Dashm Skanda was performed Shankarbhai Moradiya, Thakorbhai, Shri in Shree Narnarayandev Swaminarayan temple, Ghanshyambhai Kakadiya, Shri Premchandbhai Colonia. Shastri Swami Nirgundasji was the Patadiya, Shri Rasikbhai Patel, Shri Rameshbhai spokesperson of this Katha. The devotee Shri Marfatiya, Shri Hasmukhbhai Amin, Shri Pravinbhai Shah rendered the services as the Pramodbhai Patel and Shri Hiteshbhai Patel had chief host and the devotee Shri Mahendra Solanki rendered their services. At last thaal and aarti of family rendered the services as the co-host. Pothi- Thakorji were performed. (Pravin Shah) Yatra and poojan-aarti of Spokesperson were Shree Swaminarayan temple, Chicago also performed on this occasion. Many devotees With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri had arrived from New Jersey to avail the benefit of Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Katha. Shastri Madhav Swami and Shastri Swami and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj and the whole Bhagwatprasaddasji from Weehawken temple Dharmkul, all utsav and festivals are celebrated had also arrived on this occasion. Mahant Shastri with great fervour and enthusiasm in our temple at Gyan Swami and the host of Katha performed Chicago. Mahant Sadguru Shastri Swami Swagat-poojan of Spokesperson. (Pravin Shah) Dharmvallabhdasji narrated beautiful Chintamani Muhurt ritual of construction of new temple, Katha created by Sadguru . Parsippany - America 39th Prakatytosav of H.H. Shri Acharya With the directions and blessings of H.H. Shri Maharaj was celebrated by all the devotees and Acharya 1008 Shri Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj Haribhaktas with great fervour and enthusiasm on and H.H. Shri Mota Maharaj, construction work of the pious day of Vijayadashmi. On the pious day of Parsippany Chhapaiyadham temple began on Sharad Punam, ladies devotees had organized the pious day of Vijaya Dashmi Aaso Sud-10, beautiful programme of Dudh-Pauva and Prasad pious day of 39th Prakatyotsav of H.H. Shri was offered to all the devotees. Services of Poojari Acharya Maharaj. Mahant Swami performed aarti Swami and Harinandan Swami were inspirational on this occasion. (Vasant Trivedi) AKSHARVAAS Unjha – Devotee Shri Haribhai Karsandas Mokhat passed away to Akshardham on Aaso Sud-11 07/10/2011 while chanting the name of Shree Hari. New-Vadaj-Ahmedabad – Devotee Shri Mukeshkumar Nagindas Bhavsar (active devotee of Narayanghat temple) passed away to Divine Abode of God on 13/09/2011 while chanting the name of Shreeji Maharaj. Ambapur - Devotee Shri Kamlaben Dahyabhai Patel passed away to Akshardham on 23/09/2011 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Viramgam – Devotee Shri Gheliben Keshavlal Pithva passed away to Divine Abode of God on 27/08/2011 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Ghatila (Mulidesh) - Sankhyayogi Devotee Shri Ratanba (aged 83 years) passed away to Akshardham on 26/09/2011 while chanting the name of Shri Hari. Dolarana Vasna – Poojari Anandiben Keshavlal Bhavsar of Shree Swaminarayan temple passed away to Divine Abode of God on Aaso Sud-11 on 07/10/2011 while chanting the name of Shreeji Maharaj. Laloda – Devotee Shri Prabhubhai Mohanbhai Narshabhai Patel passed away to Akshardham on 31/10/2011 while chanting the name of Shri Hari.

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.

NOVEMBER-2011 • 24 KKaliali ChaudasChaudas- FestivalFestival ooff pperformingerforming PoojanPoojan ofof HanumanjiHanumanji MMaharajaharaj

- Gordhanbhai V. Sitapara (Hiravadi-Bapunagar)

Let us relish one Charitra of Shree Bhairav ran away from the place Hari wherein Shree Hanumanji along with the evil spirits. The Maharaj renders beautiful omniscient Shree Hari knew all services to Shree Hari. this things and did not utter any During Van-vicharan once words. Shree Hari was taking rest At the time of sun-rise, under the banyan tree at night Shree Hanumanji Maharaj of Shree Krishna Janmastmi. offered the fruits to Shree Hari. There was darkness Shree Hari embraced Shree everywhere but Shree Hari Hanumanji Maharaj and said, was not afraid of anybody. “You are great! Today you have However, while performing saved our lives.” Shree Charitra of human birth, Hanumanji Maharaj replied, Shree Hari performed Path of “Oh Prabhu! How can I protect Narayan Kavach a n d you? You are Kaal of Kaal. chanted the name of His Whatever I am, is due to you Kuldevta Shree Hanumanji only.” Shreeji Maharaj again Maharaj. Immediately embraced Shree Hanumanji Maruti-nandan came there in Maharaj. Balswaroop and stayed So let us perform Darshan- there. At midnight, Bhairav- the king Poojan of Shree Hanumanji Maharaj on the of the evil spirits- came there. He looked day of Kali-Chaudas and pray Him that, “Oh very dangerous and ferocious. He shouted Kuldevta of Dharmkul! Since we all the at Shree Hari in a threatening voice but devotees and Haribhaktas have sought Shree Hari was unmoved. Bhairav directed shelter in Dharmkul, please bless us that his evil spirits to eat up the little Batuk and our love affection in this divine Satsang and came close to Shree Hari while holding at the lotus like feet of Shree Hari may keep Trishul in his hand. In no time, Shree on increasing.” Hanumanji Maharaj took the huge form like a mountain and tied all the evil spirits with his long tail and threw them in the sky. Heavy thrust of the fist of Hanumanji Maharaj bleed Bhairav on his head which got stuck inside his bust and he fell down on the earth screaming in pain. Frightened

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