BAPS Celebrates 10th year anniversary in Atlanta

On Wednesday, June 21, 2017, devotees and well-wishers gathered at the BAPS Temple in Atlanta, GA to welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj on his first trip to North America as Guru and Sixth Spiritual Head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Following his arrival, a welcome assembly was held by BAPS community members on June 23, 2017. The welcome assembly marked a special occasion for devotees who worked for several months planning for Mahant Swami Maharaj’s arrival. In preparation for his arrival, devotees prepared traditional Hindu gifts of honor such as garlands and shawls. Children and youth cultivated their knowledge of spiritual texts and devotional songs as an expression of their heartfelt gratitude.

The welcome assembly included US Congressman Rob Woodall, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols, and Mr. D.V. Singh, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India in Atlanta. Also present were leaders of the city of Lilburn: Mr. Bill Johnsa, City Manager, Chief Bruce Hedley, Chief of Police, Mr. Doug Stacks, Director of Planning and Economic Development, and Ms. Nikki Perry, Public Relations Manager as well as leaders of numerous Hindu and non-faith based organizations from the Greater Atlanta area.

“You can tell a lot about a place and its people and you make me swell with pride with this warm greeting. This congregation and its people welcome everyone. Everyone has been invited. That’s not easy to do to reach out and make them feel welcomed. BAPS has done that,” expressed Rob Woodall, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 7^th Congressional District. Woodall also remembered the life motto of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (In the joy of others, lies our own) when he mentioned, “While I had never heard the phrase before in my life, I can tell you now with conviction that the joy in these faces is truly found in the joy of others in our community.”

While meeting Mahant Swami Maharaj before the assembly, Woodall shared, “I am in awe internally of this spiritual fortitude of your volunteers.” 

The theme of the welcome assembly focused on the presentation of a Hindu Vedic pujan to officially greet Mahant Swami Maharaj. This pujan consisted of the recitation of scriptural shlokas and various offerings. Following this pujan, BAPS youth from throughout the Southeast region performed a traditional swagat dance. The welcome assembly was concluded with blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj.

We meet with Rashmi Bhagat, a young devotee who was about to take the oath to dedicate his life in spreading the teachings of his guru by becoming a “sant” and renouncing all personal relations and material attachments.  He explained how he has followed the path of his guru since he was a child and knew it was the right place for him.  Rashmi also explained that the path he has chosen may not be right for everyone and that each individual has do their own part, in their own way.

As part of Mahant Swami Maharaj’s three-month tour across North America, he will visit eight cities in the United States. He will attend numerous celebrations including the ten-year anniversaries of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs in Atlanta, Toronto, and San Jose as well as a Murti Pratishta, a ritual to sanctify the murtis, for abhishekh in Robbinsville, NJ.  Special celebration days for children, young adults and women are also planned in each location.  Devotees have spent months developing dynamic cultural programs and preparing facilities to support thousands of attendees at each event.

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Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s vision continues to be his driving force behind guiding spiritual activities and organizational efforts. Throughout his life, Mahant Swami Maharaj has emphasized the importance of unity as the foundation for families, organizations, and communities.  His life communicates the core values of BAPS rooted in mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and consideration for individuals.  During his tour, he aims to continue to inspire devotees throughout North America to live a healthy, balanced life, filled with spirituality, morals, family values, and respect for others.