Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
The Kalash Pujan ceremony was held at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Hundreds of devotees and senior swamis joined the auspicious ceremony to sanctify 18 kalashes for the spires of Akshardham.
The largest 'Amrut Kalash,' was sanctified by Mahant Swami Maharaj, who performed pujan on the steps of Akshardham. Bhaktipriya Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami, Ishwarcharan Swami, AnandswarupSwami, Narayanmuni Swami, Bhadresh Swami and other swamis from India and North America, performed the pujan of the other Kalash.
Ishwarcharan Swami said, "The kalash is considered significant because upon its placement, the shikhar becomes complete. When it adorns the shikhar, its inherent beauty flourishes, and it fills us with a profound joy. As it takes its rightful place on the Mahamandir, it symbolizes the divine culmination of all efforts at Akshardham." Bhaktipriya Swami said, "Through the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj, we've been gifted with this divine Akshardham.”
Ishwarcharan Swami said, "The kalash is considered significant because upon its placement, the shikhar becomes complete. When it adorns the shikhar, its inherent beauty flourishes, and it fills us with a profound joy. As it takes its rightful place on the Mahamandir, it symbolizes the divine culmination of all efforts at Akshardham."
Bhaktipriya Swami said, "Through the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj, we've been gifted with this divine Akshardham.”
Tyagvallabh Swami said, "Any work that we have done here is due to the will of Parabrahma Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. With their grace, devotees in America had paused their careers or worldly pursuits to fulfill the wish of their guru to build Akshardham.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj said, "Today is the day of protection (Rakshabandhan). Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself has given us protection. Maharaj has done everything and given great protection. Now that you have sought liberation, there is no greater form of protection. There is no doubt you have sacrificed and done service physically, mentally, and financially." EOM