Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
With deep emotion and excitement, devotees and volunteers from across North America welcomed Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to Robbinsville, New Jersey. His arrival marked the beginning of the 'Festival of Inspirations’, a series of ceremonious events under the auspices of ‘Akshardham Mahotsav'.
(MOREPIC1) (SUBHEAD) Mahant Swami Maharaj was welcomed at the entrance of the campus with a garland of flowers and a traditional nada-chhadi (sacred thread).
David Fried, the mayor of Robbinsville, welcomed Mahant Swami Maharaj’s arrival with traditional ceremonies at the newly inaugurated landmark spot sanctified by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2014. As Swamishri proceeded through the campus greeting devotees with humbly folded hands, he offered thaal with utmost reverence to Nilkanth Varni’s majestic 49-foot image at the Nilkanth Vatika. Thereafter, showered with flower petals at the main gate, Mahant Swami Maharaj stopped to admire the intricacies of the 80-foot decorative garland which devotees and volunteers of all ages prepared for the welcome ceremony.
After an hour, Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived at the Mayur Dwar, where he was greeted with sparkler fountains and an assembly of devotees. Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the volunteers gathered before him: “What all of you have done is truly remarkable. For continued spiritual growth, maintain the values of unity and teamwork.” These words will forever be etched in the minds of devotees and volunteers.
On the occasion, Anandswarup Swami welcomed David Fried, the mayor of Robbinsville. Ishwarcharan Swami installed charnarvind and later welcomed Mahant Swami Maharaj. BeforeSwamishri’s arrival heavy rain lashed the area but stopped later.
