After two-and-a-half months
of gracing different centers and regions on the North American
continent, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj finally
arrived at his final destination in Chicago before departing
for the United Kingdom. Like his visit to Houston, his two-week
stay in Chicago will mark a historic occasion when Swamishri
inaugurates the second BAPS traditional Hindu temple in the
United States.
Saints and devotees enthusiastically
received Swamishri as his car rolled into the Mandir and Haveli
complex. Balaks and kishores dressed in traditional and colorful
dresses performed swagat dances as Swamishri entered the Shri
Swaminarayan Haveli. Thereafter, during the short assembly,
Pujya Viveksagar Swami briefly spoke about the history of
Satsang in Chicago. After leaving the assembly, Swamishri
opened the newly built Sant Ashram.
In the evening swagat assembly,
Pujya Atmaswarup Swami conveyed benefits other than spiritual
that mandirs can provide. After, kishores performed a dance
to "Sukh Karan" and festively welcomed Swamishri to Chicago.
BAPS trustees and directors also welcomed Swamishri by offering
garlands and flowers to him. The Consul General of India,
Arunkumar, was present in the assembly and praised the beauty
of the Chicago Mandir and Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi,
India.
Finally, during Swamishri's
blessings, he stated the importance of keeping faith and explained
how to maintain peace of mind. In the end, he conveyed that
the ultimate goal of life is to become Aksharrup and worship
Purushottam. After the conclusion of his blessings, Swamishri
granted sameep darshan to all devotees.
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