August 27, 2005
Chicago, IL
Exactly one year
after His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed the inauguration
ceremony of the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Chicago,
IL, devotees gathered on Aug. 20 to celebrate the first Patotsav
of the majestic mandir, Janmashtami and to dedicate
the main gate symbolizing entry into ultimate peace.
The historic
festivities began with sadhus performing the abhishek of the
murtis in all three shrines, with panchamrut (a mixture of
water, milk, yoghurt, honey, sugar and ghee) and with devotees
having the opportunity to perform the sacred ritual of abhishek
to Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj. Beautiful Indian delicacies were
also offered to the deities, as a grand Annakut was prepared
in amazement to all those present. In honor of the occasion
and to pray for world peace a mahapuja was performed shortly
afterward inside the mandir with devotees taking part in the
event.
The opening of
the gate ceremony, which stands as a magnificent entrance
to the mandir and structured in a traditional fashion with
delicate statues and statuettes adored with various symbols
to welcome all who come to visit God, took place thereafter.
Bartlett Village President Catherine Melchert, DuPage County
politicians and state legislators, Sen. John Milner and DuPage
County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom took part in the
ceremony. Afterwards the honorable guests addressed the audience
with both word exclaiming the beauty of the mandir and the
importance of BAPS to society.
The evening assembly
witnessed the celebration of the 1st Patotsav and
the festival of Janmashtmi. A grand assembly hall set the
scene for the evening festival. Decorated with splendid lighting,
a stage displaying frames of events allowing the devotees
to reminisce on the 16-day festival was constructed. Cultural
programs consisting of dramas, dances, speeches, and audiovisual
presentation re-developed the memories, of all those present,
centering on Mandir Mahotsav. The dedicated volunteers who
have served the mission of Swamishri were recognized to warm
and friendly applause of all those present. P.E.A.C.E., the
underlying theme of the Mandir Mahotsav which stands for Purity
in life, Education of the heart, Attachment to the Lord and
Guru, Care for one's family and self, and the eradication
of Expectations. These components were also the centerpiece
of the evening program with stage programs going along with
each component.
The indescribable
joy and historic events, which took place during Mandir Mahotsav,
were revealed to all via a special DVD set consisting of three
illustrious DVD's highlighting the events during Mandir Mahotsav.
As the evening
progressed, Kishores and Yuvaks held a kirtan aradhna, celebrating
Janmashtmi, which lasted until midnight. The devotion-filled
devotees headed to the mandir and performed the auspicious
aarti celebrating the birthday of Shri Krishna Bhagwan.
The same enthusiasm
and eagerness was relevant on this day as it was exactly one
year ago when Swamishri performed the inauguration ceremony
of the Chicago Mandir in Bartlett, IL.
Photo
gallery
