Divya Smarananjali Prarthna Dhoon

As part of the eleven days of prarthna, commemoration, remembrance and devotion dedicated to His Divine Holiness Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj, following His will to withdraw His human darshan on 16 July, Mandirs of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan around the world, honoured Him over the weekend of 18-19 July.

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s Divya Smarananjali (Divine Remembrance), presided over by the current Acharya of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, Sadguru Shashtri Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji, was held at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Maninagar. Given the current worldwide circumstances, this special sabha was held in the presence of senior Sadguru Sants and a limited number of Sants, but was broadcast live around the world during the evening of Saturday 18 July.

Sants commenced the program with kirtan-bhakti. Sadguru Sants then performed poojan to Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, seated precisely where He always has sat in Brahm-mahol, beside to Jeevanpran Swamibapa presiding on Shree Swaminarayan Gadi. Senior Sants then shared their heart-felt and love-filled memories about Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s recent divine episodes.

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s Spiritual Successor, Sadguru Shashtri Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji then addressed the present Sants and disciples watching all over the world. He provided strengthening words to all and reaffirmed to Sants and disciples that the Lord and His Satpurush do not come and go; they are ever-present, omni-present, pragat and pratyaksh on this Earth. He reminded us all of the immense love He has showered on us all, and remarkable divine episodes and miracles that He has performed all throughout the world – memories that would serve us all well in honouring our beloved Bapa and in realizing, fortifying our own spiritual strength and unity, and in realising that He is always with us.

In addition to the Divya Smarananjali in Maninagar, Mandirs around the world held virtual and in-person gatherings in remembrance – in line with local regulations. Mandirs in the United Kingdom, Kenya, Australia, and North America were open for darshan. London and Bolton Mandirs opened Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s living quarters so disciples could have that additional unique darshan – many of whom would have not had this experience before. Nairobi Mandir will be doing the same next weekend. In the US, Delaware Mandir held an outdoor Smarananjali with a candlelit remembrance ceremony, while New Jersey Mandir held an outdoor tribute program by the Murti of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir.

Prayer assemblies and various displays of devotion will continue throughout the week all around the world for our beloved Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, our Bapa.